Queensland State of Origin squad
named

A preliminary Queensland squad was named today for the 2004 State of Origin rugby league series with New South Wales.

With Canberra's Clinton Schifcofske again missing out on selection, the Panther's flashy custodian Rhys Wesser and the Storm's wonder-kid at the back Billy Slater are set to fight out the Queensland fullback job after both were included in a 22-man State of Origin squad named today.

Test captain Darren Lockyer moving to five-eighth this year has provided Wesser and Slater with the opportunity to cement the role. Corey Parker from the Broncos and Ben Ross from the Panthers are the only forwards yet to play at this level.

The selectors have also put faith in Shannon Hegarty to make a successful return from injury.

The full list reads:

Matt Bowen (Cowboys) Shaun Berrigan (Broncos) Dane Carlaw (Broncos) Tonie Carroll (Broncos) Petero Civoniceva (Broncos) Michael Crocker (Roosters) Chris Flannery (Roosters) Josh Hannay (Cowboys) Shannon Hegarty (Roosters) Justin Hodges (Roosters) Darren Lockyer (Broncos) Travis Norton (Cowboys) Corey Parker (Broncos) Steven Price (Bulldogs) Ben Ross (Panthers) Matt Sing (Cowboys) Billy Slater (Storm) Cameron Smith (Storm) Brent Tate (Broncos) Chris Walker (Roosters) Shane Webcke (Broncos) Rhys Wesser (Panthers)