Despite a huge win in Game One, Queensland coach Billy Slater has decided to make a couple of changes to his side ahead of Game Two in Melbourne.
Whilst the starting side is the same, he has altered the options on the bench and in the reserves, with the most notable change being Selwyn Cobbo's omission in favour of Kurt Capewell.
Another change has been bringing in Melbourne Storm forward Trent Loiero for his first ever Origin camp, as he comes into one of the reserve spots for Ezra Mam.
The Sporting News looks at why Billy Slater decided to bring the 23-year-old into the fold?
MORE: State of Origin Team lists Game Two
Why was Trent Loiero selected for State of Origin?
When briefing media on Monday, Slater said his rotations to his interchange options were based around giving the likes of Cobbo and Mam a rest after a demanding season to date.
However, Slater was also quick to point out Loiero had earned his place in the side on merit and in his performances for the ladder leading Storm.
"You don't win a raffle ticket to come into this camp and be in this position. [Trent] earned it through their actions [with] their club."
"I worked with Trent closely down in Melbourne, and I know what he brings to his footy team, and I really like that in a player."
The Storm have won three of their last four games and sit two points clear of the Panthers and the Sharks.
MORE STATE OF ORIGIN COVERAGE
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Trent Loiero Melbourne Storm career
Loiero — who grew up on the Sunshine Coast — originally played for the Storm's feeder side the Sunshine coast Falcons, before joining the Storm set up in 2020, making his debut the following year.
He was a bit-part player in his first season at the club, making just six appearances, but this increased to 17 in the 2022 season.
In the 2023 season, player departures meant he was elevated to the starting side, as he played 26 games and scored two tries as the Storm reached the preliminary final.
He has continued this form this season, playing in all 13 games to date, though he does not have a try to his name in 2024.
What position does Trent Loiero play?
Loiero primarily plays in the second-row or at lock for the Melbourne Storm.
He has both been used as a starting players — like in the last two games — or off the bench as an impact forward.
Queensland Maroons squad for Game Two
For Queensland, Felise Kaufusi replaces the injured J'maine Hopgood on the bench, whilst Kurt Capewell takes the final interchange spot as the utility option.
Loiero, Dane Gagai and Heilum Luki are all additions to the side as 18th man and reserve players.
1. Reece Walsh
2. Xavier Coates
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Tom Dearden
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Reuben Cotter
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Jaydn Su'A
12. Jeremiah Nanai
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Moeaki Fotuaika
16. Felise Kaufusi
17. Kurt Capewell
18. Dane Gagai
19. Heilum Luki
20. Trent Loiero
