Wallaby centre Daniel Herbert is expected to replace John Eales as Queensland captain following the announcement today of a 32-man squad for 2002.

Herbert is the obvious choice after standing in for Eales as captain on 10 occasions during this year's Super 12 when the Wallaby captain was injured.

The other likely candidate, Michael Foley, will retire after 111 matches as Queensland's most capped hooker.

The 27-year-old Herbert has played 108 games for Queensland and 58 Tests.

"Herbie did a good job for us this year and I expect him to get the nod next season," McBain said in announcing the squad that includes 15 players not previously contracted

"We've been able to sign up a lot of good young players in the past few months and with a Super 14 looking a reality within a year or two, we are well placed."

Players missing from this year's squad include five-eighths Shane Drahm and Nathan Spooner and winger Nathan Williams, who have all signed overseas contracts, while open-side flanker Scott Fava has signed with the Brumbies.

McBain has gone for Australian Under 21 flanker Ton McVerry as his open side back-up.

There will be plenty of competition on the wing with Ben Tune, Damien Smith and Ricky Nalatu being challenged by Broncos league recruit Wendell Sailor.

The other interesting position will be at hooker with Sean Harman and Tim Tavalea battling former Brumbies replacement Tom Murphy, who is returning to Brisbane.

Qld Reds 2002 Squad

FULLBACKS: Chris Latham, Michael Tabrett, Richard Graham*.
WINGERS: Wendell Sailor*, Ben Tune, Damian Smith, Ricky Nalatu.
CENTRES: Junior Pelesasa, Daniel Herbert, Jason Ramsamay, Steve Kefu. FLYHALVES: Andrew Scotney*, Elton Flatley, Paul Warwick*.
HALFBACKS: Jacob Rauluni, Sam Cordingley, Ben Wakely*.
BACKROWERS: Toutai Kefu, John Roe, David Croft, Tom McVerry*, Rob McDonald*, Daniel Heenan*, Matt Cockbain.
LOCKS: Mark Connors, Rudi Vedelago*, Mark Chisolm*, Andrew Farley*, Nathan Sharpe, Mike Mitchell*.
PROPS: Fletcher Dyson, Simon Kerr, Nick Stiles, Glenn Panoho, Anthony Mathison*. HOOKERS: Sean Hardman, Tom Murphy, Tim Tavalea.

*Denotes new squad members.