Queensland to make further changes for game two

SEVEN changes are not enough for Queensland ahead of State of Origin game two, as the Maroons look set for another key switch.

QLD's Darius Boyd.

IF seven changes for Origin II wasn’t enough for Queensland, it seems the Maroons will make further positional switches for its must-win State of Origin clash.

Coach Kevin Walters dumped Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday, Aidan Guerra, Jacob Lillyman, Corey Oates, Justin O’Neill and Anthony Milford (injured) from the side that was thumped by New South Wales 28-4 in the Origin opener in Brisbane.

Queensland legend Billy Slater was one of the names recalled by Walters. He was expected to reclaim his fullback position, pushing Darius Boyd to the wing — as has happened in past series and during the Maroons’ decade of Origin dominance.

But it seems the changes haven’t stopped yet and Queensland will instead push Boyd to a different position entirely.

Fox Sports NRL Tonight journalist Peter Badel said Queensland will reshuffle their backline and push Darius Boyd into the centre position instead.

“He (Boyd) will play left centre,” Badel revealed.

“That is interesting for the Queensland backline and the composition of it. Billy Slater will start at fullback. The right centre will be filled by Will Chambers.

“If the left centre is taken up by Darius Boyd that means he’ll be up against Josh Dugan, the New South Wales danger man.”

Darius Boyd attempts to break away from the defence during game one.

Queensland already are without the attacking strike of Greg Inglis this series. The Maroons’ try machine is out for the season with a knee injury. The Blues centre pair of Jarryd Hayne and Dugan are an attacking arsenal and it seems Walters is ready to meet fire with fire, even if it means throwing the Brisbane Broncos captain into an unfamiliar role at left centre.

While Boyd has played there previously at NRL level, Badel revealed it was some time ago.

“Darius Boyd hasn’t played centre for eight years. The last time he did that he opposed Justin Hodges, a former teammates of his. Now he gets his chance in the centres,” Badel said.

“He (Boyd) said he prefers to play centre over wing. He says he hasn’t officially been told, but if he does play there, he has got the silky skills and he’s got the defensive nous to shut down Josh Dugan — and Jarryd Hayne if they swap positions.”

Queensland need to respond in Origin game two.

Queensland are also expected to hand big minutes to boom rookie Coen Hess.

Hess himself questioned his ability to adapt to the Origin arena, but his North Queensland Cowboys coach Paul Green believes the youngster will thrive and prove a mainstay of the Maroons set up going forward.

“He was supposedly too young, but 114kg of pure muscle, he can do some damage in Origin II,” Badel said.

“Paul Green has said all along he believed Coen Hess was Origin material and he believes he can be a 10-year Maroon and possibly a future captain

“He’s only 20 years old, so he could be there for another decade. Let’s see how he goes off the bench first in Origin II. It is exciting times and Paul Green is backing him to do the job.”