The QueenslandMaroons selection board and coach Billy Slater have named their lineup to take on the NSW Blues on June 8th in State of Origin Game 1.
As everyone is well aware, several things go into the creation of a team - not just who's playing the best now.
If they're young, you have to take their development into account. If they're veterans, you have to question if it might be better to give a youngster experience.
Even if they're the cut-and-dry best player at the position, perhaps players who have played more together would be a better fit.
Because they were beaten by a historic margin in 2021, the Maroons found it easier to pick on form.
Why would you show loyalty if they didn't get it done last year? With that being said, there are still a few in-form players that will be disappointed to not pull on a Maroon jersey.
Here is their best 17 if it was picked on form alone.
1 . Kalyn Ponga
I stared at and compared their stats for a long time, but I could not put Reece Walsh over Kalyn Ponga.
While the Newcastle Knights have been struggling, everything good they've done has been off the work of Ponga. Despite having a strong pool of fullbacks, including Alexander Brimson and Jayden Campbell, Ponga is still on top.
2. Corey Oates
After playing in the QLD Cup last year, Corey Oates is back with a vengeance.
Back to his best for the new-look Brisbane Broncos in 2022, Oates has been great. With 43 tackle breaks this season to go along with his ten tries and 179-metre average, Oates has dominated on the Broncos' left side.
3. Dane Gagai
While, along with his Newcastle Knights, Gagai's form has slowed down as the year has gone on, he started it as the clear best centre in the competition. In only 9 games this year, the 31-year-old has 3 tries, 3 try assists, 4 line breaks and 42 tackle breaks.
4. Valentine Holmes
Another Queenslander that has re-found his form in 2022, Valentine Holmes has been a stand-out for the third-placed North Queensland Cowboys.
Somehow still only 26 years old, Holmes has found a home at centre. Whether it's a quick in-and-away on his opposition, a smart pass or a hard run, Holmes does it all.
5. Selwyn Cobbo
One of those that was picked on form, Cobbo has been exceptional over the last few weeks for the Broncos. After a rough start to the season, Cobbo was close to being dropped.
Recovering from that streak and coming back stronger, Cobbo has been one of the best wingers in the NRL over the last six weeks. Just take a look at his demolition job of the Newcastle Knights two weeks ago.
6. Cameron Munster
It isn't a surprise that Cameron Munster is picked. While the Melbourne Storm have struggled of late, and some have blamed Munster, he has still performed well. Tearing apart the Manly Sea-Eagles in round 11, Munster is a must-have, whatever you're basing the team on.
7. Ben Hunt
While Daly Cherry-Evans has been a one-man band in attack for the Manly Sea Eagles, his decision-making in defence has been one of the Eagles' biggest issues.
Currently, the St George Illawarra Dragons sit two spots above Manly, and Ben Hunt is the main reason why. Currently sitting on top of the Dally-M leaderboard, Hunt is the cause of almost everything good for the Dragons. While he was picked at hooker, if the team was based on form, he'd be halfback.
8. Josh Papalii
Big Josh Papalii has been one of the reasons the Canberra Raiders have turned their season from their worst nightmare to salvageable over the last few weeks. Winning three in a row before their closely-contested loss to the Parramatta Eels.
9. Harry Grant
Picked at the bench utility spot in the real team, there hasn't been a better Queensland hooker in the competition this year. Averaging nearly 100 metres as a hooker, while giving the best service from dummy half in the game, Grant can do it all and has done it all for the Melbourne Storm this season.
10. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
One of the few shining spots for the Gold Coast Titans, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui has been incredible for them all year.
Losing the x-factor and edge running that was his calling card for the Melbourne Storm, becoming more of a grinder and workhorse trying to do everything for his team, the Titans Captain is in everything. Making 31 tackles along with 148m and 2 tackle breaks each game, he has been awesome.
11. Kurt Capewell
While he might not be getting the praise he did at the Penrith Panthers, Capewell has been crucial to the Broncos' success this season.
While he might not have the metres of perfect tackle efficiency of others, Capewell just never seems to be out of place. Always in the correct position, making the correct play.
12. Jeremiah Nanai
Taking a page out of Billy Slater's book, no one is more in-form than Jeremiah Nanai.
Picked on the bench with Felise Kaufusi taking the second row spot, Nanai has put his name on the map in 2022. One of the Cowboys' deadliest weapons and a target with the boot, he's been great. Scoring the fifth most tries in the NRL (10) you can expect to see him score a lot more.
13. Patrick Carrigan
Since returning from his knee injury in Round 9, Carrigan has been a standout forward in a team with Payne Haas in it. His energy and hustle in the middle is contagious. Whether you need him to do the hard yards for almost 80 minutes or want him to leave it all out there for 30, Carrigan can do it all. He can be your metre making front rower or your hard-working lock.
14. Jayden Campbell
Sliding back into the team in round 10, Campbell hasn't missed a step. While the team has won only one of those three games, with the last being an embarrassing collapse against the Broncos, Campbell isn't the reason. Averaging just under 190m since his return, along with six tackle breaks per game and a try, he is the Titans' only hope of turning their season around.
15. Reuben Cotter
While he has been relegated from the starting lock role he was picked in, that is due to others form, not his. And the fact this isn't a real team. Coming off the bench in round one and playing lock in round two, Cotter has found a home at prop for the Cowboys. At only 180 centimetres and 95 kilograms, the statement it's not about the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog' has never been truer.
16. Thomas Flegler
Averaging about 40 minutes for the Broncos, Thomas Flegler makes the absolute most of them. Winning all but one of the 7 games he has played this season, Flegler's impact off the bench can't be overstated. Running 108m a game, his aggression and energy off the bench is huge for the Broncos and would be for Queensland.
17. Jai Arrow
A shock emission from Billy Slater's team, Jai Arrow was almost penciled into the team. Consistently one of the South Sydney Rabbitohs best players, Arrow is as reliable as it gets. Whether it's at lock, prop or second row, you don't have to worry about him getting the job done.
