Queensland coach Billy Slater has explained why he left rising indigenous star Selwyn Cobbo out of his side for game two of the State of Origin series and Blues coach Michael Maguire has recalled Latrell Mitchell for game two in Melbourne next week.

Outside back Cobbo came off the bench in the 38-10 win in game one in Sydney when Reece Walsh was concussed and produced a powerhouse display but he has played with injury niggles in his past two games for Brisbane.

He has been replaced on the bench by recalled Warriors back-rower Kurt Capewell, who can play centre and last represented the Maroons in 2022.

“Selwyn is not quite 100 per cent at the moment,” Slater said.

“He has been playing with injections.

“Collectively, with a few things he would like to work on in his game, we felt it was best for Selwyn to have a rest.

“The Broncos have got the bye this week and I’m pretty sure if the Broncos were playing, Selwyn wouldn’t be playing for the Broncos.

“Selwyn has just turned 22 and we forget these guys are young and still developing physically and still developing their game and building that consistency.

“It’s not one-size-fits all. I felt it was the right thing for Selwyn to have a break and he will wear a Maroons jersey again.”

Meanwhile Maguire made some big calls, with Mitchell and Souths teammate Cameron Murray returning to the side as they battle to level the series.

Mitchell’s selection means he is back for his first Origin match since 2021 in place of the suspended Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at centre.

Injuries have derailed Mitchell’s past two campaigns, and there had been questions over his commitment to the Blues earlier this year.

But the Rabbitohs No.1 sat next to Maguire at a South Sydney function on Saturday afternoon, and has made clear he wants to help NSW dig their way out of a 1-0 series deficit.