Queensland great Gorden Tallis has named his Queensland side for the upcoming origin series in November onย Fox Sports.

Tallis, a Queenslander through and through, has opted to go with an injection of youth with a healthy mix of quality experience as the Maroons attempt to put a halt on the Blues' ambitions for an Origin three-peat.

โ€œFullback Iโ€™ve got Ponga and on the wings Iโ€™ve got AJ Brimson and Valentine Holmes,โ€ Tallis said.

โ€œIn the centres I have Gagai and Panthers utility Kurt Capewell. I think he is going great at the Panthers. He is one of those versatile guys that can pop in the centres.

โ€œThe halves are Munster and DCE. The front row is Josh Papalii and Lindsay Collins from the Roosters. I think he is having a great season.

โ€œIโ€™ve got Cameron Smith at No.9. I would certainly be making that call.

โ€œThe back row is Kaufusi, Jaydn Suโ€™A from the Rabbitohs and Jai Arrow from the Titans.

โ€œOn the bench Iโ€™ve got Ben Hunt, Josh McGuire, Tino Faโ€™asuamaleaui from the Storm and Moeaki Fotuaika from the Titans.โ€

Tallis would love to see Cameron Smith go around at Origin level one last time, and with new coach Wayne Bennett not shying away in the past from bringing legends back into the Origin fold, this could be that time.

โ€œHe is our greatest ever No.9 and if he is going to retire and he still has those itchy feet,โ€ Tallis said.

โ€œIt is three games for Cameron and you get to play your last game in Queensland, so I think it would be huge.

โ€œHe is already up here. He knows what it is like to pull the jersey on. If he is not a 100 per cent sure and Melbourne Storm go all the way it is not hard for the old timer to come back.

โ€œI think we respected his decision the last time, but this time as an old player, Iโ€™d be giving him a call and say Cam come out of retirement mate.โ€

Tallis' 2020 Maroons side

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. AJ Brimson

3. Kurt Capewell

4. Dane Gagai

5. Valentine Holmes

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Josh Papalii

9. Cameron Smith

10. Lindsay Collins

11. Jaydn Suโ€™A

12. Felise Kaufusi

13. Jai Arrow

14. Ben Hunt

15. Josh McGuire

16. Tino Faโ€™asuamaleaui

17. Moeaki Fotuaika

1 COMMENT

  1. Solid ish team considering the injuries and lack of talent in areas.
    Brimson on the wing is a big target and would get exposed. Kurt Capewell canโ€™t really say heโ€™s been nice considering heโ€™s only played three games at the Panthers because of injury and only 1 80 minute performance. Lindsay Collins also probably a bit raw as a starter.

    Iโ€™d have it
    1. Ponga
    2. Oates
    3. Mann
    4. Holmes
    5. Gagai
    6. Munster
    7. DCE
    8. Pappalii
    9. Mahoney
    10. McQuire
    11. Capewell
    12. Kaufusi
    13. Arrow

    14. Hunt
    15. Fotuaika
    16. Napa
    17. Faamausili

    Extra squad members
    AJ Brimson, Pat Carrigan, Coen Hess, Phillip Sami, Corey Horsbrough, Jayden Suโ€™a, Harry Grant

    Iโ€™d have Kurt Mann at centre. Heโ€™s had an excellent season particularly at fiveight. Heโ€™s played centre in the past at the Storm and Dragons. Which means Capewell can start in the second row over Suโ€™a who I think has had a good couple weeks but would struggle at the next level. On the bench Iโ€™ve gone for Dylan Napa also just for some experience and size with Tino and Fotu on debut.

    Think we should try win the battle of the middle cause out wide itโ€™s going to be tough. We have the size and experience of Big Pappi and McQuire, plus Arrow the world horse. Mahoney is smart and good on both attack and defence and then with Munster DCE Ponga and co all running through the middle and occasionally out wide we should carve up.

    Target Paul Vaughan who is out of form, Haas and D Saifiti both not hugely experienced. Beat them at their own game in the middle. Especially with the impact off the bench with Big Tino Napa and Fotu. Can just keep play 100% and roll dudes off the bench

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