Retired Queensland outside back Brent Tate says North Queensland’s Justin O’Neill and Kyle Feldt are ready for State of Origin.

With Billy Slater and Will Chambers sidelined and Justin Hodges hanging up the boots – Tate believes it’s the perfect time to blood the premiership winning pair.

“It’s definitely a plus when you’re playing club footy together, especially in those positions where they’re under a lot of pressure,” Tate said.

“For me personally, I think they can do the job.

“At the end of the day the only way to find out is if you throw them in there.

“When Kevin (Coach Walters) makes his selections he might have GI (Greg Inglis) at fullback and Darius Boyd on the wing or it might be the other way around, so you never know.”