Queensland have named two strong U18s Academy teams to play NSW in the first of two interstate matches at Southport this weekend.

The Maroon team features a mixture of players from GPS and AIC schools as well as a handful of under 18 players that finished school last year.

Centre Will Latu from Kirwin State High in Townsville has earned the starting No.12 jersey and will partner fellow North Queensland product Jackson Barling in the midfield.