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North of the Tweed, it’s never too early to start thinking about State of Origin, particularly when the three Queensland clubs have had a, let’s say, ‘mixed’ start to the NRL season.
This year’s Origin series shapes as one of the most intriguing in recent times, as NSW look to defend the title for the first time since 2006.
The Maroons, meanwhile, will have plenty of motivation to prove that last year was just a minor speed bump in their continued dominance of the interstate arena.
Still, the Queensland selectors face some interesting decisions, with last year’s defeat opening the door for a changing of the guard, as the compulsion to continue picking a winning team no longer exists. The Maroons have never been too keen on mass changes, though, so any freshening of the squad is likely to be minor.
Undoubtedly though, some faithful servants are nearing the end of their tenure, and a couple of young bucks will be knocking on the door over the next few weeks of home-and-away action.
So who’s in the firing line? We can assume that despite his optimism, Darius Boyd will be unavailable for at least some of the series, and while Justin Hodges’ latest injury may be minor, his continued struggles to stay on the park must be a concern for the selectors. He is still one of the most dangerous attacking centres in the game, but to see him burned on the outside against the Sharks a couple of weeks ago was disappointing, and must have the likes of Michael Jennings licking his lips.
Hodges will be walking a fine line to prove he is still indispensable from this team, particularly in light of the early season form of Knight Dane Gagai. Will Chambers’ outstanding debut in Game 3 last year means he is a lock to replace the retired Brent Tate.
In the forward pack, some ageing warriors will be feeling a little nervous about their place in the team. Despite early season struggles, loyalty will likely see Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles retained. Josh Papalii, Dave Taylor and Chris McQueen, all of whom were used at some stage last year, are most in the firing line.
Jacob Lillyman was strong as Matt Scott’s replacement in Game 3, and will again be considered by selectors. Josh McGuire and Dylan Napa must come into consideration, surely the cornerstone of the Maroons’ pack of the future.
So with all said and done, here’s my team for Game 1 2015.
1. Billy Slater
2. Will Chambers
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges / Dane Gagai
5. Dane Gagai / Valentine Holmes
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9. Cameron Smith
10. Nate Myles
11. Aidan Guerra
12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker
14. Daly Cherry-Evans
15. Dylan Napa
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Josh McGuire
I’ve played the loyalty card in most cases, but opted for three debutants, which in Queensland counts as mass changes.
If Hodges is unfit, Gagai moves to the centres and another debutant, Valentine Holmes, comes in on the flank, marginally ahead of Tautau Moga.
It’s all just eight weeks away, although a lot can change in that time.
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