State of Origin

A great support player, who has a knack for being at the right place at the right time. He is also a very solid defender at the back.

Has the potential to be a match-winner, no matter where on the field he is playing.

Explosive pace and footwork will keep Queensland defenders on their toes.

Has returned to his best, solid in defence, but his strength is running with the ball.

One of the strongest ball runners in the game. He will get into dummy-half often and NSW will rely on Uate to get their sets off to a good start.

It’s been a long time coming for Carney, who has returned to his best this year. He will look to drift across field with pace and either hit a forward on the inside, or go himself around flat-footed defenders. Has a great step and handy kicking game.

Showed signs in last year’s series that he could be the halfback to lead NSW to their first series victory since 2005. His combination with Todd Carney will be crucial for the Blues.

NSW’s captain courageous will not stop running or tackling. Has great power and will look to spin in tackles to offload and create second phase play.

Will be looking to silence the critics, Farah is an attacking player with plenty of creativity and a great kicking game.

A massive forward who will be looking to do one thing, run hard and straight.

One of the most gifted forwards in the NRL. Glenn has an all-round game that could trouble Queensland, great hands, good passing game and a strong ball-runner.

Seasoned professional who can cover numerous positions on the field. Defensively solid.

Uncompromising forward, once labelled a ‘bash-brother’ with Paul Gallen. Will look to hit hard and often in defence, his role is that of an intimidator.

Has had a taste of Origin now and will be better for the run. His job will be to hit the ball-up and get quick play the balls.

Surprise selection in the NSW team, a utility player with huge potential, great ball skills and can play dummy-half if needed.

Will attack an edge all day for the Blues and will be looking to target the Maroons smaller men at every opportunity.

The massive x-factor for the Blues, will look to torment the Maroons and will be trying to run over everybody. Could be a game changer when he gets on the field.

One of the best fullbacks the game has ever seen. Lightning pace, elusive and a strong presence in the air both in attack and defence.

Has been down on form this year with the Knights, but has never let Queensland down.

The man NSW fear more than any other, his ability with ball in hand has been destructive. Great fend, powerful running game, a massive headache for NSW players and supporters.

Asks plenty of questions of defenders, he will get into dummy-half and make 10 metres a carry. Also very solid in defence.

Returns after a three-year hiatus. Has played 15 games for the Maroons and never lets them down. Great talker in defence and has a strong fend.

Showing signs of being back to his best. Has been involved in every game during the six consecutive series wins and will be looking to expose NSW at every opportunity. The bigger the game, the better Thurston plays.

The ultimate professional, finally gets his chance to start an Origin game. Can execute a gameplan like no other. Will look to control the game and get his backs into the game where possible.

Has arguably taken Civoniceva’s mantle as the game’s premier prop. Makes massive metres and is constantly bending a defensive line backwards.

Everything starts with Smith at hooker, he controls the game in attack and defence and is an integral part of the battle of the middle of the field. Also likes to score from dummy-half against the Blues.

One of Queensland’s best ever forwards, the old warhorse just keeps going forward and carrying defenders on his back. This will be his last series and it could prove a source of inspiration for his teammates looking to send him out a winner.

Will tackle himself into the ground, get up and do it all over again.

Great leg speed and ball skills, he will be looking to target NSW’s smaller defenders on an edge.

An absolute workhorse who tidies up the middle of the field, played every minute of the 2011 series.

Makes his debut for the Maroons as a utility player. Has great upper body strength and a deft passing game, and can fill-in pretty much anywhere on the field.

The monstrous forward has hit career best form, runs hard and has incredible ball skills for a man of his size. His match-up with Tony Williams should prove interesting.

Has a massive engine, strong ball-running and a quick play-the-ball. If he is on his game, Cronk and Thurston will have a field day with NSW’s retreating defenders.

Big, tall and strong, Shillington will be looking to power through the middle of the field.