Why Queenslanders shouldn't question the omission of David Fifita for Origin decider

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has unveiled his State of Origin Game III squad with some selections and omissions raising a few eyebrows.

Newcastle duo Dane Gagai and Kalyn Ponga have been recalled whilst Selwyn Cobbo has been welcomed back in place of injured winger Xavier Coates.

Despite calls for Gold Coast Titans enforcer David Fifita to be picked for the decider, Slater has resisted and has omitted the back rower once again.

Former Queensland representative and SEN’s Scott Sattler said he would’ve picked Fifita but ultimately, Slater has proven that knows which players are needed to perform in big games.

“David Fifita is different. He’s big, he’s quick and he plays a lot like Latrell Mitchell,” Sattler said on SENQ.

“He sits on an edge and you don’t want to get him involved or rattle his cage if you’re an opposition player.

“We can all sit back as experts and come up with reasons why it’s ludicrous that David Fifita is not in the side.

“At the end of the day, Billy has proven over the last two years that the decisions he has made are spot on.

“He and his coaching staff have his reasons for why David shouldn't be there.

“Do we agree with the decision? Probably not but that’s not what counts.

“What counts is that two years ago, when we won in Sydney, got lapped by 40 in Perth and came back to Suncorp Stadium with Tom Dearden who had never played an Origin game and he had a man of the match performance.

“Everyone questioned why Dearden was picked (and) we are starting to do the same which we don’t regularly do as Queensland fans.

“We always put our faith in our coach.

“I’d love to see David there but if he’s not, so be it. Billy knows why.

“He’s got his reasons why and he’s been right every other time.”

Game III will be held at Suncorp Stadium on July 17. The series is currently locked at 1-1.