Lockyer Recalled
by Chris Cox
Monday June 07, 2004

In stark contrast to victorious New South Wales, Queensland have made just two changes to the side that lost the opening State of Origin last month for the return clash at Suncorp Stadium on June 16.  After successfully returning from broken ribs against the Sharks yesterday, Broncos' five-eighth Darren Lockyer has been selected at five-eighth and captain.

Chris Flannery has moved back to the bench at the expense of North Queensland's Travis Norton who has been dropped. 

Norton's Cowboys teammate, Matt Sing, replaces Justin Hodges on the wing. Hodges had an unhappy night in the first Origin clash and Sing's successful return from a knee injury in the Cowboys 14-12 win over St George-Illawarra was enough for the Maroons to return him to the side.

Sing was a three-try hero for Queensland in their 36-6 win over New South Wales in the final game last season.

Broncos' centre Brent Tate has been named in the side but will have his left shoulder examined after going down in pain late in yesterday's 30-22 loss to the Sharks.  Tate's career was in doubt at the start of the season after a serious injury to the same shoulder late last season. 

Centre partner Shaun Berrigan was not considered after aggravating his hamstring injury that has plagued him since the
opening game of the season.

Broncos' youngster Corey Parker is on standby for Michael Crocker in case the Sydney Roosters firebrand is cited and suspended following a reported high tackle during his side's loss to the Bulldogs last Friday night.  If Crocker is suspended, Petero Civoniceva will come into the starting side in the second row with Parker coming onto the bench.

The full side is:

Rhys Wesser, Matt Sing, Paul Bowman, Brent Tate, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer (capt), Scott Prince, Shane Webcke, Cameron Smith, Steven Price, Michael Crocker, Dane Carlaw, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: Ben Ross, Petero Civoniceva, Chris Flannery, Matt Bowen. Standby: Corey Parker