There is a push on for Queensland to recall retired Maroons legend Josh Papalii for the State of Origin decider.

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While Queensland pulled off a stunning upset in Origin II to force a live game three, and there has been constant buzz about Papalii’s Canberra teammate Corey Horsburgh earning a recall, there is excitement north of the border about ‘Big Papa’ potentially making a stunning return after strong form this season.

Papalii retired from rep football before the 2023 Origin series.

“I hope to God it is true,” fellow Maroons veteran Ben Hunt told 4BC radio.

“I would love to see big Paps out there. There was never a time when he pulled on the jumper that he let Queensland down and he is playing great footy at the moment.

“He is the ultimate warrior. He would bring some real aggression up front if we brought him back in.”

There may be room to move with the make-up of the Queensland pack and bench.

Beau Fermor has already dropped this series and Trent Loiero may have been lucky to survive, alongside below-peak form from the likes of Mo Fotuaika, Tino Fa’asuameleaui and Pat Carrigan. Fa’asuameleaui’s form has dipped due to a sternum injury.

Horsburgh was part of the Maroons’ Origin II squad but did not make the side. He has built a strong case amid Canberra’s rise up the NRL ladder, though Papalii has also been in vintage form.

Queensland will name their team on Monday.

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KOLOAMATANGI EYES RECALL, PERMANENT SPOT FOR NSW

Rabbitohs enforcer Keaon Koloamatangi has declared he not only wants a recall for Origin III, but mainstay status in the Blues side.

The reborn prop ran for 201m against Melbourne Storm on the weekend, easily outpointing Origin II prop Stefano Utoikamanu (53m) in a head-to-head battle.

He did so while carrying a fractured eye socket, of which he said: “It was pretty bad last week, it’s sweet now.”

“I want to get back into Origin and be able to stay in the team.” Koloamatangi told CODE Sports.

“Hopefully, I get the call.

“I’m sure if I was to get the call, I wouldn’t be scared or worried, I’d be pretty confident. But yeah, time will tell.”

Koloamatangi made his Origin debut in the dead-rubber third game of 2023, a win for NSW.

The Blues will name their Origin III team on Sunday night.