South Cairns captain Cameron Campbell has raised an eyebrow at the omission of teammate William "Billy" English from the 45-man North Queensland squad that was named yesterday.
The Cutter has been one of the side's best as they enter tomorrow's eighth round unbeaten, polling among their top six in four of five games throughout this season.
Five other Cutters - Jermaine Wardle, Luke Donohue, Zac Ewer, Josh Hegarty and Mick Markham - were among the 27 AFL Cairns players to make the first cut.
The final NQ side will play south Queensland in Brisbane on June 8.
Campbell, who returned to the club this season after a successful stint in Canberra with NEAFL side Belconnen, rated English "one of the best players in Cairns.'
"That's a surprise to me, the way Billy's started the season," Campbell said.
"I would have thought he deserved a shot."
The squad has been named ahead of Wednesday night's Cairns All Stars vs Indigenous/South Pacific clash being held in Port Douglas.
It leaves those like English who will play in that game but not in the 45 with no chance of pushing their case.
Jesse Dixon, Alex Macqueen, Matthew Walsh, Jack Philip, Craig Ferrier and Tim Lamprill were picked from Saints, while Bulldogs Clint Guy, Damien Roe and Brian Durbridge are also in.
Duncan Seden, Cameron Adam, Michael Paul and Tyler Stack were chosen from Lions and Cameron Duffy is the only Hawk in the squad.
Scott Rowe, Dustin Mills, Adam Mueller and Kane Richter wil fly the flag for Norths while Port have Declan Kelly, Kane Goodwin, Adam Boone and Dylan Wearmouth in the 45.
North Queensland coach Barry Gibson said selectors had left no stone unturned in choosing the initial squad.
"Our selectors and coaches will be closely monitoring those in the squad over the next few weeks and are looking forward to picking a well-balanced and in-form team that will be capable of playing the game style that we will put in place."
Ahead of Wednesday's showpiece at Port Douglas, Indigenous and South Pacific co-coach Rick Hanlon said his side had impressed in their attitude to the task so far.
He credited experienced players English and Lenny Warren for their committment at the first team training on Wednesday night.
"There's a bit of deja vu because most of these guys came through the development squads and are stalwarts of the competition flying the flag for Cairns,"Hanlon said.
He made special mention of Warren, who is back playing for South Cairns after captaining Manunda to the flag in 2011.
"He's the kind of guy that can set the tone, so I'm glad he's leading the way."
"Win lose or draw I hope this concept builds and isn't just dropped again after one year."
Last Modified on 06/11/2014 15:01