Anthony Watmough says he’s just about ready to hang up his representative boots – but not before one more crack at bringing down Queensland’s State of Origin dynasty.
As he gears up for what is sure to be another brutal forward clash in Friday night’s NRL semi-final against Cronulla – on the back of last Saturday night’s torrid clash with Sydney Roosters – Watmough says he is starting to listen to his body.
The 30-year-old is desperate to be part of the Australian side to contest the end of year World Cup, and says the knee injury which has hampered his run-in to the finals will not prevent him from being part of the squad.
But it is another tilt at the Maroons that the now veteran back-rower really wants – and it would be enough for him to say goodbye to the sky blue jumper.
“Definitely Origin is a driving factor to keep going,” Watmough said.
“That’s the big one. We want to stop them and we’ve got to.
“That’s the bottom line and I’d love to be a part of it.
“One will do it for me.
“We’ve had a lot of lean years and just to rub it in their face for once would be good.”
His desire to get to the UK and Ireland is also built on retribution.
“I really want to go over,” Watmough said.
“(Winning a World Cup is) probably one of the last things I have got to achieve in the game.
“We were unlucky in ’08 and it still burns. I will be tonguing at the bit to get over there.
“I turned 30 this year and time is ticking on.
“Rep football, I’m probably not too far from hanging up the towel there and passing it on to the younger generation and try to preserve the body.
“It still feels good at the moment so hopefully I can get over there and do the job.”
First though there is the small matter of collecting a third premiership with the Sea Eagles, with the Sharks the next step along the way.
Having been rested from the last two rounds of the regular season due to a knee complaint, Watmough returned to post 165 metres against the Roosters last week – his best attacking game since April.
He would have loved to have earned the week off granted the Roosters for their 4-0 win, but says the body has responded well.
“You feel better after those sorts of games. You put everything into it and you come out feeling better,” Watmough said.
“The knee is good, the body is good and the mind is even better.
“A couple of weeks off late in the year is always good for you.”
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