Queensland have played down concerns for Josh Papalii after the bench forward left the Maroons’ first official training session early with a knee complaint.
But lock Josh McGuire has admitted every Maroons forward is on notice ahead of Wednesday night’s must win State of Origin game two in Sydney.
Canberra’s Papalii only underwent light drills before icing his keen and leaving Queensland’s first full session at their Gold Coast camp on Friday.
McGuire said it was just precautionary for Papalii who will play a big role as an impact player after Queensland coach Kevin Walters finally confirmed his 17 on Friday.
After naming his squad alphabetically on Monday, Walters unveiled his line-up with Billy Slater returning to fullback, Darius Boyd moving to the centres and Gold Coast rookie Jarrod Wallace starting in the front row with Dylan Napa.
“He’s a big body and very important to our team – there’s no point trying to push people through at this time of year,” McGuire said of Papalii’s knee niggle.
“You will probably see a few more early marks at training in the lead-up.”
McGuire admitted every member of Queensland’s pack was on their toes after veterans Nate Myles, Jacob Lillyman, Aidan Guerra and Sam Thaiday were dumped after the record 28-4 game one loss.
“I wouldn’t say it is a cleanout,” McGuire said.
“But we are judged on results at this level and success speaks louder than anything else.
“Everyone is on notice. The best players in the world are on notice at this level.”
McGuire welcomed Wallace to the starting front row on debut but believed the man he replaced – 32 Origin veteran Myles – would be seen again.
“I am sure it is not Nate’s last Origin. I would not be surprised if I see Nate here next game or next series,” McGuire said.
Queensland swung the axe after the game one loss, making seven changes and naming four debutants.
Slater will play at fullback in his first Origin match in two years, shifting incumbent No.1 Boyd to left centre.
Recalled Gavin Cooper starts in the second row but Walters has resisted thrusting forwards Coen Hess and Tim Glasby into starting positions on their debuts.
Boyd has never played centre in Origin and last played in the position in the NRL in 2009.
However, Slater backed Boyd to do the job.
“Darius, he can play anywhere in the backline and he’d do a fantastic job,” Slater told Sky Sports Radio.
“Defensively, every week, he gets on the kick-chases and gets up in the line.
“So he’s very sound defensively.”
Melbourne utility Cameron Munster has been named 18th man.
Queensland: Billy Slater, Valentine Holmes, Will Chambers, Darius Boyd, Dane Gagai, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Dylan Napa, Cameron Smith (capt), Jarrod Wallace, Gavin Cooper, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire. Interchange: Michael Morgan, Josh Papalii, Coen Hess, Tim Glasby. 18th man: Cameron Munster.