Queensland's relatively inexperienced forward pack is ready to step into the breach in the absence of retired warhorse Josh Papalii, coach Billy Slater says.
The Maroons will field three forwards - Tom Gilbert, Tom Flegler and Reuben Cotter - who have each played just one State of Origin game ahead of this year's series opener in Adelaide on Wednesday night.
Canberra prop Papalii was the spiritual leader of the Maroons pack in a 23-game Origin career, and for the last seven series was one of the first forwards picked.
