Kevin Walters and his selectors named the QLD State of Origin team for Game 1 of the three game series today and it was some what as expected with a few minor shocks, most notably in leaving out front row warhorse Matt Scott, the team will line up from 1 to 17 as follows.
Fullback - Billy Slater - No surprises hear, still one of the premier fullbacks in the comp and all his Origin experience will be needed after retirements of key players.
Wing - Valentine Holmes - Beat out contenders Darius Boyd and Corey Oates, Holmes has hit peak form with 3 tries on the weekend and deserves his spot, Oates can feel a little unlucky with a great start to the season also.
Center - Greg Inglis (C) - Big GI has been named as captain and will lead from the front as always.
Center - Will Chambers - No surprises hear Chambers has been one of Qlds best since his debut a few years back.
Wing - Dane Gagai - Last years Wally Lewis medalist for player of the series Gagai knows what Origin is all about.
Five-Eight - Cameron Munster - Holds his spot from Game 3 last year after a strong start to the season for Melbourne.
Half Back - Ben Hunt - Has ridden in on St George's solid start to the year, Daly Cherry Evans could feel somewhat unlucky in missing out and possibly the 7 in better form.
Prop - Dylan Nappa - Made for Origin after a strong debut last year, Qld will need more from him in attack though i feel.
Hooker - Andrew McCullough - Has toiled for years waiting for his opportunity that he may have thought was never coming, gets his chance on the back of Cam Smiths retirement, big shoes to fill.
Prop - Jarrod Wallace - Bit of conjecture here with Wallace picked ahead of legend Matt Scott, i would have gone with Scott personally, pressure is on Wallace to perform now.
2nd Row - Gavin Cooper - Hasnt set the world on fire for the misfiring Cowboys this year and doesnt have his foil JT playing at 7 this year, a case of a lack of options in the 2nd row i think.
2nd Row - Felise Kafusi - Follows in his brothers footsteps in making his Origin debut, has been in good form for Melbourne and is dangerous on an edge.
Lock - Josh Mcguire - Bit of a gamble having been out injured for the last month or so, one of Qlds best forwards last year and will be needed again.
Bench -
Michael Morgan - Earns his spot on the bench due to past deeds, can cover every position in the back line though and has never let QLD down.
Josh Papali - Has got in shape and has been in decent form for Canberra, been there done that but will need to lift.
Coen Hess - Not sure of this selection has been in avg form and doesnt have many credit points in the bank, will need to step up to keep his spot!
Jai Arrow - The second player chosen to debut he is a whole hearted worker in the Dallas Johnson mold, good selection.
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