In a world in which loyalty counts for very little, it’s somewhat reassuring that when it comes to State of Origin selection, it
counts for everything!

Yesterday the Blues and Maroons selectors chose their
17-member squads for the first game in the 25th Origin series at
Lang Park on Wednesday week. Just four of the 34 players are making their Origin
debut – two from each side.

It’s often said that it’s harder to get out of
the Australian cricket team than to get into it. That applies to Origin teams
as well, for it’s loyalty that is rewarded as much as current form.

The full story is on the site here.