The feelgood story of the NSW State of Origin team has also made Queensland strike weapon Greg Inglis happy – for reasons that would wipe the smile off Blues fans’ faces.
While stoked South Sydney teammate Nathan Merritt had finally earned a Blues jersey after 10 years trying, Inglis claimed their selection call had played straight into his hands as he planned to get more involved for Queensland.
“I think it will work in my favour because I know his game so well,” Inglis said of Merritt being called in to replace the disgraced Blake Ferguson.
“I am glad that he got picked but at the end of the day he is playing for the other side and we have to exploit that.”
Inglis has been a revelation as South Sydney fullback but admitted he felt like a “headless chook” as a Queensland centre in their 14-6 Origin I loss to NSW earlier this month.
Inglis averages more than 168m an NRL game wearing the Rabbitohs No.1 jersey but made just 57m from 10 runs as a Maroons three-quarter in Sydney.
It had prompted the likes of ex-NSW centre Mark Gasnier to call for Inglis to be named on the wing in order to get more involved in kick returns and receive more quality ball for their must-win game two clash at Suncorp Stadium on June 26.
Inglis said he was yet to strike up a contingency plan with coach Mal Meninga – but assured Queensland fans there would be as they try to keep their hopes of an eight straight series win alive with an Origin II victory.
“That’s something we will speak about in the next few days to get the hands on the ball more,” he said.
“But I thought we stuck to our game plan in game one. We just didn’t play the best we could have.
“You can’t really get frustrated (playing in the centres for Queensland). You have to stick with the gameplan and what is best for us.”
Inglis will spearhead a new-look Queensland side in game two after Meninga finally ditched the loyalty card and went for fresh blood – Manly playmaker Daly Cherry-Evans and Canberra enforcer Josh Papalii.
Their inclusion on the bench forced a pack reshuffle that ensured veteran Ashley Harrison and David Shillington were cut for game two.
Inglis was glad the hard-tackling Papalii was on his side this time.
“Every time you play him it’s like ‘where is he at’? – he’s a big boy,” Inglis said.
“You don’t run at him because you know he can hit.”
Knight Vision
Guest
This guy is going to be a speed bump, look for him to be targeted big time. This is a huge blunder , the guys been selected on media hype.....unbelievable
Knight Vision
Guest
shame hes not a QLDer
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It's GI. To keep the human highlight reel down to one play is pretty special.And now we have Merritt who will be expecting that offload, and will intercept the ball and run 90 metres to score the other way.
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
And what a palm it was, try time baby. GI will be pumped for Brisbane, believe that.
Terry
Guest
You mean the same Morris that GI palmed off then stood up to set up the try?
Terry
Guest
Like Uati, McMannus, Quinn, Turner etc etc etc? I know what you are saying and this has been the prevailing theory but is it valid? NSW has done well to come close seveal times over the last few years ut close does not win games. It's 7-0. We go all defensive again and odds are its going to be 8-0. NSW did well in game 1 but it was very obvious that most of the QLD spine was way off form. Hoping they will be again is slender. Maybe Nathan will flop.... who knows. But he deserves a shot. Actually he deserved it 6 years ago, but thats another arguement.
Naught
Guest
Merritt isn't my ideal origin winger but wit suspensions and injury I can't see any one else above him. Though James McManus is playing better now than when he got a origin jersey (which at the time there was a number of better options).
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Now we'll see what Inglis is made of ~ will he hit Merritt as hard as he hit Dean Young?
Wynter
Guest
Morris made him practically invisible in game one...
nopuritan
Guest
I think Merritt will go well and surprise many. He is one of the best finishers in the game and can make great metres in many situations. People question his skills defensively, but he scrambles well in defence and he knows how to use the sideline to his advantage. IMHO the way for him (and NSW) to contain Inglis is to restrict his attacking corridor and tackle him low. Good luck to NM anyway, he deserves the selection. Go Qld for game 2!!!!!!!!!!
B.A Sports
Guest
Terry how often do you see open field counter attack in Origin? - next to never. How many tries get scored? 1 or 2. How much time do you spend rucking the ball out of your own end, fighting for field position or defending your line/kicks - At least 50% of the game. That's why you need strong and defensive wingers.
Terry
Guest
Here we go......... so Merritt cant handle GI? Who can? nobody! That why he is known by simply his initials and has his own clothing range...... cause nobody can. What Nathan does provide over the other blokes who have preceeded him who's claim to selection seemingly came down to running hard from dummy half is his ability to counter attack and score tries.