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The Queensland selectors have named the Maroons team for Game 3 of the 2014 State of Origin series.
This is despite the fact the New South Wales Blues have wrapped up the Origin series after their victory on home soil in Game 2, so I have no idea why this game is even being played.
The series is over. Give the Blues the trophy, print the ‘One in a row’ shirts, and let’s get on with the NRL season.
>> NSW Blues team for 2014 State of Origin Game 3: Expert reaction
In all seriousness, though I can appreciate why some people think a dead-rubber is a waste of time, the players never take a State of Origin game lightly.
NSW will want to win to ensure the trophy presentation isn’t slightly hollow, while also keeping their metaphorical foot on Queensland’s throats. The saying ‘never give a sucker an even break’ comes to mind.
Meanwhile, Queensland have plenty to play for: pride, their home crowd, and the need for confidence and momentum heading into next year’s series. Let’s also not forget that some of the Maroons may even be playing for their Origin careers.
So if you think this game won’t have plenty of intensity, think again.
Here is the Queensland Maroons side for Origin 3
1. Billy Slater
Slater has been one of the Maroons’ best players in the series, with his defensive positioning outstanding, and his support play once again brilliant. He’s not quite as explosive as his younger days, but he’s wiser and savvier. Whether that’s enough to quiet the calls for Greg Inglis to switch to fullback next year remains to be seen. If it’s not, the question then becomes: if Slater has lost a little pace, and certainly hasn’t gotten any taller, can he play wing in Origin?
2. Darius Boyd
Without a doubt, the luckiest man in Origin. I reckon I could score tries playing outside of Greg Inglis. You could argue that Boyd knows where the tryline is, but considering it’s painted white, and he normally just falls over it, that’s not really something to boast about. Hopefully he wins man-of-the-match, because his interviews are always scintillating.
3. Greg Inglis
A dead rubber is always a good time to experiment, and the Maroons have plucked Greg Inglis from obscurity and thrown him into Origin football. A real bolter from the Bunnies, not much is known about this mystery man, though his birth certificate would indicate that Queensland selectors can’t read, or have misinterpreted the ‘Origin’ in State of Origin.
4. Justin Hodges
With the series already gone, Queensland have looked to the future and selected 32-year-old Justin Hodges in the centres. Hodges has the blistering pace that only youth can provide, and though a shy, quiet and reserved kid, don’t be fooled: he’s a real competitor, and will give the Blues plenty of trouble.
5. Will Chambers
The Melbourne Storm centre gets his chance at Origin level due to the sad injury to Maroons stalwart Brent Tate. It won’t be the first time he’s worn the Maroon-coloured jersey though, as he played for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby. I’ve got big wraps on this guy, and I think he could be a star at Origin level. A dead rubber isn’t the worst game to make your debut in, and hopefully he can build on this opportunity for the future.
6. Johnathan Thurston
JT lost his cool a little in Origin II, and though the list of people Josh Reynolds has upset is long and distinguished, it was still a surprise to see Thurston put off his game. He’s had a very quiet Origin series by his lofty standards, and one would expect him to finally show his class in Brisbane. Considering the Cowboys woes, he should soak up the chance to play with individuals that have won something.
7. Cooper Cronk
Well, this is a bit of a shock. It’s also a bit of a worry for Daly Cherry-Evans. In a game that means very little in the grand scheme of things, and for which Queensland should use as planning for the future, Maroons selectors have selected Cronk to return to the side at halfback. There is no question Queensland have missed the organisation skills and tactical nous of the Melbourne number 7, but it’s not a ringing endorsement for his replacement, Cherry-Evans, that they’ve rushed Cronk back from injury for a dead rubber. Should Queensland win this game, you would assume Cronk will be in a great position to hold onto his spot next year.
8. Jacob Lillyman
Lillyman’s massive arms make me feel like less of a man. Mind you, everyone in this team makes me feel like less of a man. Except for Darius Boyd. The Warriors forward is a big boy who earned his recall in Game 2 after playing some good footy for the Warriors, and was always a certainty to stay in the team once Matt Scott was ruled out with a facial fracture, due to the Maroons slight lack of size.
9. Cameron Smith
I was going to make a gag about Smith being Robbie Farah’s apprentice, but I just have too much respect for Smith’s ability, leadership and class. It’s hard to put into words just how gracious Smith was after losing the series in Sydney. Though a true competitor on the field – and a sneaky grub – Smith is a class act, and even as a New South Welshmen, I’m proud of him.
10. Nate Myles
Myles reminds me of that episode of The Simpsons when Homer becomes a professional boxer, because he can’t be knocked out. The burly Queenslander takes punches to the head from Paul Gallen, a spear tackle from Anthony Watmough, and countless other sorts of punishment in tackles, and each time he acts like he almost likes it. He’s one tough son-of-a-female dog.
11. Aidan Guerra
With a doubt, my favourite burrito at Guzman Y Gomez, and also a fine player for the Roosters and Maroons. Even if he does spell his name wrong. He’s certainly looked comfortable at this level, despite being somewhat of a surprise selection for this year’s series. It’s a shame (not really) that he’s never actually won a game for Queensland, let alone a series, which certainly makes him an anomaly with his teammates. Guerra curse, anyone?
12. Sam Thaiday
I’m not sure we can make ‘Third Man In’ jokes anymore, can we? Ok, what about ‘Tryday or No-Tryday’? Too soon? On that controversial decision from Game 2, publicity-shy Bill Harrigan came out after the game and said it was a try, which should quiet down all the Queensland fans who also thought it was try, because that means it definitely wasn’t one. Big Sam missed the first game, but returned in Sydney with his barnstorming runs, tough defence, and hair flowing everywhere.
13. Corey Parker
My sources tell me Parker knows how to throw ‘em, so I better be careful here. Which is funny in itself, because it intimates that I could handle myself against the other 16 individuals listed here. The silver fox continues his late career resurgence with another Origin cap to his name. Weird Corey fact: he’s no relation to French San Antonio Spurs star point guard Tony Parker.
14. Daly Cherry-Evans
DCE returns to the Maroons bench after sitting out Game 2. What’s that? He did play in Sydney? Oh… well, in that case, I’m guessing the Manly halfback will be looking to bounce back from a below par performance in Game 2. Cheap shots aside, Cherry-Evans is the future of the Maroons, but he probably needs a strong game if he wants the number 7 jersey next year, because Cooper Cronk was certainly missed after he broke his arm in Game 1.
15. Ben Te’o
The President of Danny Weidler Fan Club – a society with a large amount of devout followers – Te’o is still without a team for next season, but remains an important part of the Queensland set-up. There are whispers he may play rugby union in Europe next year, but hopefully those reports are off-the-mark because the current Rabbitoh is a tremendous player, and one both the NRL and the Maroons would dearly love to keep.
16. Matt Gillett
Gillett was rested from the Broncos game on the weekend with a shoulder injury, but will be fit to play for the Maroons. Gillett blew a certain try in the opening game of the series that proved costly for Queensland, but Blues hierarchy winked knowingly, knowing their plan had worked. You see, Gillett was born in NSW and was actually planted as an undercover agent with a job to covertly disrupt Queensland from within. Shrewd.
17. Dave Taylor
Taylor is one of those rare Queensland Maroons players who was shockingly born in Queensland. That doesn’t stop him from doing all he can to lose a game for the Maroons. Though undeniably a game-breaker when on-song, he can be just as damaging for his own team at times. Needles to say, consistency has dogged his career. Having said that, he certainly brings x-factor to the team, and even NSW would admit that he can be a tough assignment when he’s on his game.
18th man: Josh McGuire. 19th man: Michael Morgan