League: Cronk, Taylor get Queensland Origin debuts

Cooper Cronk. Photo / Getty Images

BRISBANE - Two rookies and a recuperating Cameron Smith have been named in the Queensland team for the opening State of Origin league match in Sydney on Wednesday next week.

Maroons selectors opted to give inspirational test hooker Smith until the weekend to prove he can overcome an elbow injury sustained in the trans-Tasman test.

And Cooper Cronk and David Taylor are set to make their Origin debuts after being included in the 17.

Manly rake Matt Ballin is believed to be on standby for Smith who has played in every Origin match since making his debut in game three of the 2003 series.

Smith's 19 successive Origins sit just five behind former Maroons forward Gary Larson's record of 24 straight games.

Overall there are 12 players in the Queensland team from the one which lost the controversial 2009 series finale 28-16 to NSW after the Maroons had already secured a record fourth straight series win under coach Mal Meninga.

Missing are forwards Steve Price (heel), Michael Crocker (shoulder) and Dallas Johnson (Catalans Dragons) while Justin Hodges (Achilles tendon) and Karmichael Hunt (rugby/AFL) were also not considered.

Giant forward Taylor has realised his childhood wish with an Origin debut off the bench in a move to off-set Blues impact rookie Jamal Idris.

The biggest headache facing selectors Des Morris, Gene Miles and Alan Smith was the make-up of the bench.

In the end they opted for incumbent test halfback Cronk who will finally make his Origin debut after receiving code jumper Hunt's utility role on the interchange.

The two remaining bench spots went to enforcer Neville Costigan and test prop David Shillington while Brisbane backrower Ben Te'o was officially named as 18th man.

Backrower Nate Myles makes a triumphant return to the Queensland side after being axed from Origin three last year for disciplinary reasons.

The players will go into camp on the Sunshine Coast before flying to Sydney the day before the game.

Queensland team: Billy Slater, Darius Boyd, Greg Inglis, Willie Tonga, Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer (captain), Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, David Shillington, Neville Costigan, David Taylor. (18th man: Ben Te'o).

- AAP