Changes Billy Slater must consider for Queensland Maroons’ biggest test

Were these defensive errors? The speed at which he moves backwards in line? His second effort?

Regardless, Fifita’s form since then demands his selection, after Match II starters Felise Kaufusi and Kurt Capewell were used sparingly but to little effect.

Fifita’s ability to open up a game can no longer be ignored.

According to Fifita’s Titans teammate Keenan Palasia, the 24-year-old has worked tirelessly to polish the less eye-catching areas of his game.

“What he’s worked on the most is his consistency and his work ethic. He’s putting in little efforts that he might not have done before, but he’s doing it now, and it’s done wonders for us,” Palasia said.

“(Impact) was never something we didn’t know about Davey, he was always able to break tackles and open up the play, so add to that his effort zones and he became a complete player.

“I don’t know what standards Billy Slater was talking about, I was never coached by him, but he really lived up to the standards that we have at the Titans and he’s… a leader for us.

“I would say (size) definitely matters, especially players like Davey who have size and speed, then you have players like NAS (Nelson Asofa-Solomona) who just have size, and you can’t compete with him.”

However, it’s not just Slater’s forward rotation that raises questions ahead of his final Game 3 selections.

Sami has been plagued by ankle problems this season but Gold Coast hooker Chris Randall confirmed the winger trained well on Monday and should be considered a strong chance to add to his two Maroons selections.

“If they’re looking for some speed, both are good options. Lofi definitely has that X-factor that can open up a game with his speed,” Randall said.

“(Sami) has done it before, so I don’t see why not – he’s a top-class winger. »