Prince snubbed as Queensland team announced

Peter Cassidy | rugbyleaguelive.com | 13/05/08 | 0

AUDIO - One-on-one with Queensland coach Mal Meninga

AUDIO - One-on-one with Johnathan Thurston

AUDIO - 'I feel sorry for Scott Prince': Cam Smith

AUDIO - The Origin rundown with Glenn Munsie

AUDIO - 'Hunt deserves the No.6 jersey': Billy Slater

In form Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince has been snubbed by Queensland selectors, with Karmichael Hunt picked to partner Johnathan Thurston in the halves for Origin I against NSW.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris said it was a tough decision, but he said selectors felt that Prince was a halfback and Hunt's versatility won him the No.6 jersey following the unavailability of injured Test skipper Darren Lockyer (knee).

"It's a big job to fill obviously with a player of Darren's calibre not available, we feel he's played a fair bit of that position during the game and he's very strong in defence," said Morris of Hunt.

"We think he'll be a good mix with Johnathan (Thurston)."

Morris said he felt for Prince but pointed out the Titans' play maker was competing against the best halfback in the world.

"I think he'd be disappointed but Scott's a halfback in our opinion and unfortunately he's competing against Johnathan Thurston who's probably got the edge on him at the moment."

Hunt's selection in the No.6 jersey has opened the door for Billy Slater's Origin recall at fullback.

Manly centre Steven Bell has lost his spot in the backline, with selectors opting for Test representatives Justin Hodges and Greg Inglis in the centres.

The Maroons will field an All-Australian front row with North Queensland's Carl Webb and Penrith's Petero Civoniceva joining hooker Cameron Smith who will captain the team.

Brisbane recruit PJ Marsh has earned himself an interchange position despite playing just 63 minutes of football in the past six weeks due to a rib injury, while a powerhouse season from Brisbane's Ben Hannant has handed him his Origin debut on the bench.

The other player to make his Queensland debut is Melbourne winger Israel Folau.

The reigning premiers are heavily represented with six Melbourne players dotting the line-up, while five Broncos also made the 17.

The full team
1. Billy Slater (Storm)
2. Brent Tate (Warriors)
3. Greg Inglis (Storm)
4. Justin Hodges (Broncos)
5. Israel Folau (Storm)
6. Karmichael Hunt (Broncos)
7. Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
8. Carl Webb (Cowboys)
9. Cameron Smith (capt) (Storm)
10. Petero Civoniceva (Panthers)
11. Michael Crocker (Storm)
12. Sam Thaiday (Broncos)
13. Dallas Johnson (Storm)

14. PJ Marsh (Broncos)
15. Ben Hannant (Broncos)
16. Nate Myles (Roosters)
17. Jacob Lillyman (Cowboys)

I think he'd be disappointed but Scott's a halfback in our opinion and unfortunately he's competing against Johnathan Thurston who's probably got the edge on him at the moment... Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris