The Maroons joined Origin training camp on the Gold Coast this morning but three star players sat out.

Queensland is still the red hot favourite to take out Game One at Suncorp, next week.

Jim Malo reports.

TRANSCRIPT

There was one thing on everyone’s mind at training, winning Origin One.

Veteran lock, Corey Parker, says prop Matt Scott is Queensland’s new Shane Webcke and will show phenomenal form at next Wednesday’s opener.

And Aidan Guerra has remarkable versatility.

Corey Parker, Maroons Lock: “He can play on an edge. He can play backrow. He can play on the centres. And he’s been playing great football for the Roosters.”

Some key Maroons were on light duties.

Slater, Hodges and Smith were absent this morning but the three star players will be back before Wednesday night.

They weren’t far off though, nursing their injuries in the spa.

Come game time they’ll be in top form.

Corey Parkey, Maroons Lock: “Our processes haven’t changed and like you said it is a year apart but it’s good to get back in and get the ball rolling again.”

But one Origin debutante is not so certain.

Aidan Guerra, Maroons Player: “I’ve been nervous before but I don’t really get too nervous but I’ve never played on a stage like this so I’ll know the answer to that about ten minutes before kick off I’ll say.”

After the uproar over this year’s ticket prices, another 1,400 seats were filled yesterday.

Looking the part doesn’t come cheap either, although fans have been happy to spend big on merchandise.

Lou Murray, Owner of ‘What’s Your Team’: “Jerseys are obviously the big ticket items so they’re always a lot more expensive. You’re looking at $160 for an adult jersey.”

Jim Malo, QUT News.