Queensland lock Dallas Johnson's spot in the opening State of Origin match is in jeopardy after he was charged by the NRL match review committee today.
Johnson faces a one-match suspension on a grade two careless high tackle charge for his hit on Bulldogs forward Reni Maitua during Melbourne's NRL win at Olympic Park last night.
Maitua said he was willing to help Johnson if asked. Maitua said the shot was not intentional and Johnson did not deserve to miss Origin.
Unless Johnson successfully contests the charge, or can get it downgraded, at the judiciary tomorrow night, he will miss the first Origin match against NSW at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.
Johnson was named in the Queensland side earlier today, which featured one newcomer, Neville Costigan.
The Canberra second-rower has capped a stunning transformation since his sacking from the Broncos last year by earning selection for next week's game.
The Maroons side includes just three members of the Melbourne side that thrashed the Bulldogs last night and three North Queensland players.
The Queenslanders want Costigan to adopt the enforcer role usually occupied by Storm forward Michael Crocker, who was overlooked along with teammates Billy Slater and Antonio Kaufusi.
"I love Neville. He is made for Origin football,'' said Maroons coach Mal Meninga.
"He is similar to Crocker with his passion for Queensland and if anything he provides more with the ball than Michael."
Cowboys forwards Jacob Lillyman and Carl Webb join halfback Johnathan Thurston in the side.
Manly centre Steve Bell edged Slater out, with Melbourne five-eighth Greg Inglis shifting out to the wing position he occupied last year.
Warriors captain Steve Price will partner Brisbane's Petero Civoniceva in the front row, with the Storm's Cameron Smith the hooker.
Meninga said selectors were rewarding the players, who pulled off a come-from-behind 2-1 series win last year.
"It's still a fairly young, inexperienced side but Queensland's history is about faith and self belief and we are rewarding them for their performance last year,'' Meninga said.
"I have no doubt they will step up to the mark."
Meninga said captain Darren Lockyer was the only real injury concern, with the twisted ankle he suffered on Friday night against the Sharks, but he was sure he would come through.
"You can't question his ability. He always comes up to the mark," said Meninga.
Nate Myles has been selected after serving a three-match suspension for striking during the Roosters's round five game against the Raiders
QLD: Karmichael Hunt; Brent Tate, Steve Bell, Justin Hodges, Greg Inglis; Darren Lockyer (c), Johnathan Thurston; Steve Price, Cameron Smith, Petero Civoniceva, Tonie Carroll, Carl Webb, Dallas Johnson. Res: Shaun Berrigan, Neville Costigan, Jacob Lillyman, Nate Myles.
with AAP
