Paul Green has named his first-ever Queensland squad as they look to hold onto the interstate Shield from their rivals from south of the Tweed.
With a host of players out through injury or suspension the former title-winning coach with the Cowboys has managed to name a side that can do some serious damage.
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We break down the making talking points below. Look out for a full preview early next week.
Who plays where?
With Ponga out it looks as though Valentine Holmes will shift into the one jersey, with Kyle Feldt making his long-overdue debut on the wing.
This leaves AJ Brimson as the odd man out. For your life, I thought Brimson would be named at one with Val on the wing, but that really leaves the Maroons without a utility option on the bench.
For the record, I don't believe you need a utility option unless there's a standout but given the fitness worries in the spine, Brimson from the bench makes a world of sense.
Does he come in and play in the nine to relieve Grant? Does he slot in at one, moving Holmes to the wing with Feldt or Coates making way?
It would be asking a lot of the fullback/half to play in the middle at Origin level. I know Ponga did it, but that was a special performance and will be tough to replicate.
I suppose we'll find out on the night, however, there is always a chance Green drops Brimson all together and runs with four forwards which opens up a whole world of further questions.
