Maroons star Billy Slater has been cleared to play in next week’s State of Origin clash.

But with the Blues line-up unchanged, Queensland is still sweating on the availability of Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis.

Josh Bristow reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It wouldn’t be Origin without the annual game of injury hide and seek.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga says fullback Billy Slater’s shoulder won’t hold him back.

The custodian got stuck into a contact session this afternoon.

Mal Meninga, Maroons coach: “Trained really well by himself today, so he was part of all our warm-ups, so I’m saying he is a definite starter.”

But the Maroons centre pairing remains in limbo, with both Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis battling unconventional aliments.

Inglis has tonsillitis, but Hodges might not have a leg to stand on.

The Broncos captain cut his ankle in a collision with a teammate’s bike on the way to training.

Jacob Lillyman, Maroons reserve: “Yeah, I think he is a bit embarrassed, but mate it’s not too bad.”

In contrast, the New South Wales Blues remain program perfect a laid back lead up to a game that is bound to come down to the wire.

Josh Bristow QUT News.