Queensland will be looking to regain the Shield that has resided in the Sunshine state for the large percentage of the past decade.

Mainstays such as Cronk, Smith, Slater, Thurston, Holmes, Boyd and Thaiday have all moved on from the rep set up in the past two years, meaning there's a chance we'll see some new blood in 2019.

A lot depends on where Kevin Walkers plays his big three stars in Morgan, Munster and Ponga. You'd have to think they'd be fullback, six and seven, with Ben Hunt at nine or in the utility spot.

The forwards look set for a shake up, while the centre position is possibly open for the first time in a long time.

Truthfully I can't see too many grand changes but below are a few options for possible debuts come Origin One. In no particular order, here are some possible names.

2. Jake Granville

Andrew McCullough, for all his toughness, dedication and defensive work, seemed to lack the spark needed in Origin during his three Origin appearances. Ben Hunt was chosen over him for a Kangaroos jersey in the number one and I'd hazard a guess that Hunt will play nine again this season. If the QLD'ers are looking for a sparky number nine to start or come off the bench then look no further than Jake Granville.

A Premiership winning number nine and arguably the most attacking of the three options, the Cowboys rake presents an interesting option. QLD's best two utility players are Morgan and Hunt, both of whom I expect to start. Ponga would be next, but looks set to also start. Granville would probably edge Milford in that Milford only real plays halves or possibly fullback, and in Munster, Ponga, Hunt and Morgan, QLD have those positions covered. Granville could come into consideration.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Jake Granville of the Cowboys looks to pass the ball during the round seven NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at 1300SMILES Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

6 COMMENTS

  3. As a Queensland supporter I would reject most of them as simply not being good enough. Maybe Fafita and Lee but forget the rest.
    I’d even reject Ponga. I personally don’t think he’s ready . Yes he has potential but he makes too many errors and on many occasions, once he gets the ball, he doesn’t always know what to do with it. He needs more experience yet.
    Are you a Queenslander? Or just trying to lob us with the also rans?

  4. Early days yet but I’d be happy with something like this. Ben Hunt is rocks and diamonds, too risky for me.

    1. Ponga
    2. Oates
    3. Chambers
    4. GI (c)
    5. Gagai
    6. Munster
    7. DCE
    8. Napa
    9. Friend
    10. Maguire
    11. Gillett
    12. Kaufusi
    13. Arrow
    14. Morgan
    15. Papalli
    16. Hess
    17. Fifita
    18. Offa
    19. Milford

  5. Good squad, I’d have a similar squad to you aswell:

    1. Ponga
    2. Oates
    3. Chambers
    4. Inglis
    5. Gagai
    6. Munster
    7. Morgan
    8. Napa
    9. Friend
    10. McGuire
    11. Gillett
    12. Kaufusi
    13. Arrow

    14. Hunt
    15. Papalii
    16. Hess
    17. Fifita
    18. Sua

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