Queensland Under 20 co-coaches Scott Prince and Paul Dyer have placed the players in position for their clash with New South Wales at ANZ Stadium on July 10.
The team - currently in camp in Brisbane - is preparing to face NSW ahead of the State of Origin decider.
Match: NSW U20s v QLD U20s
Round 1 -
home Team
NSW U20s
away Team
QLD U20s
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Cory Paix will captain the young Maroons, who are aiming to retain the Darren Lockyer Shield following last year’s impressive 30-10 victory, and Tom Gilbert will be vice-captain.
Paix, signed with the Brisbane Broncos and who plays for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Intrust Super Cup, said he was "very honoured and privileged" to be given the responsibility of leading the team.
The young gun said whether he was captain or not, his focus was always to steer the team around the field as half. The captaincy, which surprised him, is simply an honour.
Paix said he was confident the team would get the job done.
"Each player brings something unique to the side and we've all come through the pathways together, so I think come Wednesday night we'll be able to get the job done," Paix said.
Gilbert, signed with the North Queensland Cowboys and who plays for the Townsville Blackhawks, said he looked forward to supporting Paix in the leadership role.
"It's obviously an amazing opportunity I've been given by the coaches and the team," Gilbert said.
"It's not something you come into camp expecting... you have to earn it. [Cory and I] have played rep footy together since we were about 15, and I think we complement each other with me being a forward and him being a back.
"I am 100 per cent confident in the team we have. I just want to do my role and do it well - not let the team or my family down."
The team will oppose the Queensland Maroons on Sunday as part of their preparations for Wednesday's game.
Queensland Under 20 team in position
1. | Ronaldo Mulitalo |
2. | Treymain Spry |
3. | Fanitesi Niu |
4. | Murray Taulagi |
5. | Elijah Anderson |
6. | Braydon Trindall |
7. | Cory Paix (C) |
8. | Eddie Blacker |
9. | Kobe Hetherington |
10. | Ethan Bullemor |
11. | Tino Fa’asuamaleaui |
12. | J’maine Hopgood |
13. | Tom Gilbert (VC) |
14. | Tanah Boyd |
15. | Ben Condon |
16. | Logan Bayliss |
17. | Nathan Barrett |
18. | Garrett Smith |