Friend, Collins added to QLD Squad

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Wed 14 Oct 2020, 02:02 PM

Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce the following players have been added to the Queensland Maroons squad for the 2020 State of Origin series commencing next month.

Sydney Roosters pair Jake Friend and Lindsay Collins were selected after the Roosters were eliminated from the National Rugby League finals.

Maroons coach Wayne Bennett last week named 15 players from seven clubs in the first release of squad members.

Kalyn Ponga has been ruled out with a shoulder injury, meaning the squad now currently stands at 16 following the inclusion of the Roosters duo today.

While both Friend and Collins are yet to make their Origin debuts, they have been entrenched in Queensland’s Origin and representative programs.

Friend has been a regular in Queensland’s emerging squad camps in recent years, while Collins is a former Queensland Under 20 representative forward.

Additional players will be added to the squad following this weekend’s preliminary finals.

Queensland selectors will confirm the squad of 27 players after the NRL grand final on October 25, the same day the Maroons will enter camp to formally begin preparations for the series opener at the Adelaide Oval on November 4.