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Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow put up his hand to fill Queensland's vacant No.1 jersey after the Dolphins star and Brisbane fullback Reece Walsh impressed in Origin auditions at Suncorp Stadium.
Billy Slater will name the Queensland team on Monday, with the Maroons needing to find a replacement for Kalyn Ponga. who was officially ruled out of the July 9 Origin decide after suffering a Lisfranc injury in Newcastle’s loss to the Raiders.
Both Walsh and Tabuai-Fidow aced their Origin auditions, but final selection will also have to factor in team balance, with players like Cowboys winger and proven Maroons performer Murray Taulagi another aiming to put his best foot forward for consideration for Game Three.

Playing in his 100th NRL game, Tabuai-Fidow celebrated the milestone in style, crossing for four tries at the Dolphins overpowered the Rabbitohs with a 50-28 win, also running for 263 metres with seven tackle breaks.
“It would be a good opportunity for me; especially as I play fullback in clubland week-in, week-out, so it's not a different position for myself, I'm comfortable playing that that fullback role, but whatever Billy wants me to play, I’ll go from there,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
Before Game Two, where he was moved to wing, Tabuai-Fidow had played his previous eight Origins at centre, but felt he would be able to handle three different positions this series if it suits Slater and the team.
“A bit chop and change, but … I play (fullback) week-in, week-out here at the Dolphins and am comfortable with the position and it is my position, my preferred position as well.
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Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 4th Try
“Just have that number one on my back would be special for me … the players that have worn that number one jersey have gone out and given their all.
“Whatever happens, if I do have the one on my back that's what I want to do that, I want to go out there and give it my all and play the footy I know I can.
“It’s pretty special to play different positions, and just do a job in those positions as well.
“Whatever Billy wants me to play, I’ll go out there. As long as it’s in a Queensland jersey, I’ll give it my all.”
Earlier in the day, Broncos leaders Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan backed Walsh to be ready to return to the Origin arena if called on by Slater.
The Broncos fullback last played for Queensland in Game One last year where he was felled by a late hit from Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i who was sent off for the tackle that left Walsh concussed.
This season, Walsh has been in fine form since his return to the field in Round 14’s strong win over the Titans despite still being hampered by a PCL injury; and was again a key pivot for the Broncos as they recorded a 28-12 win over the Warriors.

“I think so, I think his knee looked all good,” Carrigan said of his potential Maroons Game Three teammate when asked if he’d be able to handle being targeted by the Blues.
“He’s done the work; he is more than ready to go. If he gets his opportunity, I know he won’t let his state down.
“He has (being proving his toughness playing with the injury), he is growing. He's still only 22-23, so he's playing tough for us and we really appreciate what he's doing.
“I know if he gets picked, he’ll well and truly do a job ... I know he'll be up for it.”
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Broncos v Warriors – Round 17, 2025
Haas, who will line up for the Blues in the decider in Sydney, said he felt Walsh – who had a try assist and four tackle breaks in his 126 run metres – would be just one of the players targeted by New South Wales if he were to be selected.
“I reckon he will be ready if he is selected, I reckon he should be there,” Haas said.
“All of them are targets, it’s State of Origin; you go after each other, it’s not just Walshy that we’ll go after … If he gets a call-up, I’ll be proud of him.
“He can be the guy to do a job for them, but obviously just waiting to see what happens.”
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL