The Maroons have to stick with Darius Boyd at fullback. He's the best fullback in the game and his ability to play in a structured environment and come up with the big play at the right time is invaluable. While I have a lot of admiration for Billy, I don't think the Maroons selectors should bend over backwards to get a guy who has played little football into the side, especially if it means playing him out of position. I believe Billy would be better served plying his trade for Melbourne and if an opportunity arises he could be a valuable addition later in the series when he's got some form and the Maroons need to make changes.
On the wings I'd have Dane Gagai & Corey Oates. Gagai is a no-brainer, he's really made a spot for himself and I'd keep him exactly where he is. Oates' form dipped after Origin, but so far he's been one of the Broncos better players in 2017 and his ability to turn a game is second to none. I see Oates being a big part of the Maroons following the departures of JT, Cronk & Smith so I'd keep him in the side.
The centres are tough. No GI is going to be a big problem and I don't think the Maroons will be able to fill that void. Their best option for mine is to go with Chambers & O'Neil who have that big game experience and good understanding of those around them. I'd look to keep O'Neil & Gagai together, with Chambers going to left centre, like in Game 3 2015.
Halves, please. Two of the greatest of all-time and could very well decide the game, next.
As some of you know, I'm not a huge fan of McGuire at lock. I think his defence lacks impact which is a huge problem at this level, so I'd push him up to the front row with a view to play him around 50-60 minutes as opposed to the full 80. He'd be accompanied by one of the most experienced campaigners in Nate Myles. Dummy half? Again, please, the greatest dummy half of all-time and captain will be another huge part of this series.
Backrow, I want two Broncos in Sammy & Gillett, but I also want to find room for Papalii who was sorely missed in the dead rubber. While I had concerns about his defence, it's time he graduates off the bench and is thrown into the thick of it from the get go. For mine, he's right up there with Matt Gillett and Jason Taumalolo as one of the greatest backrows in the world and it's time to give him that opportunity.
On the bench, I'd hate to see what the Blues would do to Anthony Milford in defence, so I'm sticking with Morgan who has shown he doesn't sweat any of their players and isn't afraid to take hits for his team. He'll be accompanied by an experienced campaigner in Jacob Lillyman and two noobies - Coen Hess & Dylan Napa. At first I felt inclined to go with 3 new faces, but the idea of having three guys run on the field who have little experience at this level had me worried, so Jacob can saddle up for another series until these young guys get that lifelong dream out of the way. Hess is a no-brainer, he's one of those young guys like Tallis, Thaiday, Folau, Myles you get into the team ASAP since you know they're made of the right stuff. Napa is one I'm iffy on, but there's no doubt on his day he can make a statement and that's what the Maroons need. Fitness pending, I'd have him there otherwise it's a mad dash for Jarrod Wallace & Korbin Sims to see who will replace him.
My squad: Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes, Nene MacDonald, Dale Copley, Anthony Milford, Scott Bolton, Gavin Cooper, Jarrod Wallace, Korbin Sims, Felise Kaufusi.
I'd also have Taylor rock up as an 18th man for one of the games, give him that 'rub' and see how he handles it.
