North of the Tweed, it’s never too early to start thinking about State of Origin, particularly when the three Queensland clubs have had a, let’s say, ‘mixed’ start to the NRL season.
This year’s Origin series shapes as one of the most intriguing in recent times, as NSW look to defend the title for the first time since 2006.
The Maroons, meanwhile, will have plenty of motivation to prove that last year was just a minor speed bump in their continued dominance of the interstate arena.
Still, the Queensland selectors face some interesting decisions, with last year’s defeat opening the door for a changing of the guard, as the compulsion to continue picking a winning team no longer exists. The Maroons have never been too keen on mass changes, though, so any freshening of the squad is likely to be minor.
Undoubtedly though, some faithful servants are nearing the end of their tenure, and a couple of young bucks will be knocking on the door over the next few weeks of home-and-away action.
So who’s in the firing line? We can assume that despite his optimism, Darius Boyd will be unavailable for at least some of the series, and while Justin Hodges’ latest injury may be minor, his continued struggles to stay on the park must be a concern for the selectors. He is still one of the most dangerous attacking centres in the game, but to see him burned on the outside against the Sharks a couple of weeks ago was disappointing, and must have the likes of Michael Jennings licking his lips.
Hodges will be walking a fine line to prove he is still indispensable from this team, particularly in light of the early season form of Knight Dane Gagai. Will Chambers’ outstanding debut in Game 3 last year means he is a lock to replace the retired Brent Tate.
In the forward pack, some ageing warriors will be feeling a little nervous about their place in the team. Despite early season struggles, loyalty will likely see Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday and Nate Myles retained. Josh Papalii, Dave Taylor and Chris McQueen, all of whom were used at some stage last year, are most in the firing line.
Jacob Lillyman was strong as Matt Scott’s replacement in Game 3, and will again be considered by selectors. Josh McGuire and Dylan Napa must come into consideration, surely the cornerstone of the Maroons’ pack of the future.
So with all said and done, here’s my team for Game 1 2015.
1. Billy Slater
2. Will Chambers
3. Greg Inglis
4. Justin Hodges / Dane Gagai
5. Dane Gagai / Valentine Holmes
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Matt Scott
9. Cameron Smith
10. Nate Myles
11. Aidan Guerra
12. Matt Gillett
13. Corey Parker
14. Daly Cherry-Evans
15. Dylan Napa
16. Sam Thaiday
17. Josh McGuire
I’ve played the loyalty card in most cases, but opted for three debutants, which in Queensland counts as mass changes.
If Hodges is unfit, Gagai moves to the centres and another debutant, Valentine Holmes, comes in on the flank, marginally ahead of Tautau Moga.
It’s all just eight weeks away, although a lot can change in that time.
Pomski
Guest
Nah. I don't think Kahu eligible. He's a New Zealander
Pomski
Guest
Yeah fair enough. I just couldn't think of any other good Qld wingers who are eligible. I was gonna go for Corey Oats but thought Maranta was a solid a player and good under the high ball and I reckon NSW would constantly put up bombs to test out the wingers.
Jay C
Roar Guru
You're kicking to Slater though in Origin. Who has the best positional play of any full back in history. surely no one is seriously thinking Slater would be best elsewhere. Maranta is an adequate winger at club level but nowhere near Origin. Holmes will play one day but not yet. I would be shocked to see J. Reynolds in the 6 tbh.
G
Guest
He looks good carving up the Raiders etc whilst that forward pack of theirs is rolling over normal teams, but watch him against say Souths or in particular QLD and he goes missing, every kick goes straight to the fullback, and JT always gets him with the show and go. If he gets picked the shield is yours. It surprises me to see a lot of Maroons wanting Maranta, Holmes etc, as a Blue I'd love to see them pick Slater on the wing, the team balance with Slater at fullback and GI in the centres is top notch. Boyd should be back by then but it doesn't really matter who's on the outside of GI.
F. Shield
Guest
1) Slater 2) Gagai 3) Inglis 4) Hodges 5) Chambers 6) Thurston 7) Cronk 8) Scott 9) Smith 10) Myles 11) Thaiday 12) Guera 13) Parker 14) Segyaro 15) Gillett 16) Macguire 17) Hennant 18) Hunt 19) Grevsmuhl
Jay C
Roar Guru
Or Kahu. Is he eligible?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Surely Milford would be the option. He could handle the wing and offers another strike weapon in attack..
scott
Guest
Surely Corey Oates would get a run before Maranta. Great kid, has good hands, strong and can find the line, plus can play anywhere from 1 to 5 plus the back row. And the boy can tackle, he hit one of the Cowboys so hard he spewed on the field. He's played u20s origin and is ready for the big time in my opinion.
Jay C
Roar Guru
As a proud toad. I honestly hope they don't pick Pearce. His form towards the back end of last season was sizzling. And I know he will be burning to get back.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Inglis is 28. I have a pretty good feeling the fullback spot will be fine for a while yet...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Queensland will be 100% focused on this series and re-claiming the title with not one eye on the future. I wonder though if re-claiming the origin shield could be the 'last challenge' for a lot of these older players at rep level. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a few retirements if Qld win.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I loll'd at Maranta
The Barry
Roar Guru
April fools day has been and gone Tony.
Pomski
Guest
My qld squad 1 - Billy Slater 2 - Dane Gagai 3 - Greg Inglis 4 - Will Chambers 5 - Lachlan Maranta 6 - Johnathan Thurston 7 - Cooper Cronk 8 - Matt Scott 9 - Cameron Smith 10 - Nate Myles 11 - Aiden Guerra 12 - Matt Gillet 13 - Corey Parker ------- 14 - Daly Cherry-Evans 15 - Sam Thaiday 16 - Ethan Lowe 17 - Jason Lilyman ------- 18 - Dylan Napa 19 - Josh Macguire 20 - James Segyaro What do you reckon roarers?
G
Guest
You cane toads hoping Loz picks Pearce and ignores the likes of Hodkinson and Adam Reynolds? Most NSW fans prefer Pearce isn't selected but am interested in what the Maroon view is.
Tony
Guest
I figured with Thompson it would be a great opportunity to bring him in.With Inglis he has virtually played in the centres for Qld and i think he is settled there.With Billy Slater he has played on the wing for Qld before and i figure he probably has only a couple of more years before he finishes therefore it would be ideal to blood in a new one before he goes.I like Cooper because of his combination with Thurston at the Cowboys.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I agree about Gillett...he also seems to have trouble holding on to the ball when he has to catch it while hitting the line under pressure. Watch his games last year especially Origin....if he holds on to some of those Qld win. In Origin there is just no room for error and the 1% counts and Gillett hasn't shown that he has it yet. I'd still have Thaiday start.
Cam Stokes
Roar Pro
Yes, Thompson is an interesting call/good troll, but I like the idea of Gavin Cooper being in the frame...
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
No offence mate, but I can't see Corey Thompson pushing two of the best fullbacks of all time to centre and onto the wing...
Tony
Guest
My squad would be as follows: 1-Corey Thompson 2-Gagai 3-Inglis 4-Justin Hodges 5-Billy Slater 6-Johnathon Thurston 7-Cooper Cronk 8-Scott 9-Smith 10-Myles 11-Cooper 12-Guerra 13-Parker McGuire Lillyman Thaiday Hunt