Veteran forward Kurt Capewell has been elevated to start in the second row for Queensland in the State of Origin series decider but says he has no point to prove after being preferred over David Fifita.
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The 30-year-old came off the bench for the Maroons in the 38-18 loss in game two of at the MCG.
Former Queensland forwards Corey Parker and Gorden Tallis had backed Gold Coast wrecking ball Fifita for a recall.
Coach Billy Slater and his fellow selectors elected to stick with Capewell who has been integral to Maroons success in Origin deciders in 2020 and 2022, both at Suncorp Stadium where the July 17 showdown will take place.
Capewell, who has played 10 Origin games for the Maroons, is not concerned by people's opinions about Fifita and said he did not have a point to prove to anyone.
"No, not at all," Capewell said on Tuesday.
"Dave is an outstanding player and he's been playing some great footy.
"I don't pick the team and I don't take any offence from people saying that Dave should be selected because he's in great form.
"But I've got selected and I'm here to do a job, so I'm just focused on what I can control and that's my preparation for the next week-and-a-half and it starts today."
Capewell did not agree that the Maroons pack was "monstered" by NSW in game two when the Blues led 34-0 at halftime.
"I wouldn't say pushed around or monstered ... probably not the right word, but they definitely beat us," he said.
"We'll just look at us and where we think we went wrong and work on that this week so that next Wednesday night we can put our best foot forward and get our job done in front of the home crowd."
Capewell, asides from his two Origin deciders, was also a premiership winner with Penrith in 2021 and is not daunted by the big occasion.
"I've been lucky enough to play in a few big games," he said.
"I wouldn't necessarily say I thrive in them, but I've definitely been lucky to be a part of a few.
"The bigger the games, the smaller the moment, so it's just about winning all those little moments and just keep on moving.
"That's sort of what I base my game around.
"I look forward to the big games and there's another one coming next Wednesday and I can't wait."
Australian Associated Press
