QUEENSLAND:
Rhys Wesser
Justin Hodges
Paul Bowman
Brent Tate
Billy Slater
Chris Flannery
Scott Prince
Shane Webcke (C)
Cameron Smith
Steven Price
Michael Crocker
Dane Carlaw
Tonie Carroll.

Interchange:
Ben Ross
Petero Civoniceva
Travis Norton
Matt Bowen


NEW SOUTH WALES:
Ben Hornby
Anthony Minichiello
Matt Gidley
Michael De Vere
Luke Lewis
Shaun Timmins
Craig Gower
Mark O’Meley
Danny Buderus (c)
Ryan O'Hara
Craig Fitzgibbon
Andrew Ryan
Nathan Hindmarsh

Interchange:
Willie Mason
Brent Kite
Trent Waterhouse
Craig Wing
18th man - Kurt Gidley

You'll notice that I've listed Michael De Vere in Gasnier's centre spot. I think that's probably what they'll do, but who knows, they may put Kurt Gidley in there somewhere.

Anyway, the Maroons don't have a good record at Telstra Stadium and I feel they need their strongest possible lineup to win down there. The loss of Lockyer certainly tips the scales NSW way.

I personally think that Qld may have a slight advantage in the forwards and the outside backs, but NSW have a decided advantage in the halves and also seem to have a better bench. I do think the Blues have helped Qld a little bit by not picking Scott Hill though. I don't know what they were thinking there.

I know that Qld will lift, but Chris Flannery certainly isn't Darren Lockyer and I think that'll make all the difference in the end.


[ This Message was edited by: sportznut on 2004-05-21 15:56 ]