Origin Watch: Queensland

Following a fairly dominant performance by those in Maroon in Origin One, I can't see too many changes being made for game two.

If any!

Despite the four point margin, the Queenslanders were far the better side in the series opener.

They trailed 8-0 at the break but could have easily been four points up if not for a combination of miracle defense and failing to ground the ball properly.

Off hand I honestly can't think of any changes I'd make.

Ben Hunt was best on ground despite playing in the middle. He made over 50 tackles and made some huge plays including nailing a momentum shifting 40/20.

DCE was electric in his first game as captain of his state.

Will Chambers convincingly won his personal battle with Latrell Mitchell.

Kayln Ponga was almost flawless and will genuinely challenge James Tedesco for the green and gold number one.

Moses Mbye won't have scored high on anyone's rating board but he did his job.

He was picked just in case. He was there to fill in where needed. The be an extra option. Ultimately he wasn't called upon for anything meaningful but what he did do, he did well.

Every decision Kevin Walters made paid off and surely the triumphant team from last Wednesdays battle is again named Monday morning.

Sounds very simple in theory but a week is a long time in rugby league and anything could happen in even a split second.

Below are some fringe QLDers who will be pushing for selection should anything go wrong over this weekend's round of games.

Jarrod Wallace

In my mind the Titans prop was desperately unlucky to miss selection in game one.

His form had been decent and his efforts for the state in his five previous appearances have always been good. Very good even.

I can't see him working his way back into the side over Papalii, Arrow or Napa but if anything happens to any of those three, the Titans bookend is surely getting the call.

He ran for a game high 235 metres on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp.

This was in a game against potential Origin opponents Payne Haas and Matt Lodge, and topped teammate Jai Arrow.

There were also three tackle breaks and an offload.

This after 210 metres made the week prior against the might of the Cowboys pack.

He couldn't have done much more to earn a recall and has firmly placed himself at the front of the que should there be any hiccups in the props.

AJ Brimson

Straight up there is just on zero chance the Titans utility is even in the thinking for game two, but I hope he's called into camp.

He's already played for the Queenslander under 20s and now that he's FINALLY been selected in the run on side at club level is showing signs of great promise.

The 20 year old speedster is the perfect utility option in the future. I'd look to fast track Brimson into the scene, even as a shadow player.

Mbye will hold onto the utility role if he makes it through the weekend but Brimson fits the utility role to perfection.

Just at home in the halves as at fullback, the Titans are a far better side with the extremely talented youngster in the side.

I wouldn't go so far as to say Brimson is a future Origin certainly but the Maroons will be keen to involve him sooner rather than later.

Gavin Cooper

The Cowboys mainstay is about to bring up his 300th NRL game.

If anything happens over the weekend to a back rower it's surely the man who has six Origins to his name in Cooper to the rescue.

He hasn't had the same danger in attack since the retirement of partner in crime in Thurston but is still quality.

Cooper brings experience and would seamlessly slot in if called upon.

At 1-0 up in the series, Cooper may find himself in the 'Prior' spot if required.

Prior was called into Origin two last season to provide an experienced head with little risk.

Cooper was unlucky to miss Origin One for younger options but may find himself being kitted up if anything goes array over the weekend.

Honestly I can't see any changes for such a huge contest, but Wallace and Cooper are ready in the wings while Brimson is a future QLD utility in waiting.