It is strong, but does not compare to the Blues’ emerging squad that was released Wednesday.

Either way, Maroons coach Kevin Walters reckons the future looks bright, but Blues coach Laurie Daley must be optimistic about the upcoming series. 

“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,” 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.”

QLD Maroons Emerging squad:

Jayson Bukuya (Sharks)
Dale Copley (Roosters)
Kyle Feldt (Cowboys)
Tim Glasby (Storm)
Jake Granville (Cowboys)
Coen Hess (Cowboys)
Valentine Holmes (Sharks)
Ben Hunt (Broncos)
Felise Kaufusi (Storm)
Edrick Lee (Raiders)
Ethan Lowe (Cowboys)
Nene Macdonald (Dragons)
Anthony Milford (Broncos)
Cameron Munster (Storm)
Moses Mybe (Bulldogs)
Dylan Napa (Roosters)
Lloyd Perrett (Bulldogs)
Ashley Taylor (Titans)
Christian Welch (Storm)
Jarrod Wallace (Titans)

NSW Blues Emerging Squad:

Shannon Boyd (Canberra Raiders)
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Penrith Panthers)
Bryce Cartwright (Penrith Panthers)
Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans)
Joey Leilua (Canberra Raiders)
Jordan McLean (Melbourne Storm)
Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
Junior Paulo (Canberra Raiders)
Nathan Peats (Gold Coast Titans)
James Roberts (Brisbane Broncos)
Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Tom Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)