Two Dragons named in Queensland Maroons 2020 squad

Kevin Walters has made a change to Queensland's preparations for the 2020 State of Origin series, desperate to avoid a third straight defeat by naming a full-strength squad for a pre-season training camp in February. 

Walters has broken his usual trend of naming only an emerging players' camp for the summer, instead naming every Origin representative who took part in the 2019 campaign to join a host of rising hopefuls pushing for a debut next year.

The exits of Will Chambers (Japanese rugby) and Matt Gillett (retirement) leaves a further hole in the Maroons' experience factor, which has significantly dropped over the past three years.

Prior to the 2019 campaign, Queensland had lost 253 games of Origin experience following the retirements of Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis, Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles.

"We want the 2020 Origin squad to spend as much time together to build their relationships off the field as well in their specific positions," Walters said of the camp.

"It is also a wonderful opportunity for those who haven't experienced State of Origin football to mix in and spend time with current team members.

"There has always been a strong bond and mateship between Queensland players and we will continue to drive that message over the two-day camp."

Returning Maroons star Valentine Holmes is included in the group with the Cowboys recruit set to push for a spot in the backs alongside the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Corey Oates and Dane Gagai.

Parramatta hooker Reed Mahoney, Raiders firebrand Corey Horsburgh and Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo are among the fresh faces vying for a call-up next season.

Of the squad chosen, 10 are yet to make their Origin debut.

The Maroons will assemble in Brisbane on February 1 for a two-day camp after NSW held their own early preparations for the series last week.

Queensland Maroons squad for 2020