Maroons name Ponga, Munster

COACH Paul Green has named a 20-man squad for his Maroons with several key players in doubt for next Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener at Townsville’s Queensland County Bank Stadium.
Injured pair Kalyn Ponga (groin) and Cameron Munster (foot) have both been selected, but they will need to prove their fitness before being able to face New South Wales.
There are also doubts over Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson, who injured his knee in the Titans’ 10-38 National Rugby League loss to Cronulla on Sunday, while Melbourne back-rower Felise Kaufusi is facing a one-game ban after being charged with tripping Brisbane’s Jake Turpin.
With Josh Papalii and Josh McGuire suspended and prop Lindsay Collins (knee) injured, Green has called up Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue. Another surprise selection is South Sydney’s Jaydn Su’A, who was recently axed to the reserves by Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett.
Hooker Harry Grant (hamstring) is also selected despite not playing since early May, but he may have to settle for a role off the bench with in-form Parramatta rake Reed Mahoney a chance to debut in the No.9 jersey.
The other potential debutant for the Maroons is North Queensland winger Kyle Feldt who’ll be pushing clubmate Valentine Holmes or Papua New Guinea-born Brisbane flyer Xavier Coates for a starting role.
Queensland: Kalyn Ponga, Valentine Holmes, Dane Gagai, Kurt Capewell, Xavier Coates, Cameron Munster, Daly Cherry-Evans (captain), Christian Welch, Reed Mahoney, Jai Arrow, David Fifita, Felise Kaufusi, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant, Moeaki Fotuaika, Joe Ofahengaue, Jaydn Su’A, AJ Brimson, Coen Hess, Kyle Feldt. – AAP