Stephen Wrigley and Sam Michael’s impressive form with the Reserves’ side has been rewarded after both Lions rookies were named in the Queensland/Northern Territory State squad last week.

The 34-man squad will train together for the second time on Wednesday in preparation for their clash against the best of the NEAFL Eastern Conference (NSW/ACT) on Saturday 26 May at Southport.

Wrigley - who had starred for Labrador before being drafted to the Lions at the end of 2011 - has played an important role across half-back for the ladder-leading Lions Reserves in 2012. The 25 year-old has previously been selected in the NEAFL Team of the Year in each of the past two seasons, and is now hoping to represent his adopted State for the first time.

“A couple of the boys actually came up and said ‘congratulations’ last week - but that was the first I’d heard of it,” Wrigley said.

“I am really excited. I made the squad last year but did my hammy at the first training session. But this time I’m fit and ready to go, so hopefully I get the chance to play.”

“A couple of the Labrador boys have been named as well, so that will be nice to catch up with them. It’s also just a good opportunity to get to know some of the boys from the other teams we end up playing against.”

Queensland-bred big-man Michael will also be vying for a position in the final Queensland side after showing great promise in a number of different positions this season. At 199cm, the former Redland product has proven to be a versatile option for the Lions by playing key roles down back, in the ruck, and occasionally up forward.

“It was actually one of my goals to make the team for this year,” Michael said.

“It’s a great opportunity to be selected and I’m really looking forward to giving it my best shot.”

“I’ve got a few old mates from Redland who also got selected in the squad, so I certainly recognise a few faces.”

Only 12 players from the 23-man team that took Queensland to the brink of an historic victory over Western Australia in Perth last year have been selected in the 2012 squad. Among those who will be missing are the Lions’ own Dayne Zorko and Niall McKeever - who were unavailable for selection in 2012.

In addition to Wrigley and Michael, the Queensland/Northern Territory State squad features many of the other best players from across the NEAFL Northern Conference, including some familiar faces - Paul Shelton (Morningside), Hayden Kiel (Southport), Adam Spackman (Morningside), Daniel Dzufer (Redland), Wayde Mills (Southport), Jason Roe (MT), Tim Notting (Labrador) and Scott Clouston (Redland) - who have all previously been part of either the Brisbane Lions’ primary or rookie list.

The full 34-man squad is listed below:

1. Matthew Payne (Aspley)
2. Kallen Geary (Broadbeach)
3. Ryan Davey (Labrador)
4. Paul Shelton (Morningside)
5. Nathan Gilliland (Mt Gravatt)
6. Hayden Kiel (Southport)
7. Jason Burge (Southport)
8. Cameron Illet (NT)
9. Jake Dignan (NT)
10. Brad Rees (Redland)
11. Phil Carse (Redland)
12. Damien Bonney (Morningside)
13. Brad Wilson (Broadbeach)
14. Chris Smith (Mt Gravatt)
15. Fraser Thurlow (Southport)
16. Kenrick Tyrell (NT)
17. Sam Michael (Lions)
18. Steven Wrigley (Lions)
19. Adam Spackman (Morningside)
20. Gavin Grose (Mt Gravatt)
21. Daniel Dzufer (Redland)
22. Wayde Mills (Southport)
23. Danny Wise (Southport)
24. Jason Roe (NT)
25. Todd Grayson (Labrador)
26. Luke Scott (Mt Gravatt)
27. Ben Headland (Southport)
28. Tim Notting (Labrador)
29. Scott Clouston (Redland)
30. Josh Baxter (Southport)
31. Cleve Hughes (Southport)
32. James Charlesworth (Redland)
33. Mitch McKee (Aspley)
34. Darren Ewing (NT)