Maroons squad revealed for Origin game two as Murray…

Maroons squad revealed for Origin game two as Murray Taulagi gets the call-up

Rising Cowboys star Murray Taulagi has been named in the Maroons team for Origin II. (AAP: Scott Radford-Chisholm)

Queensland coach Billy Slater has kept faith with a winning side after the Maroons took the series lead with a 16-10 win in game one.

Injuries to winger Xavier Coates and lock Reuben Cotter prompted the main changes to the squad, with Murray Taulagi coming in for Coates and while Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has moved into the number 13 jersey, and Lindsay Collins comes off the bench to fill the number eight spot. Jai Arrow will start on the bench.

The announcement follows the decision by NSW coach Brad Fittler to make seven changes to his squad ahead of the must-win game for the Blues at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

South Sydney forward Arrow's decision to invite a woman into the team's Gold Coast camp last year breached the NRL's strict COVID-19 protocols and prompted a fine and suspension from Origin III.

However, new coach Slater absolved Arrow of his sins during a pre-series heart-to-heart and the 26-year-old is now poised to play the 10th game for his state.

"I wasn't involved last year. He's earnt it through his actions this year," Slater said.

"I've played with Jai. I know what he brings and he would have been disappointed not making the 17 in game one.

"It was impressive the way he handled it, but I didn't make [the decision not to pick him] to test him."

Jai Arrow returns to the Maroons line-up for Origin II after an injury to lock Reuben Cotter. (Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)

Brisbane winger Corey Oates and underrated Gold Coast backrower Beau Fermor have been added to the extended squad, while Reece Walsh replaced Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (HIA).

The win in Sydney was Queensland's first since 2017 and has put them in the box seat to blunt any notion of a Blues Origin stranglehold with a second series victory in five years.

"I don't know what they're thinking," Slater said when asked if he viewed Brad Fittler's selections as panicked.

"That's the position they're in. They will field a quality team, no matter who they pick.

"I'm expecting everyone from NSW to improve — and us, too."

Queensland team

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Selwyn Cobbo

3. Valentine Holmes

4. Dane Gagai

5. Murray Taulagi

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Lindsay Collins