This was published 9 years ago
Queensland State of Origin team game one 2017
Stuart Honeysett
1. Darius Boyd
Origins: 26
The Brisbane fullback has been in scintillating form for the Broncos this season and it’s his brilliance that has helped lift the team over the line in a number of tight contests. He was going so well that Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga retained him in the number one position over Billy Slater in the recent Anzac Test. Now Maroons coach Kevin Walters has followed suit and the Blues should be very wary.
2. Corey Oates
Origins: 3
The Brisbane winger was the first to admit at the start of the season his form didn’t warrant a Queensland jumper but he has steadily improved since then. Kevin Walters thinks he is going well enough to hand him a Maroons jumper over Test winger Valentine Holmes. Tall and rangy, Oates knows how to sniff out a try and turned in the best possible final audition after demolishing Wests Tigers on Friday night.
3. Will Chambers
Origins: 4
The Melbourne centre made his debut for the Maroons in 2014 and looked set to be a regular fixture in the team until injury ruled him out of the 2016 series. He was earmarked as the replacement for former centre Justin Hodges (who once branded him a “pest” in camp for wanting to be the best at everything) and already has a formidable combination going with Melbourne teammates Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
4. Justin O'Neill
Origins: 0
The Cowboys centre has admitted his form in 2017 hasn’t been as the level he wants, but Queensland’s famous loyalty policy means gets his chance after starting in all three games last season. He becomes even more important to the team alongside his centre partner Will Chambers following the season-ending knee injury to Greg Inglis.
5. Dane Gagai
Origins: 4
The Newcastle centre/fullback made his debut for the Maroons last year but it was his performance in game two that really turned heads. Gagai grabbed three tries against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium to help his state wrap up the series. His form hasn’t been quite as spectacular at the Knights this season but to be fair the club is in a rebuilding phase. Origin could be the confidence boost he needs.
6. Anthony Milford
Origins: 0
The Brisbane five-eighth has been in outstanding form for the Broncos this season so much so that he's pushed Johnathan Thurston out of the team and on to the bench as he battles a shoulder problem. Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett had threatened to keep him out of the Maroons team if he wasn't in the starting side forcing Queensland coach Kevin Walters' hand. A livewire in attack and dynamic with the ball in his hands, he will prove a nightmare for the Blues to contain.
7. Cooper Cronk
Origins: 19
The Melbourne halfback stunned the NRL earlier this season when he announced this would be his last season at the Storm because he wanted to move to Sydney to be closer to his fiancee. He has yet to decide whether he play on next season meaning this could be his last series in a Maroons jumper. If that's the case he will be keen to finish on a high note and that could spell danger for the Blues.
8. Dylan Napa
Origins: 0
The Sydney Roosters forward has been earmarked to play for Queensland but was overlooked for the 2016 series after breaking curfew in an emerging Maroons camp. A natural firebrand, Napa can trample opposition packs when he is in the right mood and will soak up the Maroons spirit. His selection could be the start of a long association with the Queensland jumper.
9. Cameron Smith
Origins: 39
The Melbourne hooker is one of the most durable players in the NRL and has been the heart and soul of the Queensland State of Origin team for a number of seasons. He has shown no sign of slowing down in 2017 and his form is just one of the reasons the Storm are at the top of the table. He has already knocked off Darren Lockyer's record for the most-capped Maroon and will have his players charged for another big series.
10. Nate Myles
Origins: 31
The Manly warhorse was the first to admit his form hadn't been up to scratch for the Sea Eagles last year but he has turned that around this season. He is proven on the Origin stage and has become even more important to the Maroons this year following the season-ending knee injury to Matt Scott. Myles himself picked up a knee injury against the Gold Coast and the Maroons will be sweating on his fitness.View more galleries
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