Lewis came back last week against the Broncos and had a very good game. Better than any other backrower in the game apart from Gallen and should have been picked IMO. He has been injured but then again so have others like Gasnier and King who didn't play this week due to injury. Dugan has been injured abit this season aswell. Dean Young can hardly train during the week because of an injury.
Lewis will be straight back in the side for game 2 unless NSW win.
Should be a good game, especially with QLD missing the likes of Inglis, Hodges, Folau, Shillington etc from last year which should make it closer than if they were all playing.

I fancy QLD to win this series yet again even with the players missing through injury

Regarding the Blues i would have liked to have seen Matt Cooper in their side as he's on fire so far this season, he's a top class finisher without doubt
Greg Bird will certainly excel wherever he plays in their side, i would have picked him at 6 although he will probably end up starting in the 2nd row, as Gallen will probably play 13

AFAIK Cooper has ruled himself out of rep rugby despite being asked to reconsider.

Apparently turned down the selection.

If this game isn't close NSW have no chance in this series - given the players missing for Queensland this should not be a walk over. If the NSW forwards can make some ground Soward's kicking should be an asset.

I think NSW look as strong going in. The centres/wingers are stronger IMO and the halves arent too bad. The pack looks just as strong too and the benches are even. FB, HB and FE are still vastly in favour of QLD though.

I'll be suprised if it isn't a Queensland whitewash, again.

As is the Hooker - Smith is on a different planet to Ennis

Queensland hold all the aces and in all of the pivotal positions IMO

I hope that this series goes to the decider though