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.

3. Jake Friend

If the Maroons are looking for a starting number nine, Friend could be in line for a call up many expected to come after the retirement of Cameron Smith. This would push Hunt back to the bench as I don't see Friend coming off the pine. Another Premiership winning number nine, Friend and Granville are surely neck and neck if Walters wants to move away from McCullough. The more I type, the more I believe Friend might be a fair bit ahead of Granville. He's always played well in big games and I honestly can't remember the bad game he had. Perfect for Origin.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Jake Friend of the Roosters warms up before the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/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?

    • 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

      • 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