Nanai’s 53 minutes of mayhem key to Maroons selection

Joel Gould | June 12, 2023

It took just 53 minutes of Jeremiah Nanai magic on return from suspension to convince Maroons coach Billy Slater to pick him for game two of the State of Origin series.

It was a challenging call for Slater to decide on who was best suited to the right edge second-row position after Tom Gilbert dislocated his shoulder in Queensland’s 26-18 win in Adelaide.

North Queensland dynamo Nanai edged out Dolphins veteran Felise Kaufusi. They were the obvious two candidates for the role.

Canberra’s Corey Horsburgh, who can play on an edge and in the middle, was another contender but he has been selected as 19th man for the June 21 clash with NSW at Suncorp Stadium.

Nanai played all three games for Queensland last year while Kaufusi, who has just completed a three-week suspension, has been a regular in the team since 2018.

The 20-year-old Nanai returned from a four-week suspension with a starring role in the Cowboys’ 45-20 win over Melbourne. He scored a try, made a line break and ran for 118m off the bench in a dynamic 53-minute display.

“Jeremiah played all three games last year and was outstanding,” Slater said.

“The thing that gave me confidence in Jeremiah coming back into the team is that when he came back from suspension, I felt that was probably with the most energy he’s had in his footy all year.

“It looked like the Jeremiah of last year. He’s obviously worked really hard through the period he was off and has earned this opportunity.”

Slater said Kaufusi came under consideration but Nanai was the best selection for this game.

It would have been a difficult decision for Slater, who won the 2017 premiership alongside Kaufusi at Melbourne.

Nanai and Kaufusi were suspended when the team for Adelaide was selected.

“Felise has done a fantastic job throughout his whole career but in particular for the Maroon jersey,” Slater said.

“It is just a shame that he hasn’t been playing football the last month. That is pretty important. To go out and play one of the highest intensity games of rugby league without any footy under your belt is not easy.

“We felt (Nanai) was the best option.”

Gold Coast prop Moeaki Fotuaika and Melbourne winger Xavier Coates were selected in place of the injured Jai Arrow (syndesmosis) and Selwyn Cobbo (hip pointer).

While there were other candidates for their roles, Slater said they were the right choices on this occasion.

“We are looking for the best Queenslanders to do the job,” Slater said.

“Sometimes they are tough decisions and sometimes they are obvious decisions but … I am very comfortable with the players in this squad. They have all earned their opportunity and are all fit and ready to go.”