Let's Talk Origin - Queensland's 17

With team selection just a week away, we take a look at how the Maroons are shaping up for game one of this year's series.

QUEENSLAND

1. DARIUS BOYD - Despite a dominant record of 16 tries in 23 Origin games on the wing, Boyd looks set to shift to the custodian role after a strong debut in the number one for Australia. The best in the business at chiming into a backline and ball-playing, Boyd will be a constant threat inside the Blues red zone and is also showing signs his pace has improved in recent weeks.

2. COREY OATES - This big, strong and powerful specimen looks set to continue his rapid rise with an Origin debut for game one. Bolted into the frame early in the year with his robust running style and athletic finishing ability on the left flank for Brisbane. Has continued on his merry way since and with 9 tries from 8 games this year, now looks like the first winger picked.

3. GREG INGLIS - Appeared a sure thing to be the Maroons fullback when Billy Slater was ruled out for the season early in the year, but a recent shift back into the frontline for club and country have left little doubt that GI will assume his customary left centre role come Origin one. Seems to be moving a lot more freely in recent weeks and with a record 17 Origin tries to his name is ready to rumble for Queensland once more.

4. JUSTIN O'NEILL - Looks a strong chance to claim an Origin debut ahead of Dane Gagai who's struggling for form and confidence for the Knights this year. No stranger to the big stage, O'Neill has played a hand in two premiership winning teams, scoring a try in both Grand Finals. His ready-made combination with fellow Cowboy Kyle Feldt on the right is an added bonus.  

5. KYLE FELDT - With 25 tries in 31 games, Feldt has proven to be one of the best finishers in the game in his short career with plenty of acrobatic efforts finishing on the highlight reels. More impressive though is his sheer competitive nature which suits the Maroons culture down to the ground.

6. JOHNATHAN THURSTON - After a long awaited Grand Final win for the Cowboys last year, JT could have been forgiven for tapering off somewhat this year. Of course, the competitor that he is meant that would never be the case. With a league high 17 try assists and 13 line-break assists, Thurston is still the most creative half in the land and will be at his scheming best again throughout this year's series. 

7. COOPER CRONK - Still the coolest head in Rugby League, Cronk has assured the Melbourne Storm remain at an elite level steering the ship with constant professionalism. His passing, kicking and running games are all still top notch making him the most complete number seven in the game.

8. MATT SCOTT - Any fears the 30 year old Scott would slow down at rep level this year were put to bed in a dominant front-rowers performance for the Kangaroos recently. The Cowboys enforcer helped lay a dominant platform against a strong Kiwi forward pack with a hard running physical performance. Looks set for another strong Origin series donning his beloved Maroon.

9. CAMERON SMITH © - A class footballer in the purest sense, Smith will go past the great Darren Lockyer for Origin caps in game one running out for the 37th time at the top level. Still working his heart out in defence and playing with great control around the ruck, the Maroons skipper will lead from the front once again.

10. NATE MYLES - Reportedly under some pressure to retain his spot in the 17 after some self-admitted below par form for new club Manly this year. There are some blokes that you can just give an Origin jersey to and away they go, performing the same job they always have. Nate Myles is one of those blokes. Blues players and fans hate seeing him on the paddock and the 2012 Wally Lewis Medal winner will remind everyone why when game one rolls around.

11. AIDAN GUERRA - With two solid Origin series under his belt, Guerra now looks a staple in the Maroons setup and will likely retain his spot in the run-on team. Does the same job week in week out with his awkward running style making him a handful to bring to ground and has the ability to pop an offload at a crucial time.

12. MATT GILLETT - Turned in a solid run-on debut for Australia recently with his typically no-nonsense but physical approach to everything he does. Looks set to patrol the Maroons right edge throughout the series. Still leads the competition for one on one tackles, a skill that can't be underestimated in Origin when players often find themselves under fatigue one on one with a player late in the contest.

13. COREY PARKER - The Broncos 34 year old veteran is still toiling away at the highest level and leads from the front on a weekly basis. Seems to have put his crafty offload to bed in recent seasons, but under the coaching of Kevin Walters could be set to bring it back into play for the Maroons this year.

INTERCHANGE

14. MICHAEL MORGAN - Such is his continued excellent form and strong running game this year, there would have to be some temptation to have Morgan out there from the opening whistle playing one wider at right centre. For the overall balance of the squad though he's likely to assume his bench utility role. Had a strong debut in national colours recently and will have Blues defenders on high alert when he does hit the pitch.

15. SAM THAIDAY - Was shifted back to the bench for the Broncos at the start of the season to better balance their 17 and assumed the same role for Australia in the recent Test match. Brings the versatility of being able to play in the middle or on an edge and with 25 games of Origin experience will be sure to give the Maroons a lift when he comes on.

16. JOSH McGUIRE - After missing last year's series decider through injury, McGuire will be set to make up for the missed opportunity to taste Origin success. Made an impressive debut for the Kangaroos coming off the bench, continuing on the job of laying a solid platform that his starting front-rowers did before him. Possessing good footwork at the line, pure strength and a big engine, McGuire is capable of making a sustained impact when coming onto the field of battle. 

17. JOSH PAPALII - Despite failing to make an impact for the Aussies recently, looks set to claim the final spot on the bench ahead of veteran bookend Jacob Lillyman. Bounced back with a strong game for the Raiders on the weekend and his versatility of playing as a middle or edge forward along with youth on his side likely gets him the nod.