Maroons make late squad switch

JUST IN | Paul Green has altered his side ahead of Wednesday’s series opener.

Published by

Mitch Keating

Queensland have confirmed a late squad change ahead of Wednesday's Origin series opener, with Dragons playmaker Ben Hunt coming into the 19-man side.

Hunt will replace the injured Reed Mahoney, who sustained a shoulder injury during Parramatta's 40-4 victory over Newcastle on Sunday.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Ben Hunt of the Maroons kicks during game two of the State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

With Mahoney now set to miss a couple of weeks of the action, Hunt has been called upon by Maroons coach Paul Green as a reinforcement ahead of Origin I in Townsville.

The Dragons captain has played nine matches for the Maroons since making his debut in 2017, featuring in every series since.

It is understood that the veteran half will come into the squad and potentially find himself in the No.9 jumper in Mahoney's absence, while Storm star Harry Grant holds the utility role.

The Maroons are facing further injury concerns with Cameron Munster (foot), AJ Brimson (knee) and Dane Gagai (tonsillitis) all needing to prove their fitness ahead of Wednesday's game.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 05: Dane Gagai of the Maroons runs the ball during game one of the 2019 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 05, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Published by

Mitch Keating

3 years ago