Old fashioned arm wrestle in the
making

New South Wales has set the scene for an old-fashioned State of Origin arm wrestle with its selection of Shaun Timmins at five-eighth for game one in Brisbane. Blues coach Phil Gould and chairman of selectors Bob Mccarthy have conceded Timmins' selection has been made with his defence in mind.

Gould says the Blues want to be defensively strong for the opening game at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.

Queensland chairman of selectors Gene Miles believes the wheel has turned in the traditional war between the interstate rivals after the tactics employed by New South Wales.

Miles says Queensland went defensive after being beaten in 2000 and in 2001 and the Blues have now decided to follow their lead.