Queensland Under 19 men’s coach Darius Boyd has named a 20-player squad ahead of this year's representative clash, with players selected from some of the strongest pathway programs in the country.
Boyd will once again be joined by assistant coaches Andrew McCullough and Jesse Maclean as the coaching staff look to build on last year's successful campaign, which saw Queensland claim victory at Under 19 level.
The squad features a strong blend of talent from the Mal Meninga Cup and NRL systems, bringing together some of the state's most exciting emerging players.
Townsville Blackhawks pair Taj Lateo and Taylan To'a arrive in camp fresh from a premiership-winning Mal Meninga Cup campaign.
Lateo kicked the match-winning field goal in the grand final victory over Wynnum Manly Seagulls, while To'a crossed for a try in the decider.
The pair will now line up alongside grand final rival and Seagulls lock Sam Williams after all three earned selection in Maroon.
Boyd said the squad reflected the quality of young talent continuing to emerge through Queensland's pathways competitions.
"We've got a really exciting group of players who have earned their opportunity through consistent performances this season," Boyd said.
"The depth of talent coming through our pathways system is really encouraging and we've selected a group that we believe will represent Queensland proudly."
After helping guide Queensland to victory last year, Boyd said the focus was now on preparing the next generation of Maroons to perform on the representative stage.
"Any time you get the opportunity to represent Queensland, it's a special achievement," he said.
"For many of these players it's their first chance to experience representative football at this level and we're looking forward to helping them make the most of that opportunity.
"It's important they understand what it means to represent Queensland and the standards that come with wearing the Maroon jersey.
"We know what this jersey means and we're excited to see this group come together and continue Queensland's proud tradition."
Queensland will assemble in camp this week ahead of the clash with New South Wales at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, June 18, with kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm as the Maroons look to defend last year's title.
Queensland Under 19 men’s squad
Ellyjah Birve (Penrith Panthers)
Alize Clarke (Melbourne Storm)
Kobi Floro (Melbourne Storm)
Tupou Francis (Burleigh Bears / Brisbane Broncos)
Frank Howarth (Melbourne Storm)
Jackson Koina (Parramatta Eels)
Chaev Kolone (Canberra Raiders)
Taj Lateo (Townsville Blackhawks / North Queensland Cowboys)
Lui Lee (Sydney Roosters)
Joseph Litidamu (Melbourne Storm)
Bishop Neal (NZ Warriors)
Tyler Pereira (Ipswich Jets / Gold Coast Titans)
Siosaia Poese (Souths Logan Magpies / Brisbane Broncos)
Brian Pouniu (Redcliffe Dolphins / Dolphins)
Jett Ryan (Melbourne Storm)
Cody Starr (Redcliffe Dolphins / Dolphins)
Taylan To'a (Townsville Blackhawks / North Queensland Cowboys)
Hayden Watson (Melbourne Storm)
Sam Williams (Wynnum Manly Seagulls / Brisbane Broncos)
Amare Wynyard (Redcliffe Dolphins / Dolphins)
