Queensland have resisted the temptation to move Valentine Holmes to fullback for game one of the 2018 State of Origin series despite the injury to Storm veteran Billy Slater.
Holmes, the Sharks lone representative in the two Origin teams, appears set to take his place on the left wing, more than likely outside of Maroons captain Greg Inglis.
Beating out a hot field of Queensland backline talent, Holmes efforts in recent weeks for the Sharks, along with his try-scoring prowess for both the Kangaroos in the World Cup and the Maroons in 2017, got him the nod over the likes of the experienced Darius Boyd, Bronco Corey Oates and Knights youngster Kalyn Ponga.
Adding to his responsibilities on game day, Holmes has won a 'kick off' for the Queensland goal kicking duties, despite the fact that he doesn't do the job for the Sharks back in the NRL arena.
With their preparations disrupted by injury, the Maroons will go into the game as underdogs, Slater set to join Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston as spectators at the MCG later tonight, with the trio having earlier retired from representative football.
However irrespective of the challenges Queensland have faced in the lead up, with NSW to field a side featuring 11 debutants and a new Origin coach in Brad Fittler, the outcome of the match is difficult to predict.
Holmes has been named in the Sharks team to face the Tigers on Sunday, pending a fitness assessment after tonight's game. He would be expected back in Sydney on Thursday and if right to play would participate in the Captain's Run on Saturday morning.
CLICK HERE to see the two Origin teams, with kick off scheduled for around 8.00pm.
