Queensland’s Maroons will face a significant challenge in filling the void left by injured lock forward Pat Carrigan ahead of State of Origin II, scheduled for June 17 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Carrigan sustained an ankle syndesmosis injury during the Brisbane Broncos’ unexpected defeat to the St. George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday, ruling him out of the next Origin game.

The injury to Carrigan, a key figure for Queensland in Game One, compounds Maroons coach Billy Slater’s selection dilemmas. Broncos teammate Gehamat Shibasaki was also sidelined due to a knee injury, while the inclusion of five-eighth Ezra Mam remains uncertain after he was relegated to the reserves by Broncos coach Michael Maguire. These changes come after Queensland narrowly lost the opening match 22-20 to New South Wales, a contest marked by the controversial send-off of fullback Kalyn Ponga.

Carrigan’s impact on the team was significant, contributing vigorous effort off the bench with 120 running meters and making 32 tackles over 47 minutes in Game One. To replace such a workload, two Dolphins players—Tom Gilbert and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki—are competing for a spot in the Maroons squad. Both players will make their final cases for selection in the Dolphins’ upcoming fixture against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday.

Gilbert, 25, who last represented Queensland in 2023 before being hampered by injuries, is known for his versatility and work ethic. Currently averaging 90 running meters and 33 tackles per match this season, he is comfortable playing both in the middle as a forward and on the edge. Reflecting on his omission from the initial squad, Gilbert acknowledged the need to reduce errors but expressed confidence in his ability to return to representative football.

Finefeuiaki, 22, has been on Slater’s radar for two years and was named as the Maroons’ 20th man for Game One after impressing with an average of 142 running meters and 33 tackles per game this season. Known for his explosiveness and strong defensive efforts, Finefeuiaki provides a dynamic ball-running option off the interchange. Gilbert praised his teammate’s form and commitment, noting Finefeuiaki’s eagerness and growth within the squad environment.

Another possibility to fill Carrigan’s role is Canberra prop Corey Horsburgh, adding further options for Queensland’s reshaped lineup.

Coach Slater faces the task of adjusting his team’s strategy to accommodate these personnel changes ahead of the critical second game of the series. The final selections will be closely watched as the Maroons aim to rebound at the MCG and level the series.