Five players to be dumped from Queensland Maroons for State of Origin II
Winger Corey Oates is one of five players Queensland is expected to be dumped for State of Origin II. (Getty)
Queensland have responded to their opening game State of Origin thrashing by dropping five players for game two in Sydney.
News Corp reported that Maroons coach Kevin Walters let go a handful of players including veteran forward Sam Thaiday.
Others understood to be dumped for the June 21 clash include winger Corey Oates, centre Justin O'Neill and props Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman.
While the Maroons were soundly beaten by NSW 28-4, the axing of Oates comes as a surprise as he was considered to be one of the better Queenslanders at Suncorp Stadium.
Thought to be brought into the pack is the Cowboys' Gavin Cooper while Cronulla's Valentine Holmes is tipped to make his debut on the right wing.
Darius Boyd would likely replace Oates on the left wing, with Melbourne's Billy Slater returning to the Queensland No.1 jumper.
Dane Gagai is expected to partner Will Chambers in the centres.
Lillyman could get a reprieve however with likely replacement Jarrod Wallace facing suspension for a shoulder charge while playing for Gold Coast against the Warriors.
