One of the Blues' most decorated players, Fittler took over as coach in 2018 and masterminded back-to-back victories in his first two seasons in charge, before Wayne Bennett led an underdog Maroons side to a stunning upset in 2020. The Blues hit back with a 2-1 triumph in 2021 before Slater added to his incredible Origin legacy by steering Queensland to victory last year, thanks largely to the efforts of Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Ben Hunt and Patrick Carrigan. Melbourne magician Munster is back again to haunt the Blues along with Hunt and Carrigan, but Ponga has been overlooked in favour of Reece Walsh, whose stunning form across the first 12 rounds has earned him an Origin debut.

https://www.looppng.com/rugby/maroons-v-blues-walsh-gets-his-shot-crichton-mitchell-120511

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