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http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,23790242-5003409,00.html
"SCOTT Prince will be the shock beneficiary of Darren Lockyer's stunning State of Origin comeback, as the Maroons plan to salvage the series by blasting the Blues off the park with attacking brilliance. Controversially overlooked for Origin I by selectors who feared he would not gel with halfback Johnathan Thurston, Prince is set to be named as Queensland's utility back for the second game of the series at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.
Lockyer sealed his return to the Maroons helm with his match-winning display for the Broncos on Friday night, guaranteeing he will reunite with Johnathan Thurston for their 10th Origin together in the halves.
But with doubts the champion Test captain will be able to last 80 minutes in the Origin furnace, Prince will be brought into the squad to give the Maroons a much-needed extra play-making option while Lockyer is rested on the bench.
With star centre Justin Hodges almost certain to miss the match due to suspension, Queensland selectors will reshuffle the backline to include Karmichael Hunt at fullback, and Centenary Test No.1 Billy Slater on the wing.
In other selection news, The Sunday Mail has learned:
North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb seems likely to be axed, with his place in the squad taken by Melbourne's Antonio Kaufusi;
Maroons selector Gene Miles was in Melbourne last night to watch Kaufusi first-hand, and insiders said only a blinder in last night's match against Penrith would save Webb from the chop;
Bronco PJ Marsh and Cowboys forward Jacob Lillyman will be the other selection casualties from Origin I."
Likely team:
1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Billy Slater
3. Greg Inglis
4. Brent Tate
5. Israel Folau
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Jonathan Thurston
8. Steve Price
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civeniceva
11. Michael Crocker
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Nate Myles
15. Antonio Kaufusi
16. Ben Hannant
17. Scott Prince
"SCOTT Prince will be the shock beneficiary of Darren Lockyer's stunning State of Origin comeback, as the Maroons plan to salvage the series by blasting the Blues off the park with attacking brilliance. Controversially overlooked for Origin I by selectors who feared he would not gel with halfback Johnathan Thurston, Prince is set to be named as Queensland's utility back for the second game of the series at Suncorp Stadium on June 11.
Lockyer sealed his return to the Maroons helm with his match-winning display for the Broncos on Friday night, guaranteeing he will reunite with Johnathan Thurston for their 10th Origin together in the halves.
But with doubts the champion Test captain will be able to last 80 minutes in the Origin furnace, Prince will be brought into the squad to give the Maroons a much-needed extra play-making option while Lockyer is rested on the bench.
With star centre Justin Hodges almost certain to miss the match due to suspension, Queensland selectors will reshuffle the backline to include Karmichael Hunt at fullback, and Centenary Test No.1 Billy Slater on the wing.
In other selection news, The Sunday Mail has learned:
North Queensland enforcer Carl Webb seems likely to be axed, with his place in the squad taken by Melbourne's Antonio Kaufusi;
Maroons selector Gene Miles was in Melbourne last night to watch Kaufusi first-hand, and insiders said only a blinder in last night's match against Penrith would save Webb from the chop;
Bronco PJ Marsh and Cowboys forward Jacob Lillyman will be the other selection casualties from Origin I."
Likely team:
1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Billy Slater
3. Greg Inglis
4. Brent Tate
5. Israel Folau
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Jonathan Thurston
8. Steve Price
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civeniceva
11. Michael Crocker
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Nate Myles
15. Antonio Kaufusi
16. Ben Hannant
17. Scott Prince
