Q’land must overcome the Origin ‘fear factor’

BRISBANE: It may be no stranger to a comeback, but a desperate Queensland admits it must overcome the ‘‘fear factor’’ in Sunday’s mustwin State of Origin game two in Sydney to keep the series alive.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters conceded its history of getting up off the canvas to win the series time and again was no consolation for a newlook Queensland unveiled yesterday.

And Walters appeared to be feeling the pressure, cutting a cranky figure as he unveiled an alphabetical 18strong Origin II squad that included debutant Kalyn Ponga and injury concerns Billy Slater and Dylan Napa.

Walters calmed down enough to claim veteran fullback Slater (hamstring) was ‘‘ready to go’’ ahead of his 30th Origin after missing game one, but fiery Sydney Roosters prop Napa (ankle) must prove his fitness by tomorrow.

Melbourne’s Tim Glasby is on standby for Napa.

In its first season without its Big Three, Queensland has its back against the wall after its 2212 game one loss to a newlook NSW.

Beginning life without Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, the Maroons must win on Sunday to have a chance to extend their stunning run of 11 series victories in 12 years.

Walters said they had come back from a ‘‘worse place’’ last year, hitting back from a record home game one loss to claim yet another series.

But Walters admitted the Maroons would have to overcome the ‘‘fear factor’’ to match the Blues at ANZ Stadium.

‘‘The fear factor is there for every Origin,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Cronulla’s Matt Prior has come from the clouds to be named in the NSW team.

Prior, Gold Coast forward Ryan James and Sydney Roosters fiveeighth Luke Keary were included in a 20man squad announced by coach Brad Fittler.

The only player missing from the team which won the series opener is Penrith’s Reagan CampbellGillard, who broke his jaw on Friday night against the Roosters.

Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell will need to prove his fitness after suffering a neck injury in the same game, while Canberra’s Nick Cotric — 18th man for the Blues in game one — has been left out.

The stunning callup for 31yearold Prior comes after 11 seasons in the NRL, including a major role in the Sharks’ maiden premiership in 2016.