Who is in contention to play in the back-row for Queensland in the 2015 State of Origin series? Will Mal Meninga choose Nate Myles, Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday or a bolter?
Here is the next instalment of the 2015 State of Origin early edition.
Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans)
A 26-cap veteran for Queensland, Myles is nearing his 200th first grade game – but also the end of his career. Now 29 years of age, Myles has only a few more years left in him and the controversial Gold Coast captain seems to have a Maroons jersey locked in for season 2015.
One of the most feared players by the New South Wales side, Myles will look to reignite his fiery battle with Blues opposing number Paul Gallen and help steer his team to their ninth series win in ten years.
Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos)
Parker has represented the Maroons on 13 occasions, matching his desired kit number. And the Broncos veteran of over 300 first grade games looks set to be selected just where he wants due to his toughness and loyalty for the Maroons.
Parker has been one of the more consistent Queenslanders in the past years and also one of the tougher players in the side. Last year, Parker displayed one of the best performances by a forward at State of Origin level in the Maroons’ Game 3 victory.
Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
Thaiday has easily been the most dominant forward of late. Since being dropped to the bench in Round 2 by Wayne Bennett, Thaiday has been the Broncos’ best player.
One of the most hated players by New South Wales fans, Thaiday is no stranger to the taunts from the Blatchy’s Blues and is used to the pressure of representing his state.
If the Maroons need help, expect Thaiday to come on and guide his state out of the dumps. Based on his form, Thaiday would have to be the first man chosen in Meninga’s line-up.
Bolters
Gavin Cooper (North Queensland Cowboys) is yet to make his State of Origin debut but has been extremely close before. Injury ruled him out of last year’s series.
The Murgon junior is looking to play his 200th first grade game toward the end of the season and has been one of the NRL’s most consistent back-rowers since returning to Townsville from Penrith in 2011.
With only one representative jersey so far – a PM’s XIII in 2013 – Meninga would probably prefer to choose a more experienced player in his side.
Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos) is one of Queensland’s best back-rowers and a likely member of Meninga’s Maroons in 2015. Having previously represented his state on nine occasions, Gillett works nicely alongside Broncos teammates Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Justin Hodges, the players who will probably make up the Maroons’ right-side.
Gillett’s return to Origin in 2015 looks highly likely.
Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters) represented his state in all three matches of last year’s series and the Cairns junior will look to continue his streak in 2015. Guerra has not been in the best form of late, being unable to dominate in the middle for the Roosters.
If Meninga decides to again select Guerra, expect the Roosters lock to start from the bench as an impact player. Guerra will provide some much needed energy for the Maroons in both his attacking and defensive play.
Chris McQueen (South Sydney Rabbitohs) has represented the Maroons five times since his Origin debut in 2013 however, his form may not get him back into the side in 2015 as he aims for his sixth cap.
Although he won a premiership with South Sydney in 2014, since last year’s grand final McQueen has been unable to return to the same level of form.
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