Queensland's Michael Crocker and Scott Prince (left) react with tryscorer Israel Folau during the NRL State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Wednesday, June 11, 2008. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
For the first time in a long time, there’s no way that Queensland can claim to be anything other than favourites heading into State Of Origin. With New South Wales naming eight debutants in their Origin team, and the Maroons boasting the same one through ten as the Australian side, at least the Blues can claim to have underdog status.
That’s not to say that they’re not in with a shot. The New South Wales selectors have to be commended for picking a fresh outfit that is largely unburdened by the losses of recent years.
While the Queensland team largely picks itself at the moment, there’s still a few spots up for grabs, so I’d like to suggest who fills them.
My preferred Queensland Origin team:
1. Billy Slater
2. Darius Boyd
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges
5. Israel Folau
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Steve Price
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Michael Crocker
12. Ashley Harrison
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Karmichael Hunt
15. Nate Myles
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Ben Hannant
Obviously the all Kangaroo backline is a no brainer, as is the front row.
The second row is less so.
Michael Crocker might only be two games back in the NRL, but he has already shown the kind of form that has made him a mainstay of the Maroon’s pack over recent years. Crocker’s backrow partners, Harrison and Johnson, are also some of the hardest workers in the game and together they give their pack a nice balance.
On the bench, Hunt provides vital cover for the backs and at dummy half, as well, and although it’s hard to see him getting too many minutes, it’s quite a luxury to have.
Nate Myles may have been playing in a beaten pack all season, but there’s something about Origin that changes players. The Roosters might well find Myles the catalyst they need to turn their season around when he returns from rep duties.
Thaiday’s all action go forward and enthusiasm gets him the nod over his Bronco’s team mate, Corey Parker. Perhaps if the side wasn’t already blessed with such competent goal kickers, Parker could have demanded a place. As it is, Hannant rounds out the bench and interestingly would provide Origin with the only member from the league leading Bulldogs.
Not such bad news for Doggies fans on the whole, really.
A lot has been said about the Maroon’s backs, but when it comes down to it, Origin is won and lost up front and if Petero and Price lay the platform again, then the Blues will be playing catch up all series.
It’s Queensland’s to lose.
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