The Queensland Rugby League has announced its 2017 QAS Emerging Origin squad with Sharks Jayson Bukuya and Valentine Holmes included for a second year.
The pair were also a part of the 2016 Emerging Queensland group, with Holmes going on to win selection in the Kangaroos squad for the Four Nations tournament at seasons’ end.
The 20-man squad, which will take part in their first camp in late January, this year includes four newcomers in Ashley Taylor, Coen Hess, Felise Kaufusi and Christian Welch.
“The pathway programs we have available through the QAS are second to none and this is another fantastic opportunity to look at the next generation of players coming through,” Maroons coach Kevin Walters said.
“This year we saw Corey Oates and Justin O’Neill grab their opportunity at Origin level and I’m sure there will be other players from this program who will make a strong case for selection in 2017.”
The player camp is scheduled for late January at Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
QAS Emerging Origin Squad:
Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla Sharks)
Valentine Holmes (Cronulla Sharks)
Dale Copley (Sydney Roosters)
Kyle Feldt (NQ Cowboys)
Tim Glasby (Melbourne Storm)
Jake Granville (NQ Cowboys)
Coen Hess (NQ Cowboys)
Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)
Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm)
Edrick Lee (Canberra Raiders)
Ethan Lowe (NQ Cowboys)
Nene Macdonald (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Anthony Milford (Brisbane Broncos)
Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
Moses Mybe (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters)
Lloyd Perrett (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Ashley Taylor (Gold Coast Titans)
Christian Welch (Melbourne Storm)
Jarrod Wallace (Gold Coast Titans)
