NRL: We'll have Lote on our side - Maroons

BRISBANE: Queensland selector Des Morris says any potential return to State of Origin by Lote Tuqiri would not be impeded by any grudges from when he switched to rugby in 2002.

Tuqiri's return to the NRL with Wests Tigers is timely for Queensland. International centre Justin Hodges is in danger of missing this year's series after rupturing his Achilles tendon last month.

Fijian-born Tuqiri, who walked out on the Brisbane Broncos and his representative career to accept a massive offer from the 15-man game, would need to hit his straps quickly. But Morris said he would definitely get a fair go from Queensland selectors.

"He's a quality player and he's a Queenslander, so that's all we need," said Morris yesterday.

Tuqiri, who played 99 games for Brisbane, scored five tries in his six Origin appearances in 2001-02.

"As long as he can adjust back to rugby league reasonably quickly ... but we've got a lot of young blokes around who've been impressing.

"There's certainly no animosity and we appreciate what he did for us when he played for Queenslandbefore.

"If the opportunity comes up for him to play for Queensland again, there certainly wouldn't be any barriers in his way.

"The game has changed and he wanted to better himself financially. That's how things are these days."

The image of Israel Folau and Tuqiri or Greg Inglis and Tuqiri on the flanks for Queensland paints quite a big picture.

"There'd be some big boys and NSW will probably have the Morris boys who are also big guys," said Morris, who does not see Tuqiri's age of 30 being a hurdle.

Queensland have often been dubbed "Dad's Army" by Blues supporters.

But the Maroons have won a record four successive series and are keen to make it five.

"Age doesn't come into it when we consider our side" especially in the position he will play, said Morris.

"We've got Petero [Civoniceva] and [Steve] Price and even Locky [Darren Lockyer] who are on the wrong side of 30 and it's never been an issue."

- AAP