The Maroons Origin team is tonight firmly entrenched at their Gold Coast training camp. Coach Kevin Walters has included two debutantes in the Queensland side, named last night.

Charlie Hodgetts reports.

TRANSCRIPT

For some players this was the biggest night of their career. A captive audience at RNA Showgrounds waiting to hear who’ll be in the line up to take it to the Blues.

In the mix two young guns Corey Oates and Justin O’Neil joined a squad of seasoned players.

After all last night’s fanfare, today the pair set their sights on a Maroons victory.

The barnstorming winger Oates comes in to add some size and grunt in the backline.

Corey Oattes, Maroons winger: “Honestly just a dream come true and the week the boys said to enjoy it so I’m just trying to soak it all up.”

Two time premiership winning centre O’Neil replaces former Origin star Justin Hodges.

The Maroons selectors have always been known for siding with loyalty and experience, and this team is no exception with 14 players from last years winning side getting a recall. Including the struggling Nate Myles and Newcastle Knight Dane Gagi.

The Maroons are looking to turn around their form down south, where they’ve only won two of their past six games.

Kevin Walters, Maroons Coach: “We’re going to put in all our energy into the next period of time leading into that game and we’ll see how we go.”

Game one kicks off next Wednesday at ANZ Stadium.

Charlie Hodgetts, QUT news.