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Given the build up to State of Origin Series 33 and with the recent announcement of the Maroons squad, I thought I would compile a team of the least qualified players that could ever lace up the boots for Queensland.
It’s quite funny to see how many have played for the Cowboys at some point in their careers.
Fullback: William Zillman
William was touted as a future superstar when he debuted for the Raiders in 2006. Seven years later and he still looks like the weakest link in an average Titans backline.
He isn’t a terrible player, but still has far too many inconsistent games and his skill hasn’t progressed much during his many years in first grade.
Right wing: Ashley Graham
I find it quite humorous that some people have recently been calling for Graham to make his debut for the Maroons. Sure, it can’t be denied that in recent years his try scoring ability has improved.
Coincidently, it has improved during the time he has been playing outside of current Maroon and former Kangaroo centre Brent Tate. For the many years the Cowboys were dwelling at the bottom of the ladder, Graham was public enemy No.1 in Townsville due to his ability to blow even the simplest try scoring opportunities.
Even today, he is very inconsistent under bombs and makes frequent mistakes both in attack and defence. He would be terribly exposed at Origin level.
Right centre: Nick Emmett
Nick Emmett was touted as being “up to NRL standard” by Wayne Bennett in 2006. Unfortunately for Nick, after a few weeks in the Broncos first grade squad he was exposed by the Parramatta Eels and stared in their record 68-22 victory, making many unforgivable errors in defence.
Since that time, he has only played a handful of games as cover for the Broncos/Dragons during the representative period. A big man who never lived up to his potential.
Left centre: Scott Minto
Probably best remembered for his striking resemblance to Wayne Bennett (resulting in that rather unfortunate nickname) Scott was a pretty average NRL player. Over a four year period he played 39 games for the Broncos, crossing the line just 12 times.
He played his final season in North Queensland where his career was ended due to a serious neck injury. Overall, Scott would add a bit of defensive starch to this team, but probably not much else. Also, if anyone wants a quick laugh, check out the picture on his Wikipedia page.
Left wing: Michael Bani
Micheal Bani initially wanted to play professional basketball, perhaps he would have been better off sticking to that career path. Contracted to the North Queensland in 2009 as a part of the “swap of the century”, Bani struggled to hold down a starting position in a Cowboys back-line featuring such attacking maestros as Shannon Hegarty, John Williams and Shannon Gallant.
Bani often featured at the top of NRL statistics in areas such as missed tackles, lowest line breaks, lowest strike rate and fewest meters gained.
As safe as a double arm amputee under the high ball, Bani could always be relied on to make several crucial mistakes a game. He hasn’t been seen in first grade since Round 2 2011. Nevertheless, he tried hard in a terrible Cowboys side.
At least he tried.
Five-eighth: Grant Rovelli (C)
It was hoped that when Rovelli joined the Cowboys from the Warriors in 2009 that the club had finally found a stable foil to Jonathan Thurston.
Unfortunately, Rovelli proved to be quite the opposite. He was not up to first grade standard an was an inept playmaker.
He has been in great form for the Cutters, however, and captained the Queensland Residents to an impressive victory over the NSW residents last year. I believe in a team full of reserve graders such as this one, he would perform well.
Halfback: Chris Sandow
Perhaps the most controversial selection. I believe Sandow’s selection is warranted due to the hype surrounding his signing with the Eels in 2012. He has looked nothing like a multi-million dollar playmaker and has added little structure or ability to Parramatta since he joined the club.
Time will tell whether he fulfil his ability and eventually perhaps even become good enough to play for Queensland. But for now he qualifies only for the dud team.
Prop: Shane Tronc
I don’t think I have ever seen a softer prop. Over his many years of playing in the NRL, Tronc never took advantage of his size and regularly decelerated while approaching the opposing team’s defensive line.
A hugely disappointing player.
Hooker: Clint Amos
The definition of the word “journeyman”. Over a five year career Amos only played a total of 37 NRL games and unfortunately, never scored a try. A great clubman and rugby league niceguy, but not the greatest hooker to ever play the game.
Prop: Jaiman Lowe
Jaiman has had a long, if solid, NRL career and recently won the premiership with the Melbourne Storm. However, like Tronc, could sometimes be accused of not taking advantage of his frame and hardly looked a threat before signing up with the Storm.
Second row: Shane Muspratt
One of the early players for the Cowboys, Muspratt was a reliable forward in a largely reserve grade Cowboys forward pack. But as the club attracted more big name players, Muspratt struggled to hold his spot in the Cowboys pack and will sadly remain a forgotten player.
Second Row: Scott Bolton
Scott Bolton nearly made the Queensland squad during his standout 2010 season. Bolton was a highlight in a largely forgettable season for the Cowboys but has since failed to return to that stunning form. At the moment, he probably wouldn’t be in the top 30 Queensland backrowers. Hopefully he can one-day rediscover his mojo or risks being labelled a one-season wonder.
Lock: Joel Riethmuller
Riethmuller is a solid defender but is largely ineffective as a running forward. He hasn’t been able to hold down a regular position in the Cowboys and at 28 his time to make an impression may be running out.
Bench
Brenton Bowen, Dane Hogan, Chris Muckert, Nick Slyney
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