Kaufusi needs to make a big mark

STORM debutant Felise Kaufusi (pictured) may have one chance only this year to make a Maroons starting spot his own.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters expects right-edge Brisbane star Matt Gillett to be back for “the second or third’’ Origin after being diagnosed in April with a neck fracture.

Kaufusi will play in the rightedge channel in his first match for Queensland in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

“Felise has been given an opportunity,’’ Walters said. “I’m certain he’ll do a great job.

“Matt Gillett has been a mainstay and we hope to get Matt back for games two and three but I’m excited for Felise’s opportunity and I’m excited about that.’’

The Broncos said in midApril that Gillett was expected to recover in eight weeks.

The 18-game Maroon would have his own decision to make on when he would be confident he was ready for the demands of rugby league.

Building towards his Origin debut, Kaufusi, 26, insisted he was not looking at his job security.

“I haven’t looked too far ahead,’’ he said. “I’m solely focused on this week.”