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AFL’s new $6 million dollar man, Israel Folau, will be sacked when Queensland announce their new team to play NSW in State of Origin 2.
The QRL are noted for their loyalty and champion wingman Lote Tuqri was expected to be next in line, but his rugby union defection will count against him and veteran Brent Tate will get a recall on the Maroon’s right wing.
Tate has scored five tries from 15 Origins and has been in excellent touch for the Warriors in recent weeks.
The change won’t impact negatively on betting, as Tate is highly regarded and arguably a better defender than Folau, although not as strong in the air.
It remains to be seen what happens with Folau at club level, if the Broncos mathematically cannot make the semis, as the mail is strong that coach Ivan Cleary is angry over losing his star recruit.
The QRL were not impressed by Folau’s management that the signing was not held back until after the Origin series was over. The timing was obviously part of the deal by the astute AFL, who are desperate to take market share from the NRL in NSW and Queensland.
The other key change for the winning Maroon team will be Ben Hannant coming in for the injured Petero Civoniceva. Although based on his lack luster performance last weekend, he would have to improve this weekend.
He looked overweight and after ten minutes, was pedestrian in defence, something you cannot get away with at origin level.
Broncos discard David Taylor had a blinder last weekend against the big Panther pack, and he looks a readymade replacement as a starting prop to ensure the Maroons have authority and go forward in the crucial final 20 minutes.
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