Maroons name new captain amongst other shock team changes

Cameron Munster will become the 16th captain of Queensland after being confirmed as skipper for Origin Game II.

Billy Slater told the playing group that Munster would take over from Daly Cherry-Evans as captain at a training session this morning.

Munster will play his 20th Origin game in Perth and is regarded as a great of modern State of Origin contests, winning the Wally Lewis medal as a member of Queensland's "worst ever team" in their historic 2020 series victory.

He joins an illustrious group of captains featuring legends of the game including Cameron Smith, Darren Lockyer, Mal Meninga, and Arthur Beetson among many others.

The Courier Mail's Pete Badel has revealed a host of other changes to the Queensland side that lost in Game I.

Pat Carrigan has been dropped to the bench, with Trent Loiero promoted to the starting line-up after debuting in Game I.

Returning veteran Kurt Capewell will slot into the starting edge, with Jeremiah Nanai also demoted to the bench.

Slater also confirmed today Bulldogs' utility Kurt Mann will make his Origin debut from the bench, filling Dearden's vacant slot, while Broncos' half Ezra Mam will come in as 18th man after only three appearances in 2025.

Munster replaces Daly Cherry-Evans, who was dropped by Billy Slater after a disappointing Game I loss in Brisbane.

Cherry-Evans was Queensland captain on nine occasions, with series wins in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and has become the first Origin captain to be dropped mid-season in 30 years.

Coach Billy Slater has opted for Cowboys' co-captain Tom Dearden at halfback, leaving Munster to assume to captaincy from the five-eighth position.

Slater defended his decision to drop Cherry-Evans at a press-conference yesterday.

“We don’t take any decision lightly, whether it’s a player keeping their spot or another player coming in. All Queenslanders are considered,” Slater said.

“You won’t hear a negative word from me about Daly Cherry-Evans… what he has given this jersey and what he has done for this footy team and this group, that will be with all Queenslanders and with Daly for the rest of his life.

“No one can take that away from him. We just feel that Tom Dearden has earned the opportunity to play in the number seven jersey.

“At the end of the day, when you’re in this position to make decisions, you’ve got to think (of) what the best thing is for the footy team and that is what we thought.”