Halves debate rages

Queensland's hottest State of Origin debate in years will be settled today when selectors decide where to play skipper Darren Lockyer in Wednesday week's crucial second match.

There has been a massive push for Lockyer to move from five-eighth to fullback for the clash, a move which allow Wests Tigers halfback Scott Prince to partner North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston in the halves. The NSW halfback position also remains a hot-bed of discussion, with Origin I hero Brett Finch under pressure to keep his job from Manly's Matt Orford.

Blues selectors may also gamble with picking Penrith's Craig Gower at number seven, with Panthers' club doctor James Harrison rating the playmaker an 80 or 90 per cent chance of being fit after undergoing knee surgery two weeks ago.

NSW will name its team for Origin II at 11am, with Queensland to follow at 2pm.