Who does Mal Meninga choose to play centre for the Maroons? Does he stick with Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges, or go with a bolter? Here is the next episode in our look at the positional makeup of the 2015 Origin squads.
Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
A future immortal, Inglis is a definite in the Maroons camp. The question has to be asked where the Queensland legend will play. With Billy Slater suffering a shoulder injury that could see him miss a huge chunk of the next rounds leading into the Origin period, Inglis might shift into his preferred fullback role. Chances are however, Inglis will stay in the centres due to Slater’s power at the back not being suited to the flank.
Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos)
Hailing from Cairns, Hodges has featured 21 times for the Maroons making him one of the most capped Queenslanders of all-time. Scoring five tries at Origin level, Hodges is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but is expected to return in time for the Anzac Test, around Round 7. Hodges is, like Inglis, expected to have a guaranteed spot in the Queensland camp.
Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
Gagai, a Mackay product, was instrumental in setting up Newcastle’s best performance in the opening rounds in years. Dane Gagai has attacking prowess, having represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2015. Whether he gets himself over the line or sends someone else over, Gagai will do whatever it takes to get there.
Having played over 70 first grade games and scored 25 tries, Gagai is in contention for a State of Origin jersey if he continues his good form at the Knights.
Bolters
One of Wayne Bennett’s most lethal weapons, Dale Copley (Brisbane Broncos) has been a standout in his limited games this season. At 23 years of age, Dale Copley is part of Queensland’s future but will 2015 see him wear the Maroon jersey for the first time? Will he be able to handle everything that comes with representing his state?
In his second stint in rugby league, William Chambers (Melbourne Storm) has impressed being a part of last year’s Queensland Maroons team in his debut State of Origin game, Chambers was able to handle the pressure and proved he could be a mainstay in the Maroons stable for years to come.
Tautau Moga (North Queensland Cowboys) has already played one Test for Samoa at the age of 21 years and the world is at his feet. Moga has a great story on his journey to the National Rugby League, the damaging Cowboys centre is the next rugby league superstar.
Moga may not score as often as his North Queensland teammates but he is able to send his team over the line. Will Moga be able to handle the pressure?
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Roosters won 60-18 with this incredible sequence capping off the performance.
It might have been that simple all along. As much as the structures, coaching and roster come under pressure at the Roosters, the solution…
Zac Lomax, Ben Hunt and Jack Bird collided in a horror moment for the Dragons. Joey Manu scored off the back of it untouched.
The Roosters half was having a blinder and after a crucial tackle on Tyrell Sloan, sprayed the touchie it happened in front of. Sloan…
This just about summed up the first half for the Dragons as they trailed 30-6 at the break.
Nine's Phil Gould was left scratching his head after this Ben Hunt pass wasn't pulled up. The Roosters held out for the rest of…
