It’s nearly that time of year again, where the club jerseys are put away and replaced by the iconic Maroon and Blue colours of the respective states.
This will be a tough series for Queensland. After the disappointment of 2018 and the subsequent retirements of five of the greatest players that will ever pull on a Queensland jersey, it doesn’t get any easier.
Queensland are the underdogs this year and it is up for the 2019 team to prevent a Blues dynasty that could match our legendary eight straight before it even begins.
For the Maroons to bring the fight back to the Blues and make this series one for the ages, this is the squad that Kevin Walters must pick.
Fullback: Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
Had Valentine Holmes not gone to the USA to pursue a career in the NFL, perhaps this position could’ve been up for debate but alas, the position is Ponga’s to create a legacy.
He has displayed what he can do at Origin level in his stellar debut in Game 2 last year and his stunning club form at fullback have further cemented his claim. The things he can do in attack will cause nightmares for the NSW defence.
Kalyn Ponga playing State of Origin. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Winger: Corey Oates (Broncos)
The Maroons could do no better than to give the first spot on the wing to the most prolific winger in 2019 so far, Corey Oates.
Built like a second rower and as well as having a knack for finding the tryline, Oates is skilled in making plenty of metres, averaging just over 160m per game in 2019.
Centre: Will Chambers (Storm)
Despite some youthful talent in the backline, with the retirement of Greg Inglis, Queensland desperately needs the experience Will Chambers provides. While not captain of the team, Chambers needs to step up as one of the leaders.
Centre: Michael Morgan (Cowboys)
Michael Morgan can play just about anywhere on the field and has proven this by being a regular utility option off the bench since his Origin debut in 2015.
Morgan has played in the centres for Queensland before and is the best choice to do it again. It should be noted that is Cherry-Evans is unfit for Game 1, then Morgan should play at halfback and as captain.
Wing: Dane Gagai (Rabbitohs)
One of the lock-ins for the Maroons, the 2017 Wally Lewis medallist Dane Gagai has performed well for a winning Rabbitohs side and can once again bring his A-game for the Maroons. He always seems to rise to another level for Queensland and has the ability to do it again.
Dane Gagai (R) of the Maroons celebrates (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Five-Eighth: Cameron Munster (Storm)
So far leading the Dally M leaderboard in 2019, Cameron Munster has been Melbourne’s best player throughout the first 10 rounds.
One of the better players in Queensland’s 2018 series, Munster will have a point to prove this time around to assert his dominance as one of the top Five-Eighths in the game.
Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans (c) (Sea-Eagles)
In the words of the 1997 film ‘Hercules’, Daly Cherry-Evans has turned from ‘zero to hero, just like that’ in the eyes of the Maroons.
Arguably the best player on the field in Queensland’s solitary victory in Game 3, Cherry-Evans will be out to prove he is the man to lead the Maroons to victory as their skipper and halfback after his exile from the team.
Prop: Josh Papalii (Raiders)
Josh Papalii has been one of the best for the Raiders in 2019 and has proven his ability to convert his club form to the Origin stage.
Averaging over 130 metres per game for the Raiders, Papalii can provide some heavy ammunition in the Maroons camp at the start of the game. His heart and toughness will cause problems for the Blues whenever he is on the field.
Hooker: Ben Hunt (Dragons)
At first Jake Friend seemed a lock in for an Origin debut until he injured himself in what was arguably his best performance of the season against the Dragons.
Who’s next? Andrew McCullough? A player who was deemed Cameron Smith’s successor in the 9 jersey, McCullough failed to impress in last year’s series, being completely outdone by Damien Cook but now he’s also injured.
Who does Queensland turn to? None other than Ben Hunt of course. Hunt played 50 minutes out of dummy half coming off the bench in Game 3 last series and managed to play his best game of a tough series for him. He has the ability to be quick off the play the ball and cause problems for the Blues similar to Cook last series.
