Veteran Bronco lock Corey Parker has ended six years in Origin exile by gaining a spot on Queensland’s bench for next week’s opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Parker played the last of his three Origin matches in 2005 but his irresistible club form has demanded selectors find a place for him in the 17 man squad.
Having recently re-signed at the Broncos Parker, 29, has developed into a genuine leader at the club and his high quality work-rate will be well suited to Origin I.
Parker is joined on the bench by fellow Origin returnee Jacob Lillyman, with the Warriors forward playing the last of his four games in 2008.
Lillyman this season has developed into a front rower and been seen as Steve Price’s replacement at the New Zealand-based club.
Their inclusions have forced David Taylor out of the team in the only unforced change from last season’s successful whitewash squad - but he has been named 18th man.
However in a major blow to Queensland’s bid for a sixth straight Origin series, gun centre Greg Inglis was ruled out last night with a hip injury.
Inglis undertook hip surgery in the off-season and suffered a reoccurrence early in the May 6 Test Match against New Zealand.
The ruling came just days after his expected centre partner Justin Hodges tore a hamstring in Brisbane’s loss to Penrith on Friday night.
While both are hopeful of playing some role in the series, there is a strong chance they could join fellow Queensland centre Brent Tate in missing all three games through injury.
Nielsen debuts
The injury crisis has given Melbourne Storm centre Dane Nielsen a chance to debut for Queensland next week.
Nielsen, 25, is in his fourth season at the Storm and last year cemented his place in a star-studded backline.
He beat Titans pair William Zillman and Steve Michaels to the vacant backline spot with Darius Boyd and Jharal Yow Yeh walk up starters for the wing positions.
Cowboys centre Willie Tonga, who would have been unlucky to miss selection to a fully fit Inglis and Hodges, claims the other centre spot and his combination with Johnathan Thurston is likely to be a major attacking weapon.
Matt Scott completes the Cowboys representatives while the Broncos are contributing five players with captain Darren Lockyer joining Parker, Yow Yeh, Sam Thaiday and Ben Hannant.
Harrison retained
Titans back-rower Ashley Harrison has held off a challenge from the Cowboys Dallas Johnson despite mixed club form in 2011.
Maroons veteran Johnson was unable to force his way into the winning team after playing the 2010 season in the English Super League however his form at the Cowboys left him close to selection and likely the next in line should a position become available.
Harrison has struggled at times in a poorly performed Gold Coast side however his Origin credentials and past performances were strong enough to ensure he was retained.
Team-mate Greg Bird is in the New South Wales side and they are the only two Titans to feature in next week’s Origin opener.
NRL Byes
The three Queensland-based NRL sides all have the weekend off after a tough 10-week start to the season.
The Cowboys and Broncos enter the bye in fourth and fifth position having both won seven games and lost three.
North Queensland came from behind to defeat Parramatta 40-26 last weekend and extended their unbeaten run at Dairy Farmers Stadium to five matches.
Meanwhile the Broncos turned in a very flat performance on Friday night against a hot Penrith side as Brisbane slipped to their second straight loss.
After losing 12-16 to Manly last night, the Gold Coast sit in 15th position with just three wins and play seven of their next 10 matches away from home.
Queensland vs. NSW, Origin I, Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday May 25th.
Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm), Darius Boyd (St George-Illawarra Dragons), Dane Nielsen (Melbourne Storm), Willie Tonga (North Queensland Cowboys), Jharal Yow Yeh (Brisbane Broncos), Darren Lockyer (captain, Brisbane Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys), Matt Scott (North Queensland Cowboys), Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers), Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters), Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos), Ashley Harrison (Gold Coast Titans). Interchange: Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm), Ben Hannant (Brisbane Broncos), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos). 18th Man - David Taylor (South Sydney Rabbitohs).
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