The Queensland Rugby League has today announced a surprising side for the upcoming clash against New South Wales, with a number of debuts in the maroon jersey set to shake things up. Key amongst the debutants are Gold Coast's Milton Thaiday, Darwin's Tame Tupou, South Brisbane's Cordy Mathers, and Damien Fields of Port Macquarie.

Perhaps the most shocking selection has been the decision to omit the likes of Billy Slater (Melbourne) and former captain, Darren Lockyer (California). While the class of a player like Darren Lockyer cannot be underestimated, the fact remains that he has not had a single good game this season and he'll be the first to admit it. Darren's man enough to agree that the jersey should go to the player who deserves it - not the player who had it last year. Brisbane veteran, Paul Bowman has been named at captain for the match.

Chris Maunder's position as coach remains tenuous, as the California boss failed to attend the team selection panel earlier today.

"Chris has our full support" said QRL chairman Michael Kerr, but that may just be lip service heading into a do or die State of Origin series.

The full Queensland team is below:
1: Milton Thaiday (Gold Coast)
2: Lote Tuqiri (Adelaide)
3: Paul Bowman (Brisbane) ©
4: Steve Bell (California)
5: Tame Tupou (Darwin)
6: Jonathan Thurston (Brisbane)
7: Scott Prince (Brisbane)
8: Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane)
9: Dallas Johnson (Brisbane)
10: Danny Nutley (Gold Coast)
11: Cordy Mathers (South Brisbane)
12: David Stagg (Brisbane)
13: Damien Fields (Port Macquarie)

14: Mat Rogers (Northern)
15: Shane Webcke (Central Coast)
16: Carl Webb (Brisbane)
17: Daniel Wagon (Port Macquarie)