State of Origin is where the makeup of the Australian Kangaroos side is cemented, with a few players who go deep into the NRL finals then rounding out the end-of-year selections.
It’s a battleground where many a player has proven themselves before the next step in representative duties, and more often than not it’s a rite of passage for national selection.
Before the last World Cup, I suggested Mal Meninga might usher in a new era of rep stars. I proposed a backline comprising Corey Oates, Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts and Tom Trbojevic, with a fullback of Darius Boyd, who was always going to be there.
With Meninga’s link to the nucleus of the Maroons side who had the edge for over a decade, it’s no surprise he went for elder statesmen on the outside edges. Although Trbojevic was in the squad.
But it’s equally as unsurprising that Brad Fittler – who is coaching a side that have lost 11 or their past 12 series – has decided to now usher in such a new era.
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Of most prominence in Fittler’s backline is James Roberts and Latrell Mitchell, given their respective developments this season and in the years beforehand.
Both have raw, natural and bursting skillsets that cannot simply be taught.
Roberts is a strong, fast outside back whose signature move is getting around someone or through a hole, then using his speed to shut the gate behind him.
Mitchell – who was compared as a teenager to one of the greatest centres to ever play the game, Greg Inglis – uses his fend, upper-body strength and leg-drive to break a tackle and find open ground.
At just 20 years old, and arguably not yet fully physically developed, it’s crazy to think what the boy from Taree might do in years to come.
Fittler has taken a risk with the pair of centres, but it’s one that will likely pay dividends – even if it’s not in this series.
The two have the talent, skills and attributes to hold those positions for the next four years at least. But if the duo fulfill their potential and become players of the Inglis, or even Will Chambers mould, it’s likely they will be the centre pairings for Australia as well for that time and beyond.
James Roberts (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Roberts is 25 and will be 28 by the time the next World Cup, being held in England, rolls around in 2021.
Even in eight years’ time, when the World Cup is slated to be held in the United States of America and Canada, Roberts and Mitchell could still likely be in the Kangaroos’ fold.
In 2025, Roberts would be 32, Mitchell just 28.
Inglis played in the World Cup in 2008 and 2013, before missing the 2017 edition through injury, although he would have been in the side if fit.
But the development, and ultimately success of Roberts and Mitchell depends on themselves.
Roberts has had some trouble so far on his NRL journey, but appears to have put those times behind him. Mitchell is at a well-run club, the Roosters, who have a solid culture under Trent Robinson.
On-field, the two still have weak spots in their game, as their battle at club level just a few weeks ago showed. But a changing of the guard is on its way.
With NSW handing out 11 debutant jumpers and Queensland’s stars on the other side of the hill or already finished, it’s likely a NSW dominance of the Kangaroos squad is about to begin.
In 2013, 13 of the 24-man Kangaroos World Cup squad were Queenslanders. In the final, 11 of the 17 were Maroons.
In 2017, 14 of the 24-man squad were from north of the Tweed. In the final, against England, ten were Queenslanders.
Those figures will almost certainly be reversed in the coming years should Brad Fittler’s young side fulfill their potential.
Let the magic take hold.
Muzz
Guest
Roberts is special. He's finally reaching his potential. Mitchell has a long way to go! His defensive reads are the biggest concern! On the plus side. He is a freak with the balll!! Natural attacking instincts that can't be coached.
Kevvies Mighty Maroons
Guest
You will be saying the same thing about the other NSW Bloosers players selected in each game - be all like deers in headlights up against Kevvies Mighty Maroons - We will let you win one game with game 3 another decider where QLD will thrash your NSW Bloosers in front of 50k Odd proud Queenslandersssssssss. Never mind I heard NSW will merge with Tonga/NZ and pick a combined team for the 2019 SOO Series - NSW Kiwi Tongans- Be the same result though another 2-1 series victory for QLD
Kevvies Mighty Maroons
Guest
You all know that game 3 will be the decider even before the series kicks off on D Day - June 6 - QLD might even bring Back Thurston/Cronk and Smith out of retirement for a farewell SOO series victory in game 3 - As you all should recall QLD brought Alfie back from the UK for game 3 in 2001 which resulted in another QLD series victory. The poor old NSW Bloosers selectors and fans can come up with x number of NSW SOO origin teams but they should all know QLD players are far better players than anyone NSW can select. Prediction - QLD 2-1 series win- NSW Bloosers back to the drawing board - maybe Gussy Gould will make a coaching comeback too for the 2019 series.
Someone
Guest
Would like to see them play at least one game of Origin (if not many) against the current Kangaroo centres before penciling them into the Kangaroos for the next 7 years. As for your suggested backline for the last world cup, it didn't happen and the Kangaroos won the world cup. It may have been the same result with your backline but who knows. If they out perform Qld's centres throughout the series they may be picked for the Kangaroos, however that is a big if. Think this article has jumped the gun big time. Also the reason they have been picked for NSW is because NSW is going for a very attacking side believing it is their best chance of winning. I don't believe this is the case with the Kangaroos.
Doc79
Guest
The Qlders will make this centre pairing resemble turnstiles. They will let in more tries than they score. Poor selections.
Peter
Guest
Yep, yep, absolutely. Goodplayers. And if all the ifs, buts and maybes come to pass, they'll be around for a while. Let's see them outplay Inglis and Chambers and win the 2018 series first, shall we? Otherwise we're just wondering if the moon is made of green cheese.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
You have the makings of a fine wordsmith Geoff. You're welcome.
Albo
Guest
And I am not sure that Inglis & Chambers have announced their retirements as yet , have they ?
Geoff Dustby
Guest
RL is both an attacking and defensive game. thank you
Nat
Roar Guru
I seen something from Jimmy I have rarely seen at Broncos home games against Parra last week - he turned and chased the Jennings' intercept try. It didn't make much difference but it happened which is a good habit. For all his attacking ability that's one aspect he's always fallen short IMO. Maloney has just the cheeky skill set for Jet but depends on what side he plays too. However, they are coming up against a QLD backline that couldn't find room for 2 of the authors proposed international backline. Fellas who are International backline and have been for a number of years. They are as good of defensive wall as they are at mounting on the points. Aside from Cronk, all the Qld legends who left the team recently, started in a losing series. Irrespective of the outcome, NSW have a team of the future - if they stay with them.
kk
Guest
The Queenslanders will throw everything at #'s 6 &7 equating to the ferocity of the Russians taking Berlin. I hope the Youi's are up to it. The Steeden may not get to Jimmy and Latrell how Freddy intended. Five more sleeps. If the Maroons play how Coach Kevie presents for interviews on our screens the Blues will win 3-0. He may be worried about the roll call. The fact that he may have missed as the Broncos next coach is a double whammy.
Paul
Roar Guru
Lets see, how many SOOs have these guys played? Nil. Yet they're now going to be playing for the Kangaroos for at least the next 4 or 5 years? Number 1, NSW has to win the SOO for these guys to ant sort of chance of making the Kangaroos side and number 2, these guys not only have to survive this SOO series, but play a clear part in winning it.
Simon SS
Roar Rookie
I would suggest that both of their skillsets are more apt to international RL than Origin. I do think their pick is a positive shift towards attack however I am concerned as to who will be our tackling machine.