Cameron Munster will hope to complete a modified training session on his troublesome foot in what looms as a crucial day for Queensland one week out from the State of Origin opener. New coach Paul Green will be counting on last year's player of the series to show he's fit to play in Townsville next Wednesday, despite missing almost one month of NRL. Kalyn Ponga (groin) has already been ruled out of game one, the fullback originally billed as Munster's replacement if the Melbourne star was unable to prove his fitness. Instead that leaves Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson - likely to be deployed as a utility off the bench - as Green's other option in the halves, although he too carried a knee complaint into camp on Monday. The Blues, stacked with backline weapons and captained by James Tedesco, will start favourites with bookies to win the series despite Townsville and Brisbane hosting the first two games. Green is confident Queensland can repeat last year's against-the-odds series victory under Wayne Bennett, but knows opposite Brad Fittler will be keen to get one back after the 2020 boilover.
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