Prop: Jai Arrow (Titans)
Jai Arrow has been the Titans best forward and arguably their best player in 2019, if it wasn’t for McGuire (who may be deemed unfit but very unlikely), would be picked in his club position of lock.
After losing the series after Game 2 last year, Queensland decided to bring Arrow off the bench and start him in the front row with Papalii. The Maroons ended up winning the dead rubber and Arrow was impressive starting at Prop.
Second Row: Matt Gillett (Broncos)
Essentially missed the entirety of the 2018 season due to injury, including Origin, Matt Gillett will be out with a point to prove.
While Gavin Cooper was good for the Maroons last series, there is a reason why Gillett was regarded as the best second rower in the NRL before 2018. He also provides much needed Origin experience for this relatively rookie side.
Second Row: Felise Kaufusi (Storm)
Felise Kaufusi was one of our better players last series in a losing effort and has been impressive for the Storm throughout the start of 2019.
Kaufusi is averaging more metres than he did for the Storm last season, which earned him a Maroons debut and is another lock in for 2019. He and Gillett will provide a strong second row to going against the Blues.
Lock: Josh McGuire (Cowboys)
Another experienced forward for the Maroons, Josh McGuire has been impressive for the Cowboys in 2019, averaging nearly 50m per game more than his 2018 season with the Broncos.
Queensland need someone to bring the fight back to the Blues this series and Josh McGuire is that someone.
Bench Utility: Anthony Milford (Broncos)
Anthony Milford receives a heap of criticism for his inconsistency over the past four seasons but he has arguably been one of the best for his club in 2019 and while he shouldn’t be the five-eighth ahead of Munster, Milford is a ready-made utility.
If Walters brings him on at the right times of the game, he can provide a spark that will cause nightmares for a tiring NSW defence as the match goes on.
Bench: Dylan Napa (Bulldogs)
This spot was a real flip of a coin between Jarrod Wallace and Dylan Napa. If the spot was a starting front row position, Wallace would probably take it but off the bench, we need a front rower than can make an impact immediately and I believe Dylan Napa is the man for the job. Like McGuire, when on the field Napa can and will need to bring the fight to NSW.
Bench: Joe Ofahengaue (Broncos)
Joe Ofahengaue, while being overshadowed by Payne Haas for the Broncos, has been impressive for the Broncos throughout the 2018 season and has managed to maintain this form in 2019 coming off the bench supporting Lodge and Haas.
He has consistently made over 100 metres per game for the Broncos, only not doing so on two occasions and even cracking the 200-metre mark not so long ago off the bench no less. Queensland need a player like this coming off the bench this series to support the starting players and Ofahengaue is the best choice.
Bench: David Fifita (Broncos)
David Fifita has been a revelation for the Broncos ever since his debut last season and is a superstar of the future. Not only does Queensland need to bring in young players for the future of the side, Fifita’s club form has shown he is capable of playing Origin.
He can also play numerous positions in the forwards and could even play in the centres (though unlikely) if needed.
Rob
Guest
O’neil has been playing very well. Chambers is a worry IMO. Not only is his defence becoming less effective but his combative nature appears to inspire Mitchell. I think Mitchell really likes kicking his ass regularly now.
Rob
Guest
There is several reasons you don’t want Morgan at hooker IMO. He has high handling errors, he misses tackles with a low defensive rate? He is not busy enough and isn’t quick of the mark. Morgan is a very good centre because he has a few gears and can get past and through defenders once he gets moving. He can be a handful running angles, drawing 2 and passing on the edges. Morgan can also kick in behind at speed which makes wingers wary of coming up and in. I would have coming off the bench. Brimson is a good dumb half, quick off the mark, busy and likes following the ball and backing up. I believe Ponga, DCE, Hunt and Brimson could be a real handful for the blues through the middle.
