Valentine Holmes has been rushed straight into a 33-man Queensland squad for next year’s State of Origin series following his return from the NFL.
The group named on Friday includes 10 players yet to make their Maroons debut, including Sydney Roosters veteran Jake Friend and Gold Coast star AJ Brimson.
Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh, South Sydney second-rower Jadyn Su’A, and Penrith recruit Kurt Capewell are also in the squad.
Holmes’ selection comes almost 15 months to the day of his last rugby league game before making the shock move to the NFL.
His last Origin appearance was in game three of the 2018 series.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has traditionally selected emerging Maroons talent to gather for camp during the summer.
However Walters has instead opted to hasten their preparations in a bid to avoid losing the series for a third straight year.
The squad will assemble in Brisbane from February 1-2, two weeks before the Auckland Nines in Perth.
“We want the 2020 Origin squad to spend as much time together to build their relationships off the field as well in their specific positions,” Walters said.
“It is also a wonderful opportunity for those who haven’t experienced State of Origin football to mix in and spend time with current team members.
“There has always been a strong bond and mateship between Queensland players and we will continue to drive that message over the two-day camp.”
The only player missing from the squad who appeared in this year’s series is Will Chambers, who has moved to Japanese rugby.
QUEENSLAND 2020 STATE OF ORIGIN SQUAD
Jai Arrow, AJ Brimson, Daly Cherry-Evans, Kurt Capewell, Kyle Feldt, David Fifita, Thomas Flegler, Jake Friend, Dane Gagai, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess, Valentine Holmes, Corey Horsburgh, Ben Hunt, Felise Kaufusi, Ethan Lowe, Reed Mahoney, Moses Mbye, Josh McGuire, Anthony Milford, Michael Morgan, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Cameron Munster, Dylan Napa, Corey Norman, Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue, Josh Papalii, Kalyn Ponga, Phillip Sami, Jadyn Su’A, Jarrod Wallace, Christian Welch.
