Wayne Bennett has stopped short of endorsing the expected selection of Darius Boyd for State of Origin.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga declared on Wednesday that he'll pick Boyd if he emerges unscathed after playing for Brisbane in their NRL clash with North Queensland on Friday night - just his second game since returning from a ruptured Achilles.
Asked on Thursday if he thought Boyd was ready to play for Queensland again, Broncos coach Bennett said: "Mal said he was.
When pressed again on Boyd donning maroon, Bennett said: "Ask Mal. It's Mal's decision.
"He is playing for us so, if that is good enough and they are happy with what they see, then that's what they'll pick."
Asked if Meninga speaks with him about Origin selections, Bennett said: "Not really."
Bennett was more forthcoming when quizzed whether his under-fire forward Matt Gillett should retain his spot.
Gillett is reportedly under pressure to keep his place after being outshone in a back-row featuring Maroons teammates Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker for ladder-leading Brisbane.
"Yeah, he will be (playing for Queensland)," Bennett said when asked of Gillett's Origin prospects.
"My feeling is we will lose quite a number of players.
"We are in good form and that's the best indication going into Origin."
Bennett also endorsed prop Josh McGuire.
"But I am not going to name the Queensland side for you today - but we will certainly lose a few," Bennett said.
The Origin series will mark the representative swan song of Broncos captain Justin Hodges.
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