Former Queensland Maroons skipper Cameron Smith has given an insight into why NZ Warriors veteran Kurt Capewell is a better fit for the Origin decider ahead of Gold Coast’s David Fifita as the fallout from the controversial selection continues.
Capewell retained his spot in the Queensland side for next week’s Game III at Suncorp Stadium despite hype around Fifita’s possible return after the NSW forward pack dominated in Game II in Melbourne.
Smith, who played 42 Origins for the Maroons, said what Capewell brings to the side suited the way the Maroons had won the series in previous years.
“I think Billy has spoken about the reasons as to why David Fifita’s not in the side, he had some standards about him last year that Billy doesn’t quite think he’s reached this year,” he said on Breakfast SENQ.
“A lot of the things that stand out with David Fifita’s game is obviously those barnstorming runs, some of the tackle breaks and all this sort of stuff but when you’re coach of the Queensland Origin side you look a little bit past that.
“You look much further past all those good runs and the things that make the highlight reel, it’s a lot of the stuff that happens away from the ball.
“Obviously Billy feels as though Kurt Capewell is a much better option, playing in that backrow role.
“(Capewell is) a guy I think he can definitely rely on that he’ll make those plays away from the football that he needs him to do, particularly at that level at origin.
“You look at those close games that Queensland have played in the last two and a bit seasons, they won it off the back of those small plays. Those plays that not many people see, not the highlight reel plays it’s the small stuff.
“I’m guessing that’s the reason why Billy’s opted for Capewell instead of Fifita.”
Capewell, who made his Origin debut in 2020, will make his 11th appearance for Queensland in next week’s decider.