Queensland Origin legend Justin Hodges says Cooper Cronk is a certainty to take his place for Queensland in Wednesday night's Origin opener.
The Maroons half is yet to be declared fit to run out onto ANZ Stadium, but Hodges told NITV's League Nation Live he has no doubts over Cronk's fitness.
"He'll play, there's no doubt about that. He was under an injury cloud there, but he's pulled up fine."
Hodges is expecting an explosive forward battle when New South Wales tackle Queensland, on what's tipped to be a wet and slow surface at Sydney Olympic Park.
"The game is going to be won in the forwards. They will look to lay the platform.
"As long as they are going forward it gives the likes of Cronk, Thurston and the guys out wide a chance to put on a show.
"It's going to be a very tight game".
