WHO'S HOT AND WHO'S NOT FOR QUEENSLAND
HOT:
BILLY SLATER
Slater has one more game to get through against South Sydney on Sunday, but he has shown signs of being back to near his best so far for Melbourne. Has scored three tries in his past two matches, while also setting up four others. His return in the No.1 Maroons jersey would push Darius Boyd to the wing.
THE REPLACEMENT HALVES
Kevin Walters has a serious battle on his hands to determine who should fill Johnathan Thurston's No.6 jersey if he is ruled out due to an injured shoulder. Morgan staked his claim on Thursday night with four assists and a try for North Queensland against Canterbury while Milford edged Manly's in-form Cherry-Evans for Brisbane on Saturday. Cherry-Evans has the experience and Morgan has been on the bench, but it could be Milford who gets a start. It won't be Corey Norman though, who injured his ankle in Parramatta's loss to the Sydney Roosters on Sunday.
COEN HESS
Is the only forward sitting in a five-way tie for leading NRL try scorer, having crossed the line eight times this season. Runs the right lines and hits holes at pace, accounting for his six line breaks and 30 tackle busts in just his third season in the NRL. Has been tipped by many to claim a bench spot with Sam Thaiday and Matt Gillett the starting second-rowers.
DYLAN NAPA
Is slowly regaining form a suffering an ankle injury in late March, but is almost certain to make his Origin debut starting in the front row for the injured Matt Scott. Is likely to have another first-time starter beside him in the front row in the form of Josh Papalii, given Josh McGuire's move to lock. Nate Myles seems set to keep his bench spot despite his up-and-down form at Manly, while Jacob Lillyman will likely add to his 13 Origins as the fourth prop from the interchange.
NOT:
JUSTIN O'NEILL
Could be the man to miss out due to Slater's return. Is yet to score a try in seven games for the Cowboys this year, costly given Darius Boyd will likely return to the wing, forcing Dane Gagai to the centres. Will Chambers will likely be the other centre, after being injured last year and now Greg Inglis suffering the same fate in 2017. Walters will also likely try to find room for Valentine Holmes, which could come at the expense of Corey Oates on the wing.
AIDAN GUERRA
Was dropped back to the bench for the Roosters in Sunday's 48-10 win over Parramatta, after cracking the 100-metre mark just twice this season. Has been a part of the Queensland team for three years but might need a big showing against Canterbury on Sunday to impress Walters and retain that spot. Is largely under threat from fellow second-rower Hess, given the Maroons' preference to play a utility in No.14 and the other two bench spots being filled by bigger men.
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