Queensland show loyalty with Origin side

Queensland have stayed loyal with their State of Origin side, sticking solid to those players who did the job in 2015.

Queensland players celebrate during game three of the State of Origin series between the Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

 Brisbane newspaper The Courier Mail has leaked the Queensland Origin team hours before the official announcement on Tuesday evening.

Players have already arrived in camp in the past 24 hours, meaning the highly secretive squad is already well known, despite it still yet being officially announced by the Queensland Rugby League.

It’s believed new Queensland Origin coach Kevin Walters has decided to stay loyal to those players who took back the series shield in 2015.

Kevin Walters during the round four NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

There are some changes that have been forced upon the Maroons, with Justin Hodges retiring from the game and Will Chambers out with injury.

Two debutants are brought in to fill the vacant places in the backline with Brisbane Broncos flyer Corey Oates coming onto the wing and North Queensland Cowboy Justin O’Neill coming into Hodges centre position.

Selectors opted to remain loyal to Newcastle Knights fullback Dane Gagai, who retains his position on the wing, after debuting in the third game of last year’s series.

Dane Gagai during game three of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Cowboys’ winger Kyle Feldt was said to be close to selection, but with two debutants already in the backline, selectors opted for Gagai.

Another who can consider himself lucky to win selection is Manly forward Nate Myles.

Myles has struggled for form since joining the Sea Eagles this season, but his past performances has seen his win selection in a competitive forward pack.

Nate Myles during game three of the State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The strength of the Queensland side is shown in their interchange, with four current Australian Internationals listed, in Michael Morgan, Sam Thaiday, Josh Papalii and Josh McGuire.  

Jacob Lillyman is the only incumbent not to retain his place.

The League Nation Live team will discuss both the New South Wales and Queensland Origin sides, with Origin legend Wally Lewis a special guest.

Queensland Origin side –

1. Darius Boyd
2. Corey Oates
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin O’Neill
5. Dane Gagai
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9. Cameron Smith ©
10. Nate Myles
11. Aidan Guerra
12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker
14. Michael Morgan
15. Sam Thaiday
16. Josh Papalii
17. Josh McGuire

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