Walters ready for Origin 'war'

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has boldly promised the Maroons will win the first game of their 2019 State of Origin "war" against New South Wales.

Walters named his team on Monday, including Daly Cherry-Evans - still recovering from ankle surgery - alongside three debutants for the June 5 opener in Brisbane.

Despite the presence of new names on the team sheet, the coach is determined that the Maroons will be ready to beat the Blues, expressing his confidence ahead of the game at Suncorp Stadium.

"I'm ready, we are ready. This is war," Walters said. "This Queensland team is going to be so well prepared for this match.

"We are playing at home and we are going to put on a performance everyone will be proud of, including the players, fans and sponsors. We will win Game I. It's on."

Maroons coach Kevin Walters addresses media at RLCQ following the announcement of the Game I team. #QLDER pic.twitter.com/N7QGJ8VQ0D

— Queensland Maroons (@QLDmaroons) May 27, 2019

Walters is yet to announce who will take on the captaincy, but Cherry-Evans is rumoured to be the most likely candidate for the role.

"[Cherry-Evans'] commitment and attitude towards getting himself right for Origin I really is inspiring for the whole team to see what he has gone through to get himself right for this game," Walters added.

"That shows what it means for him to be part of this great Queensland team and he will be a part of it in a big way."

 

Photo Getty Images. Caption: Queensland coach Kevin Walters