Origin Watch: Queensland

Paul Green has named his first-ever Queensland squad as they look to hold onto the interstate Shield from their rivals from south of the Tweed.

With a host of players out through injury or suspension the former title-winning coach with the Cowboys has managed to name a side that can do some serious damage.

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We break down the making talking points below. Look out for a full preview early next week.

Strengths

I wrote recently that the back row has become a real weapon for the Maroons and I 100% stand by that.

Felise Kaufusi is an automatic selection for state and country, while David Fifita can be the most destructive back-rower in the game.

Fifita is the key. If he plays well and can get at Nathan Cleary early and often, then Queensland is well on their way to victory. If he allows himself to be contained, as he can have a habit of doing, then the Blues will blunt QLD's biggest weapon.

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Kaufusi is going to put in 80 minutes and will bend the line with every run. You know what you're going to get with the eternally consistent Storm star.

With Munster and Grant fighting fitness, the QLD forwards are going to have to win the early battle to allow their playmakers every advantage that they can.

The middle battle is mouth-watering but the Maroons look as though they can get over their NSW counterparts out wide and this could be the first step on the road to success.