21 Jun 2012

Kasiano not in Origin III picture

2:28 pm on 21 June 2012

The Queensland coach and rugby league boss have ruled out rushing the Auckland-born and -raised prop Sam Kasiano into their 17-man squad for the State of Origin series decider.

Kasiano hasn't declared he wants to wear the Maroon jumper and both Queensland coach Mal Meninga and Queensland CEO Rob Moore say they're bemused by talk of the big Bulldogs forward turning out for Origin III.

And they say there's no suggestion selectors are considering him as a replacement for South Sydney's Dave Taylor.

Meninga says if Kasiano wants to be a Queenslander, he has to declare himself a Queenslander - and he understands the 1.96-metre 21-year-old has signed a letter of intent to play for the Kiwis.

Meninga's also defending Taylor over the Rabbitoh's disappointing effort in the game two loss in Sydney, when he made his starting debut, saying the 124-kilo Taylor won't be penalised for one bad game for Queensland.

Queensland selectors will use the weekend's 16th round of NRL matches to iron out their 17-man squad which they will name next Tuesday.