HOW QUEENSLAND SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN I
Fullback - Kalyn Ponga (age 21)
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Finally gets his chance in the Maroons No.1 jersey after Billy Slater's retirement. Genuine X-factor. Even NSW great Andrew Johns can't wait to see what Ponga can conjure in his preferred position after one of the great Origin debuts off the bench in 2018 game two.
Winger - Corey Oates (age 24)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 2
He may be a frustrated back-rower but the lanky Oates appears a perfect fit in the Maroons backline. Second in NRL tries and line breaks after 11 rounds, Oates is a strike weapon but is not afraid to roll the sleeves up and help out with the hard carries.
Centre - Michael Morgan (age 27)
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 1
The scheming North Queensland captain has again emerged as Queensland's Mr Fixit, slotting into the centres to fill the gaping hole created by Greg Inglis' retirement after failing to crack the halves.
Centre - Will Chambers (age 30)
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 2
The defensive centre appears to have regained his mojo with NRL club Melbourne this year and will be out for Origin redemption after being humbled in 2018 by NSW X-factor Latrell Mitchell.
Winger - Dane Gagai (age 28)
Origins: 10
Origin tries: 9
A points machine for Queensland, South Sydney's Gagai will be out to reclaim his try-scoring mojo when he dons the Maroons jersey after crossing just once in 11 NRL rounds. Also adds a goal-kicking option.
Five-eighth - Cameron Munster (age 24)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
Munster has capped a remarkable transformation since an infamous 2017 World Cup campaign. Sitting high in Dally M Medal votes, he narrowly missed out on the Maroons captaincy. His ad-lib running game will have NSW on high alert.
Halfback - Daly Cherry-Evans (captain, age 30)
Origins: 7
Origin tries: 1
One of the great redemption stories. Ended a three-year exile in Origin III last year after speculation he was on the nose with senior Maroons. Now he's skipper. Has overcome ankle surgery to pull the strings for Queensland.
Prop - Jai Arrow (age 23)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Tireless workhorse who had a breakout Origin year in 2018. Retained his spot averaging 157m a game for lowly Gold Coast but troubled by a quad complaint in lead-up.
Hooker - Ben Hunt (age 29)
Origins: 4
Origin tries: 0
One of the premier NRL halfbacks, Hunt has enjoyed success at No.9 off the Maroons bench. His running game appears dangerous at dummy half but jury is out on whether the pint-sized playmaker can last 80 minutes in Origin.
Prop - Josh Papalii (age 27)
Origins: 12
Origin tries: 1
The leader of the Maroons pack. The Maroons will be sweating on Canberra wrecking ball Papalii's trademark barnstorming runs to counter a giant Blues pack.
Second-row - Felise Kaufusi (age 26)
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
A damaging edge runner, Kaufusi has overcome hot and cold NRL form for Melbourne to retain his place after finally cementing his spot in a 2018 season which also earned Test selection.
Second-row - Matt Gillett (age 30)
Origins: 18
Origin tries: 2
Back in the side after missing the 2018 series with a broken neck which restricted him to just five NRL games. The most capped player in Maroons squad. Dangerous edge runner and rock solid defence.
Lock - Josh McGuire (age 29)
Origins: 11
Origin tries: 0
A shock NRL switch from Brisbane to North Queensland and a recent calf complaint have not slowed down McGuire. Tireless worker not afraid to get down and dirty, McGuire may also help to relieve Hunt at hooker.
Interchange:
Moses Mbye (age 25)
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Groin strain not expected to stop Mbye from making his Origin debut. The versatile Wests Tigers captain held out the likes of Anthony Milford to snatch the bench utility role.
Joe Ofahengaue (age 23)
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Still pledges his allegiance to Tonga but could not resist taking up Origin debut after being a shining light for hot and cold Brisbane.
Dylan Napa (age 26)
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
The former Maroons starting prop missed Origin III last year with injury but the firebrand has overcome a controversial off-season and an ankle complaint to add valuable grunt to Queensland bench.
David Fifita (age 19)
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
The first player born in the 2000s to play Origin footy. Blockbusting ball runner and capable of pulling off brutal hits, Fifita appears an ideal Origin fit despite his tender years.
