Queensland Origin legend and selector opens up on David Fifita omission

Queensland Maroons selector Gene Miles has echoed the comments of coach Billy Slater after Gold Coast Titans star David Fifita was left out of the squad for the series opener.

Miles, who is a selector alongside Slater and fellow Maroons legend Darren Lockyer, spoke on SENQ about the reasons why the barnstorming backrower wasn’t selected despite an impressive season for the Titans so far in 2024.

The Origin great said the decision was a “heavy” one.

“David set himself some really high standards last year, he played in the three games last year and had a huge impact and he just doesn’t come up to that standard this year,” Miles said on Breakfast with Pat and Heals.

“Billy’s also had a chat to him and he rang him when the selections came out and explained to him why he wasn’t (selected).

“Dave was fine, he wasn’t fine with it but obviously accepted it and he’s going to go back and work on a couple of things.

“The fatigue in these games (Origin) and efforts, you’ve got to have players out there who are going to turn up when they are expected to.”

Miles has also heavily backed Slater and his thoughts on team selections, saying the former Queensland fullback puts everything into his role as Maroons coach.

“He’s so thorough, he watches every game and has a report on every available player with a view for the future,” he said.

“When we got him a couple of years ago, we were so lucky and he’s so committed to the cause and that’s all he really cares about for the next six weeks is just Origin.

“Prior to that he’s done all his homework and basically has his side pencilled in on the Sunday when we have a chat and then we just discuss a few points.

“He can justify every one of those selections, I can guarantee you that.”

Slater and the Maroons will start their campaign for a third straight series victory at Accor Stadium on June 5.