Queensland penpix ahead of Wednesday night's second State of Origin rugby league clash with NSW at ANZ Stadium.
Fullback: BILLY SLATER (Melbourne)
Age: 26
Origins: 9
Added to his Origin try collection when diving full-length to reach
a kick just before it went out in game one. Was given plenty of
opportunity to unleash his speed and footwork with some poor kicks
from the Blues and will be hoping to once again turn defence into
attack for the Maroons.
Wing: DARIUS BOYD (St George Illawarra)
Age: 21
Origins: 3
Has settled into Origin football well after a surprise call-up last
year. A stylish finisher and strong runner, Boyd loses nothing in
comparison his more illustrious backline teammates. Scored his
third Origin try in Melbourne in game one.
Centre: GREG INGLIS (Melbourne)
Age: 22
Origins: 8
Patchy club form was no barrier in Origin I as GI proved once again
he's a big-game player. Scored a brilliant try at the start of the
second half and was generally at the heart of everything good for
the Maroons. Unless the Blues can find a way to contain Inglis they
have another long night in store.
Centre: WILLIE TONGA (North Queensland)
Age: 25
Origins: 2
Back in Origin set-up for first time since 2004 to replace the
injured Justin Hodges. Has been in fine form following his
off-season switch to North Queensland. Will have to show he can
play on the right side of defence as he is normally a left-sided
centre.
Wing: ISRAEL FOLAU (Brisbane)
Age: 20
Origins: 4
High-flying Folau is a try-scoring machine who is a powerful runner
and provides a well-known aerial threat. NSW, and the linesmen,
will be on full alert whenever a bomb goes up on the Maroons'
right-hand side.
Five-eighth: DARREN LOCKYER (capt,
Brisbane)
Age: 32
Origins: 28
Question-marks still remain about Lockyer's defence, with some
suggesting he is a weak link at the back for the Maroons. But the
veteran always responds positively to criticism and he remains the
main man when it comes to providing a killer pass and organising
the side. Has a habit of coming up with big plays when games are on
the line.
Halfback: JOHNATHAN THURSTON (North
Queensland)
Age: 26
Origins: 13
A proven Origin performer, having played in the last 13 games for
Queensland and one of the form players in the competition.
Dangerous and unpredictable, Thurston can not only provide killer
passes to his outside backs, he's always a threat running at
defences and has a handy kicking game to boot.
Prop: STEVE PRICE (Warriors)
Age: 35
Origins: 26
Dismissed suggestions he may be too old for Origin with another
titanic display in Origin I. The veteran prop is one of the most
competitive players in the game and combines his never-ending work
ethic with strength and drive. NSW kickers will have to be alert
with the Warriors skipper still a great exponent of the
charge-down.
Hooker: CAMERON SMITH (Melbourne)
Age: 25
Origins: 17
Showed he suits the big occasion with probably his most influential
game of the year in Origin I. Tough as nails but can also be used
as a creative outlet from dummy half by the Maroons and provides a
very handy extra kicking option along with Lockyer and
Thurston.
Prop: PETERO CIVONICEVA (Penrith)
Age: 32
Origins: 24
Just doesn't stop. The other member of Queensland's veteran prop
pairing has been grinding out hit-ups and making tackle after
tackle for the Broncos, Panthers, Queensland and Australia for over
a decade.
Second-row: ASHLEY HARRISON (Gold Coast)
Age: 28
Origins: 4
Not as noted as his illustrious teammates but coach Mal Meninga has
great faith in the Titans back-rower, who has settled in nicely to
the Maroons team since his recall last year. A lot of his defensive
work and ball playing goes unnoticed, but he is fine at both
skills.
Second-row: SAM THAIDAY (Brisbane)
Age: 24
Origins: 7
Enthusiastic and passionate, Thaiday is now a key part of both the
Broncos and Queensland packs. Can provide cover for Price and
Civoniceva when the veteran duo need a break. Will be wearing
special boots bearing the Thursday Island flag for game two in
honour of his homeland.
Lock: DALLAS JOHNSON (Melbourne)
Age: 26
Origins: 10
An absolute Maroons workhorse who has been tackling Blues players
fearlessly for the past three series. Not the biggest forward in
the game but gets through a mountain of work defensively and is
renowned for his courage.
INTERCHANGE
KARMICHAEL HUNT (Brisbane)
Age: 22
Origins: 8
Can play anywhere from back-row to fullback making him a perfect
impact player for Origin. An exciting runner with underrated pace,
Hunt is also brave and strong, two key attributes for any Origin
player.
BEN HANNANT (Bulldogs)
Age: 24
Origins: 4
Settled into Origin after making his debut last year and a key
asset on the bench for the Maroons to give Civoniceva and Price
assistance. Has recovered from his bout with swine flu and a strong
runner who always hits the line hard.
NATE MYLES (Sydney Roosters)
Age: 23 (turns 24 on June 24)
Origins: 10
Only 23 but has played a role in every one of Queensland's three
latest series wins. Possibly doesn't get the press of some of his
teammates but Myles is as tough as they come and the Blues will
certainly feel his impact when he comes off the bench.
MICHAEL CROCKER (South Sydney)
Age: 28
Origins: 11
Made for Origin, Crocker is hard, tough and passionate about
playing for Queensland. Had only played two games of NRL football
in 2009 before being thrust back into Origin in Melbourne. Provides
plenty of muscle and go-forward off the bench.
