Queensland Maroons

The 23-year-old has scored five tries across his 14 appearances this year and last played for his state in 2018 in the Queensland under 20s side, with the call-up in the reserves for the Origin clash a dream come true for the Dalby junior. 

"Being a Queensland kid, I'd always watch Queensland games," Fermor said, when speaking about his Origin aspirations earlier in the year.

"Some of my best early footy memories are watching Queensland games and I remember going to bed sad and crying if Queensland didn't win, so it'll be a dream come true if I get that opportunity."

Taulagi, who was part of the extended squad for Game One, will replace the injured Xavier Coates as one of two key changes for the Maroons with Reuben Cotter also ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered last weekend.

Blues coach Brad Fittler has handed debuts to Kotoni Staggs, Ryan Matterson and Stephen Crichton while Jeremiah Nanai, Reuben Cotter, Selwyn Cobbo and Patrick Carrigan will all get their first taste of Origin footy for Queensland.

Having crossed paths as players in 2004 - Fittler's last Origin series and Slater's first - these two iconic figures now go head-to-head as mentors, looking to strike the first blow in front of 80,000 fans at Accor Stadium.

North Queensland forwards Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai have both been rewarded for their strong start to the year with selection in the side, while Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo is also set to make his Origin debut after just 19 NRL games.

The Courier Mail reports the QRL offered a two-year deal with an option for a third, but the Maroons must meet Slater’s asking price in order for the legendary fullback to accept the offer.

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler is said to be on $350,000, while Green was paid just under $200,000.

The Maroons are understood to be hoping to make a quick decision on their fourth State of Origin coach in as many seasons after deciding they wanted someone who could make a long-term commitment to the role.

Green was contracted to coach Queensland in this year's series with a mutual option for 2022 but the 2015 Cowboys premiership-winning mentor has always wanted to return to NRL coaching and a number of jobs are expected to become available within the next 12 months.

Smith told The Australian’s Brent Read that he’d take up a role if it fit in with his family and work commitments.

“If I am approached for next year then I would certainly consider it,” he said.

Walters has been accused of everything from putting on an act to losing the plot since spruiking mind coach Bradley Charles Stubbs' philosophy in the lead-up to Wednesday's Origin I at Suncorp Stadium.

Gone is Queensland's much loved underdog tag.

Now Walters is telling anyone who will listen that the Maroons "will win" game one while stubbornly refusing to acknowledge who they are even playing.

It's in keeping with the lessons detailed in Stubbs' $5500 an hour "Expect to Win" sessions, where it is a big no no to say the rival's name.

The Maroons coach said debutants Moses Mbye, Joe Ofahengaue and David Fifita had earned their jerseys and would do the state proud as his eyes glazed over with the passion and emotion that has defined his tenure in charge of the Maroons.

Broncos forwards Ofahengaue and Fifita will come off the bench, as will Mbye with the Wests Tigers skipper beating Anthony Milford to the vital utility spot.

“I'm ready, we are ready. This is war,” Walters said.

Bank South Pacific, PNG, today announced their new branded Kundu Cards.

It’s either a Queensland Maroons or a New South Wales Blues bank card, depending on which team you support.

Bank South Pacific Group CEO, Robin Fleming, announced the new range of the co-branded BSP cards today at the BSP’s Harbour City Branch in Port Moresby.

The co-branding follows extensive research and surveys and numerous discussions and negotiations between the bank and the Australia Rugby League (ARL).