Who does Mal Meninga choose to play centre for the Maroons? Does he stick with Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges, or go with a bolter? Here is the next episode in our look at the positional makeup of the 2015 Origin squads.
Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
A future immortal, Inglis is a definite in the Maroons camp. The question has to be asked where the Queensland legend will play. With Billy Slater suffering a shoulder injury that could see him miss a huge chunk of the next rounds leading into the Origin period, Inglis might shift into his preferred fullback role. Chances are however, Inglis will stay in the centres due to Slater’s power at the back not being suited to the flank.
Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos)
Hailing from Cairns, Hodges has featured 21 times for the Maroons making him one of the most capped Queenslanders of all-time. Scoring five tries at Origin level, Hodges is currently on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but is expected to return in time for the Anzac Test, around Round 7. Hodges is, like Inglis, expected to have a guaranteed spot in the Queensland camp.
Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
Gagai, a Mackay product, was instrumental in setting up Newcastle’s best performance in the opening rounds in years. Dane Gagai has attacking prowess, having represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2015. Whether he gets himself over the line or sends someone else over, Gagai will do whatever it takes to get there.
Having played over 70 first grade games and scored 25 tries, Gagai is in contention for a State of Origin jersey if he continues his good form at the Knights.
Bolters
One of Wayne Bennett’s most lethal weapons, Dale Copley (Brisbane Broncos) has been a standout in his limited games this season. At 23 years of age, Dale Copley is part of Queensland’s future but will 2015 see him wear the Maroon jersey for the first time? Will he be able to handle everything that comes with representing his state?
In his second stint in rugby league, William Chambers (Melbourne Storm) has impressed being a part of last year’s Queensland Maroons team in his debut State of Origin game, Chambers was able to handle the pressure and proved he could be a mainstay in the Maroons stable for years to come.
Tautau Moga (North Queensland Cowboys) has already played one Test for Samoa at the age of 21 years and the world is at his feet. Moga has a great story on his journey to the National Rugby League, the damaging Cowboys centre is the next rugby league superstar.
Moga may not score as often as his North Queensland teammates but he is able to send his team over the line. Will Moga be able to handle the pressure?
Jay C
Roar Guru
Copley missed 36 Tackles last year. Not huge but not good enough. Maranta missed 10 or so, hodges 20 odd.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I can deal with Reed's pace. I just wish he would pass the ball.
talia
Guest
Justin O'niell for the Queenland Centres
nerva;
Guest
If Copley is slow then Queenslanders should thank their lucky stars that his team mate Jack Reed is unavailable for selection. There's slow, really slow and then there's Jack Reed...
Beergardener
Roar Pro
I would love to see Oates in QLD maroon this year. I think he's a future second rower for Queensland for a decade. Why not blood him on the wing or off the bench.
Beergardener
Roar Pro
Hey Jay C - I normally agree with you on Broncos-ralted issues but I have to ask what games you've been watching if you think Copely's defence isn't great. His offence is fairly poor and he's a bit slow so he's never going to chase down a Jennings but he puts some great hits on, and reads the attack well.
Jay C
Roar Guru
yeah, he doesn't have the best grubber in behind the line.
Adsa
Guest
JayC Hunts kicking game is still a work in progress, I think 2 grubber kicks attacking the line and one out on the full had me dropping my head last night.
chris n
Guest
That's one area were hunt has made massive improvements his kicking game has gone from barely up to queensland cup standard to getting up there with some of the better kickers in the game. If hunt keeps improving at the rate he is going he could be one of the better halfs to have played the game.
Twashie
Roar Rookie
Mal won't change is line up too much from game three, which was easily the most dominant Origin performance of any game last year. Unless injuries dictate otherwise, GI and Hodges will line up in the centres, Slater at fullback, and Chambers and Boyd on the wing. Rumours are that Boyd could be back round 9, giving him two games before the first squad is picked.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Top morning to you too. Not at the moment I wouldn't think. His time will come. Oates is a backrower for mine. Off topic, but one thing I enjoyed last night was Hunts kicking game. He knew full well that the traditional bomb wasn't on with RTS, Tupou and Nene easily out jumping their rivals. there were some really good kicks that found ground or turned them around. Why Pearce didn't put bomb after swirling bomb up for Tupou is beyond anyone's guess... I would probably consider throwing Milf in on the wing TBH. Although his defence isn't great, does it really need to be parked outside of Inglis. I know they won't but gee, if you were going to blood someone early...
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Morning JC. Might sound a bit strange...but are Qld looking at Corey Oats for a wing position? Not sure how he goes under the high ball, but everything else seems to be really good. Plus, he seems to have a good temperament, we'll suited to Origin. It would also allow you guys to blood, what looks like at least, a future international at a real early age.
Jay C
Roar Guru
How do you watch so much footy? You have a seriously impressive knowledge of all levels of the game. Forgiven but not forgotten. Copley was good last night, but definitely has a missed tackle or two in his game. And while he 'held his own' in defence last night he didn't threaten in attack really. Don't get me wrong I like Copley. I just would like to see him play a season in a position before giving him an Origin jersey. Is he even in the Broncos team when Kahu and Hodges return? Let alone Boyd... Nielsen played well I thought the first couple weeks before he was cut for that assault or biting or whatever happened.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
@Jay C Meninga has forgiven Gagai for missing training. Did you watch last night's match between Broncos and Roosters? Read my article on Queensland's wingers Dane Nielsen is playing some horrible footy for Illawarra Cutters.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Chambers is a mile in front of Gagai and Copley and Moga. Gagai isn't popular because he ditched the emerging camp. Copley's defence is poor by Origin standard. Gagai and Chambers on the wing sounds alright. Where's Nielsen, did he bite someone?