Murray Taulagi

Born in New Zealand but raised in Australia by Samoan parents, the Cowboys flyer said he found himself supporting the island nation throughout last year's World Cup while he was making his international debut for the Kangaroos.

That realisation led to a tough conversation with coach Mal Meninga in Port Moresby last month, when the 24-year-old explained his preference to instead play for the Pacific nation that Australia had beaten in the World Cup final less than 12 months earlier.

Cowboys’ winger Murray Taulagi will make his Origin debut after being called into the squad by Queensland coach Billy Slater.

Taulagi, who was part of the extended squad for Game One, will replace the injured Xavier Coates as one of the Maroon’s two key changes with Reuben Cotter also ruled out due to a hamstring injury suffered last weekend.

Cotter’s omission will see Rabbitohs forward Jai Arrow return to the squad in the only other change to the team from Origin I.

Prop Jordan McLean was also included as part of the Blues’ team for Game Two.