The early Origin debate has begun

Roar Rookie

8th April, 2016

1039 Reads

Anyone can contribute to The Roar and have their work featured alongside some of Australia’s most prominent sports journalists.

Aaron Woods is going to be wearing blue more often, at the Bulldogs. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

Mitch Moore

Roar Rookie

8th April, 2016

1039 Reads

With it nearing the 50-day mark until the rivalry between NSW and Queensland ignites once again, team line ups are becoming a household discussion in both states.

The NSW team line up always involves the most heated discussion due to the eight years Queensland has dominated the Origin arena.

Queensland for the first time since 2006 will have a new coach. Kevin Walters will attempt to carry on what Mal Meninga has accomplished and continue the winning culture Queensland is now accustomed to.

For NSW, Laurie Daley will look to take back the Shield with the NSW Blues at an advantage this year, having two home games at ANZ.

This year Laurie Daley will look to attempt to keep a core group of players in the team but will be forced to blood new young guns for the three matches.

The Queensland team will not change too much, with the retirement of Justin Hodges and the injury to Billy Slater there will be two changes to the backline.

While the forward pack will remain the same, there is a chance for players to push for the bench spot on the team. Here is the Queensland Maroons squad for the 2016 State Of Origin series.

1.Greg Inglis
2.Darius Boyd
3.Will Chambers
4.Dane Nielson
5.Dane Gagai
6.Johnathan Thurston
7.Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9.Cameron Smith
10.Nate Myles
11.Aiden Guerra
12.Sam Thaiday
13.Corey Parker
14.Michael Morgan
15.Chris McQueen
16.Matt Gillett
17.Josh Papali

Laurie Daley will have some major headaches coming up to selection time. There are a lot of players pushing for spots in the team.

Here is the NSW Blues 2016 squad.

1.James Tedesco
2.James Roberts
3.Josh Dugan
4.Josh Morris
5.Brett Morris
6.Blake Austin
7.Aiden Sezer
8.Aaron Woods
9.Robbie Farah
10.James Tamou
11.Greg Bird
12.Ryan Hoffman
13.Paul Gallen
14.Josh Reynolds
15.David Klemmer
16.Ryan James
17.Josh Jackson

Unless any player is struck with injury, these two teams look like the most competitive ones to face each other come June first.

Join the conversation

Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.