Maroons trio to debut after Slater’s show of faith

Queensland have selected three debutants for the State of Origin series opener as coach Billy Slater puts faith in the next crop of Maroons.

Sydney Roosters centre Robert Toia, just 20 and with 10 NRL games under his belt, will be the most inexperienced Maroons debutant since Ben Ikin famously debuted in 1995 with just five first grade games to his credit.

Gold Coast forward Beau Fermor will follow in the footsteps of the late and great Carl Webb. Both played for the Dalby Devils as juniors. In a poignant moment Webb wore the No.16 on his Origin debut in 2001 and Fermor will also wear the No.16 jersey.

Melbourne lock Trent Loiero also will come off the bench and he is determined to bring the fire, brimstone and class of two of his heroes, former Maroons forwards Michael Crocker and Matt Gillett.

Slater said he had no qualms about starting Toia as a centre. Toia’s story is even more remarkable considering he has bounced back from two ACL ruptures early in his career.

“Character is really important because that is what you have got to lean on when you get out there. You can’t go down to Coles and buy that. You’ve got to go through it. He has been through that and it is a part of his journey and life.

“I know his coach Trent Robinson has a really high opinion of him and watching the principles he has in his game, we think he is of Origin class.

“So I'm looking forward to having him a part of our team and looking forward to helping get his game on and building his game into our footy team.

“He has stood up every time he has played for the Roosters. Although playing in the centres is man on man out there, it is a system. He is a great system player.”

Fermor has also been through adversity with two ACL tears, the latest in 2023 when he was on the cusp of Maroons selection.

He was in camp with the Queensland side in 2022 but now gets to show what he can do after tough times.

“It's made me into the man I am today and taught me a lot of lessons going through two ACLs, so to be here now, it makes it feel a bit sweeter.

“You look at Tino (Fa’asuamaleaui) and Rob Toia, they have been through similar things as well.

“It’s a tough injury to come back from when you are sitting in a rehab room by yourself or riding a bike in the corner. You start to question if you will get back to the footy you played before or do the things that you would be able to do.

“It doesn't happen overnight, but lucky now I got through a full season last year and haven't missed a game this year touch wood.

Fermor idolised Webb and former Maroons hooker Andrew McCullough as proud Dalby Devils.

“Coming from a small town like Dalby in Queensland, you see players like Carl Webb and Andrew McCullough who come from your town, played for your club, gone to your school and gone on to play NRL and play for Queensland,” he said.

“I used to love the pre-game intro where they said their name and Dalby Devils. I was lucky enough to film that and I know how special that made me feel watching TV on Origin night and they said my junior club.

“It's special to be another one of those boys to come from Dalby and play on this stage.

“The phone call first from Billy Slater to say that you will be playing for Queensland is something I will never forget. To have him call me and tell me I would be playing for Queensland is pretty crazy and gives me goosebumps just saying it. I am stoked. It's a dream come true.”

Loiero is part of the strong Storm system and has the aggression that should suit Origin footy to a tee.

"If you're talking about people who like to bring the heat, Mick Crocker was one," Loiero said.

"Also Matt Gillett. I loved watching Matt Gillett."

Slater said Fermor and Loiero had both earnt their spots.

“Beau is a team first player. He has worked really hard,” Slater said.

“He was really close a few years ago before he tore his ACL and he has worked really hard like his captain at the Titans to get back and play the footy he is playing.

“He is a welcomed inclusion and he has certainly earnt the opportunity.

“He was an 18th man in our squad last year and you're not an 18th man just for the number. You are there because you are playing of a quality that this standard of footy team upholds. That's what Trent has done. He has gone to another level since he has been in that position and he is another guy that's earnt that opportunity.”