Ben Te'o set for Maroons bench spot despite investigation into assault allegations BEN Te'o is set to be named in the Queensland side tomorrow night despite being at the centre of an NRL integrity-unit probe into allegations the Maroons back-rower physically assaulted a woman. The Sunday Mail can reveal Te'o is set to retain his Maroons jumper for Origin I if he comes through unscathed in South Sydney's clash with Cronulla tomorrow night. It is understood the Maroons will field a four-forward bench rotation, with Roosters prop Martin Kennedy tipped to oust Broncos rival Josh McGuire and celebrate his Origin debut at ANZ Stadium on June 5. Despite the off-field machinations, Te'o is expected to take his place on the Maroons bench alongside Broncos duo Corey Parker and Matt Gillett. Mal Meninga: Brute force key to stopping Blues Kennedy's Origin debut would be due reward for the 24-year-old Lismore product, who was at the centre of an eligibility tug-of-war before declaring his loyalty to Queensland. Souths back rower Chris McQueen will miss the cut, but is likely to get a taste of camp life as 18th man. Maroons coach Mal Meninga is keen to blood Daly Cherry-Evans this year, possibly in Game Two, in the bench utility role. Comment: Te'o a gamble not worth taking But Queensland are bracing for a battle of attrition in the series opener in Sydney and believe an extra forward on the bench provides insurance during the anticipated slugfest. Queensland enforcer Sam Thaiday supported Maroons selectors' penchant for a four-forward rotation in Origin I. "I think Cherry-Evans would be a fantastic addition for us on the bench but I'm not sure where Mal is going to go with this first game," he said. Form concerns for Maroons stars Whether he goes with four forwards on the bench ... because I know it will be a tough physical battle and a tough game to win down there for the first one. We will have to wait for Monday and see what Mal does. Because of the physicality of the first game, it would be a pretty wise move (to play four forwards). Usually the first game is won in the middle of the field with that brute force. The selection of Te'o is sure to spark fierce debate. Maroons greats Steve Renouf and Greg Dowling believe Te'o should be stood down pending the result of an NRL investigation, but Queensland hierarchy argue he is entitled to be chosen given his availability at NRL level. Te'o has refuted allegations he acted "improperly" and is not currently subject to a Queensland police investigation as the alleged victim, Katie Lewis, has yet to lodge a formal complaint. Barba pulls out stops for Origin selectors Lewis told Channel 9 on Thursday night she intended to press charges within the week. That leaves the Maroons confronting a selection risk with Te'o. Any formal charge against Te'o would be a PR disaster for the QRL, which is awaiting the outcome of an integrity-unit investigation that NRL boss Dave Smith insists will not be rushed.