Wayne Bennett can't see any reason why Queensland stalwart Darius Boyd should not be picked for the State of Origin opener.
If Boyd was overlooked, Bennett hinted that Queensland coach Kevin Walters would not have learned his lesson from brushing veteran fullback Billy Slater for last year's first Origin clash.
Boyd this week said he had not done enough this year to be picked for the June 6 game in Melbourne after a slow recovery from a pre-season hamstring injury.
But Bennett revealed Boyd had overcome his mental hurdles over the lingering complaint.
"It's a mental thing. We knew he was physically fit and right to run, he just had to get himself convinced that he wasn't going to tear it again," Bennett said.
"Now he's getting back to the top of his game. He is more than capable.
"He's never let Queensland down. It's hard not to see him in the team.
"What has he got? More than 20 games of Origin? We don't treat our Origin players that badly."
Boyd, 30, has played 28 games for Queensland since his Origin debut 10 years ago.
After missing last year's Origin decider with a broken hand, Boyd appeared to be left behind in 2018 in a three way race with Cronulla try scoring machine Valentine Holmes and Brisbane flyer Corey Oates for Queensland's left wing spot.
But Bennett said Boyd's experience was invaluable in Origin - just as Slater proved last year for the Maroons.
After being controversially overlooked for game one, Slater returned to help Queensland bounce back from a record opening 28-4 loss to seal their 11th series in 12 years.
"It's a bit like Billy Slater last year," Bennett said of Boyd's plight.
"They are better off with a pro who knows what he is doing than a rookie who is wishing, hoping he is playing well for you.
"You can't buy it (experience). Darius won't let anyone down.
"He's not too old to get the job done; he is the type of guy you need in the team."
Boyd's combination on the wing with returning centre Greg Inglis for Queensland is also hard to ignore.
The pair have scored a total of 35 Origin tries together, with Boyd helping himself to 17 of them.
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