Webcke still a Queenslander

In an early season boost to their State of Origin campaign, Queensland have received the welcome news that Broncos stalwart Shane Webcke will make himself available to the Maroons this year.

Following Gorden Tallis' decision to leave the rep scene in 2004, many observers thought Webcke may do the same in 2005, particularly with the draining season he had last year culminating in the Tri-Series Tour of Great Britain.

Club coach Wayne Bennett also took a breather down from Origin duties for the same reason, but after one sniff of action in 2005, Webcke is raring to go. The big fella shed some weight over the off season and now tips the scales at a healthier 110kg, which may well see him continue his stranglehold on the world's best prop tag this season.