Let's Talk Origin - Queensland XVII

Over the next two weeks we'll bring you who we think will make the 17 man squads for the Blues and Maroons.

Whilst there's still plenty of question marks on the makeup of the New South Wales team, the Queensland team is really starting to take shape, so this week we'll focus on them.

So here we go... let's talk #ORIGIN.

QUEENSLAND

1. BILLY SLATER - Returned from an injury layoff on Sunday and turned in a vintage display against the Eels crossing the chalk for a double. There would have been some temptation to move Greg Inglis to the back, but Slater is arguably the greatest number one in Queensland's rich history and deserves the loyalty that will be shown.

2. WILL CHAMBERS - Has been in stellar form for Melbourne this year, resulting in his Test debut just over a week ago. Proved himself at Origin level with a strong debut in the Maroons dominant win in game three last year.

3. JUSTIN HODGES - Overlooked for Australian selection but Coach Mal Meninga has already stated the Broncos ace will wear maroon again this year. The ultimate competitor is still making a big impact on every game he plays, turning up at crucial times with a big play. Knows how to get under the skins of the New South Welshman better than anyone, a trait that can't be underestimated.

4. GREG INGLIS - Will again play in the centres to accommodate Billy Slater. With 15 Origin tries to his name playing out wide, it's scary to think what he could do from the back. The Maroons brain trust will no doubt be plotting more ways to get his hands on the ball more despite him being picked in the centres.

5. DARIUS BOYD - Returned to the paddock on Friday night for his first game of footy since July last year. Must be some question marks returning to this level after so long out of the game, but the coach has already backed him and he will again be blessed to play on the end of the Maroons all conquering backline.

6. JOHNATHAN THURSTON - What more can you say about this future immortal who will again play a vital role in his state's fortunes. Has been one of the competitions best so far this year and still competes as hard as any player in the game.

7. COOPER CRONK - After a slightly slow start to the season by his lofty standards, has started to pick up the pace in recent weeks. No one would have taken Australia's recent loss to the Kiwis more personally and he'll be hell bent on turning in a big one for the Maroons.

8. MATTHEW SCOTT - A below par Test match from the Cowboys enforcer should have him pumped up to prove he can still mix it with the best. Watch him grow another leg when pulling on the Maroons jersey.

9. CAMERON SMITH© - Still as crafty as ever out of dummy half and still works the house down in defence, a fact that often gets overlooked because of the attention he gets with the ball. Always composed under pressure, the skipper will again be leading from the front.

10. NATE MYLES - Like his front-row partner, failed to make any real impact at Test level recently but has proven up to the challenge time and time again at Origin level. Always works his guts out for his state and you wouldn't expect any less this time round.

11. SAM THAIDAY - Many pundits were questioning his future at rep level earlier this year after he was benched by his club side Brisbane. But the shakeup was just what the doctor ordered with Thaiday now playing some of his best football in years. Was one of the few Australian forwards to take it to the rampaging Kiwis and will be sure to fire up again for the Maroons this year.

12. AIDAN GUERRA - Thrived when given the opportunity to debut for the Maroons in last year's series. Guerra made a timely return from injury for the Roosters on the weekend and didn't miss a beat in another 80 minute display. Has a real knack of breaking out of tackles and gaining extra metres.

13. COREY PARKER - Still one of the hardest working forwards in the NRL, Parker showed he's still up to this level with a strong display for the Kangaroos recently. Has always generated plenty of second phase play in the past for the Maroons, a vital cog in getting his team on an attacking role.

Interchange

14. DALY CHERRY-EVANS - Has had plenty of off-field distractions this year but is starting to get back to his magical best. The Manly number seven has played a crucial role in his side's much needed back to back wins. Will again be given the nod to fill the bench utility role ahead of emerging stars Ben Hunt and Michael Morgan.

15. JOSH McGUIRE - Has been on the brink of selection for the Maroons for a couple of years now but is looking more and more likely to debut this year. The workhorse front-rower probably sealed his selection with a man of the match performance for the Broncos on Friday night. When the game was on the line, McGuire churned up some valuable yards, giving his side the chance for what looked an unlikely victory.

16. DYLAN NAPA - There's no doubt Scott and Myles will lift for the Maroons but it may be time Queensland lessens their workload by picking two young props on the bench. The Roosters firebrand has impressed with increasing game time this year and looks like one of those players born to play Origin. Has the potential to wreak havoc off the bench.

17. MATT GILLETT - The Broncos back-rower has looked a bit below his best this year but has always made an impact off the bench for the Maroons. Is likely to be shown the same loyalty as the likes of Hodges and Boyd, but could be under pressure to perform in game one with the likes of Josh Papalii and Ethan Lowe knocking on the door.