Former All Black Brad Thorn's return to rugby league is almost complete with his selection in a preliminary Queensland State of Origin squad.
The former All Black lock has been named in a squad of 22, alongside Warriors captain Steve Price.
The squad will be trimmed to 17, ahead ofthe 25 May opener against New South Wales.
Thorn says he has been working hard to re-learn rugby league, and as he has improved Origin has become more of a realistic goal.
He says the season has gone pretty well at the Broncos after his four years in rugby union but playing State of Origin again had not really been in the forefront of his mind.
Melbourne backrower Dallas Johnson can claim the bolter's tag, while Canberra veteran Jason Smith is in line for his first Origin jumper since 2000, having spent a few years in the UK.
* State of Origin schedule 2005:
State of Origin I: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Wednesday 25 May State of Origin II: Telstra Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday 15 June State of Origin III: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Wednesday 6 July
