Queensland Maroons recall Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai for series decider
Updated ,first published
Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has recalled star forwards Pat Carrigan and Jeremiah Nanai for the State of Origin series decider; The former player is expected to face fitness tests in his clash at Suncorp Stadium.
There were fears that Carrigan would be sidelined after missing the second premiership game in Melbourne after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Brisbane Broncos’ defeat against the Dragons a month ago.
Lock was named on Slater’s bench and despite not having played since the defeat, Slater expressed confidence he will be ready to take the field.
“It was welcome news for me to find out Patty was available over the weekend; I think she’s about five weeks out from ankle surgery,” Slater said.
“Anyone who knows Pat Carrigan knows that, injured or not, he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation and has done a really good job with his rehab.
“If Pat Carrigan wasn’t on this football team, he would want to play for the Broncos this weekend.
“He will be eligible to play. He will continue his rehab, he will continue to do whatever is sent to him through the club medical staff and the Queensland medical staff, but he is ready to go.”
Carrigan’s inclusion in the squad comes at the expense of prop Lindsay Collins, who failed an assessment for a head injury during the Sydney Roosters’ win against the Broncos on Friday night.
Concussion protocols would keep him from participating in contact practices until this weekend (less than five days after the July 8 game).
“He wasn’t quite right to go into this game so it was a tough game. I know what playing in Queensland means to Lindsay,” Slater said.
Meanwhile, Nanai was recalled to replace Kulikefu Finefeuiaki following two heroics in the North Queensland Cowboys’ win against the Penrith Panthers on Saturday; Slater described the phone call to the latter as a “tough conversation”.
Nanai suffered a gruesome injury following shoulder surgery in the off-season, and concerns resurfaced two games after his return. He played in the Cowboys’ last two games, scoring three tries and averaging 110 rushing meters and 26.5 tackles.
“It was great to see him play well over the weekend, but I didn’t learn anything from the weekend game that I didn’t already know about Jeremiah Nanai,” Slater said.
“He’s done a fantastic job for this football team; he’s 23 and has played in 11 Origins already. That’s a lot of Origin football for a young man.”
“But he is very experienced and I know he can fill whatever role we ask Jeremiah to play.
“There was no hesitation there.”
Raiders hotshot Corey Horsburgh has been named as the 20th man, replacing Heilum Luki, and will remain on hand to come onto the six-man bench should Carrigan fail to prove his fitness.
Queensland Maroons third team match
1. Kalyn Ponga; 2. Selwyn Cobbo; 3. Robert Toia; 4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow; 5.Jojo Fifita; 6. Cameron Münster; 7.Sam Walker; 8.Thomas Flegler; 9.Harry Grant; 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui; 11. British Nikora; 12.Kurt Capewell; 13. Reuben Cotter; 14.Max Plath; 15. Pat Carrigan; 16. Jeremiah Nanai; 17. Trent Loiero; 18.Reece Walsh; 19.Murray Taulagi; 20. Corey Horsburgh
