The Queensland Maroons have announced a 21-man squad ahead of their clash with the Blues in the first game of the November Origin series
Coach Wayne Bennett is expected to bring a host of new faces with eight debutants named in the top 17 for when the Maroons face the Blues at Adelaide Oval next Wednesday
AJ Brimson, Xavier Coates, Brenko Lee, Phillip Sami, Jake Friend, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins and Jaydn Su’A are the debutants named at this point in the top 17
The Maroons suffered a number of cruel beatings ahead of today’s announcement with Valentine Holmes (available after Game 1), Kalyn Ponga and David Fifita all excluded
Brimson, 22, looks set to take over as a full-back in place of injured Ponga as Coates and Sami occupy both wing positions as Lee joins Gagai in the middle
Ami, three-time winner of the first Coosters position, will start hooker with Fa’asuamaleaui occupying the lockdown position Collins and Su’A both come out of the trade
Kurt Capewell, Moeaki Fotuaika, Dunamis Lui and Hymel Hunt have all been named to the extended bench and if selected in the top 17 will make their Origin debut
State of Origin Series, Wayne Bennett, Sydney Roosters, Queensland, New South Wales Rugby League Team, Melbourne Storm
World News – AU – Eight debutants named in the new look of the Maroons
