While Queensland doesn't quite have the uncertainty New South Wales has had in the Maroons' decade of dominance, they still have their own selection dilemmas to ponder.
After a successful 2017 series, it will be a vastly different looking spine for Kevin Walters' side, with the likes of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and most recently, Cameron Smith all hanging up the Maroons' jersey.
Ahead of this year's State of Origin series, which begins on June 6 in Melbourne, former Queensland legend Gorden Tallis has joined the list of experts in predicting Queensland's team.
A veteran of over 200 NRL games and a former Kangaroos representative, on top of his infamous apperances for the Maroons, Tallis couldn't find room for Darius Boyd.
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“It’s a changing of the guard,” Tallis told Fox Sports' The Late Show With Matty Johns.
GORDY'S QUEENSLAND TEAM
1. Billy Slater
2. Dane Gagai
3. Will Chambers
4. Greg Inglis
5. Valentine Holmes
6. Cameron Munster
7. Ben Hunt
8. Matt Scott
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Dylan Napa
11. Felise Kaufusi
12. Gavin Cooper
13. Josh McGuire
Interchange
14. Michael Morgan
15. Josh Papalii
16. Jai Arrow
17. Jarrod Wallace
KEY TALKING POINTS
No room for Darius Boyd or Corey Oates in the Maroons' backline
“I think Darius has been unbelievable for Queensland,” Tallis said.
“I’m not saying he is not going to get picked, but the reason he played wing for Queensland is that we didn’t have specialist wingers that were good enough.
“I think the way Valentine Holmes is playing and the confidence he has got back from playing on the wing for Cronulla he deserves a spot.
“Dane Gagai is just an Origin player and won the Wally Lewis Medal last year and he takes the tough carries.”
Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt win the halves positions, Michael Morgan named as the utility
“I think the way that Ben Hunt has played at No.7 and the Dragons are at the top of the table, he deserves a spot," Tallis said.
“He had a number of good games for the Broncos at No.9 last season, but I think he has earned the right to play halfback for Queensland."
Andrew McCullough replaces Cameron Smith ahead of Jake Granville and Jake Friend
“I was thinking of picking Hunt at No.9, but I just think McCullough is an 80 minute player and with Cameron Smith gone you need someone with a bit of stability,” Tallis said.
“I’ve picked Morgan on the bench because I think Munster has played better than him this year."
Felise Kaufusi and Jai Arrow to debut
“I think Jai Arrow could be our next Trevor Gillmeister as one of those smaller guys that gets underestimated, but plays a lot of good tough games for Queensland,” Tallis said.
While Matt Scott and Josh McGuire have been named despite both being under injury clouds.
THE EXPERTS WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THEIR SAY
Queensland: Ben Ikin names new captain, Mal Meninga and Justin Hodges lethal side
New South Wales: Rothfield backs Blues' pace weapons, Matty Johns names his new rake , Sporting News' predicted side.
Back in his playing days, Tallis was involved in one of the most famous Origin moments of all time when he seemingly 'man-handled' former Blues' fullback Brett Hodgson over the sideline in 2002 in Sydney.
And for those who asked, here it is:
Both State of Origin teams will be named on Monday.
