State of Origin 2021: Team selector, expert teams and people’s choice

This is going to take some tinkering. The Maroons best option at No.3 or No.4 is a player who doesn’t even like the role. Choose your side and check out our expert’s picks.

Pick you 2021 Maroons side for the opening State of Origin game in the selector below.

Reed Mahoney might be small in stature, but given the chance, he could become the biggest thing to come out of the Nambour region since the Big Pineapple.

Cameron Smith had every reason to suggest his protege, Harry Grant, should be the starting State of Origin hooker but he passed him over because injuries have meant Grant has started in just one NRL match this season and played just five all up.

Smith knows how physically hard a man must be to play Origin and he went for the terrier Mahoney whose 10 try assists for the Eels this season are almost double that of any rival hooker.

After initially plumping for Grant in my starting team, I have followed his lead because while controversial, it makes sense. Mahoney is also a relentless defender who has played every game this season.

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If Mahoney does play and shines he could quickly become a cult hero in a game where smaller men who prosper often gain great respect and affection.

Grant could come off the bench and be used as a mid-match strike weapon.

Centre is a key worry for Queensland.

Val Holmes looms as the best option even though it is not his preferred spot but Kurt Capewell could easily fill in if there is any need for tinkering on the run with the underrated Kyle Feldt getting a run on the wing.

Queensland’s side looks slightly more imposing than last year’s team but not imposing enough to be considered favourites.

Heard that before?

Pick your starting teams for SOO Game 1 and check out our expert picks below:

Originally published as State of Origin 2021: Team selector, expert teams and people’s choice