Leary named skipper

BURLEIGH second-rower Blake Leary has been confirmed as captain for the Queensland Residents representative team.

Leary, a Nerang Roosters product, skippered the side to a 36-6 win over NSW Residents last year when he was named man of the match.

He also tasted victory the previous time he was selected for the annual clash, in 2014.

The 27-year-old has battled an ankle injury in recent weeks but made a smooth return to the field last weekend.

Leary will be joined by Burleigh teammates Pat Politoni and Jamal Fogarty for the Origin curtain-raiser from 4.10pm in Sydney on Sunday.