Graham
Guest
would consider Rhyse Martin as an option but either way the gap between the forward packs has dropped also Justin O'neill has out-statted Latrell mitchell this season in many aspects but has flown under the radar
Emcie
Roar Guru
Fair enough, if we're talking utility-hooker there's no way I'd pick Milf. He's a pretty much a half or nothing. But I'm not not I'd lable Hunts performance there "servicable" last year. Defensively he was a liability and they even brought McCullough back on for the final couple minutes when NSW were getting on a role. NSW went from being completely dominated to being in front litterally minutes after Hunt replaced Macca, and came very close to snatching victory. With Hunt at 9 the team couldn't keep the pressure in NSW and their middle got very soft.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
I'm evaluating their performances in the comparable roles they've played in the past: the last time Hunt played as a utility-hooker in Game 3 last year, he was very serviceable, played just as well as McCullough did during the game - he made some good kicks and his dummy-half service was quite respectable When Milford played as a utility-hooker in Game 1 last year, his service out of dummy-half was poor and he tried way too hard to be flashy when his main job as a hooker should be to provide service for his forwards and tackle in the middle. If we're selecting a utility-hooker - which we are - Hunt is miles ahead of Milford.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Dreadful? He saved a try and ran more metres then Hunts series only touching the ball four or five times. If Hunts performances last year were acceptible we've really dropped the bar....
Josh H
Roar Rookie
Hunt has at least been acceptable when he plays for the maroons, Milford's last game - albeit off the bench - was absolutely awful
Emcie
Roar Guru
I was actually thinking that myself. The only problem is centre
Rellum
Roar Guru
I want Morgs on the bench ahead of Hunt or Milf. I quess our lack of 3/4 depth means he will play in the backline. Come to think of it, a random pick. What if we pick Morgs at hooker?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I assume you mean Gaigai comes into centre. The problem I have with that is that Gaigai has been outstanding for us on the wing. Tough carriers from our own end. Great reads in D. Plus smart as well. He and Oates are Strengths for us. Leave that alone imo. Plus I always thought Morgs is a natural centre. He has a centres instincts. It’s when he has to be number one playmaker that he loses his edge. I am more than happy with the backline .
Rellum
Roar Guru
I would be happy for them to take a punt on Turpin. Segs being at the Broncs means they can ease his work load so he is not pushed too far too early.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I meant as a back up if Turpin was picked as Nat suggested. It'll never happen though. I reckon Segeyaro just add's alot more if he's injected off the bench then Hunt, while adding Hunt pretty much forces changes any attacking structures you had going prior. But you're right, he's pretty much the last man standing for 9 right now, outside of some really adventurous selections. Although he's that out of form Granville might get a shot if he puts in a good performance.
Larry1950
Guest
You had me until I saw Milford on the bench, no way he provides that true utility requirement to cover any position from hooker to back row to centre/winger/fullback as we've had with Morgan & even Ponga/Cronk beforehand. It's more reminiscent of "Walker's on, Walker's on" and that inclusion of Chris Walker to bust open origin with his pace proved a myth. Would you trust Milford to defend in the middle if required. The guy I'd take in from the bench if you need a utility is A J Brimson, covers the backline & could pinch hit at dummy half. In reality, I'd go with Hess for Milford & trust Fifita to cover the backline. My concern is the number of guys currently not playing who'll make the team, fitness might become an issue. With your squad, Glasby has to feel hard done by and should get a spot if Arrow is out while Christian Welch would have been a certainty but for injury.
Rellum
Roar Guru
David Fifita doesn't get enough minutes at the moment to be considered for Origin. Too soon. I would rather have Feldt on the wing so Morgs can be on the bench. We need some more outside backs to come the these systems.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
That’s a pretty good side. Hooker is a hard one . No stand out for mine. I go for Hunt with fingers and toes crossed. Your starting pack is perfect. The bench I am not so sure about. I would put Hess in but he has often been poor for the Cows . Maybe he is the guy that can lift for Origin. Wallace has not let us down in the past either. As for Milf, my question is how do you use him? Ponga, Morgs, Munster are all run first players. DCE needs to play the whole game so I don’t know what role MILF would have.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
That’s a big call for mine. I am not a Hunt fan by any means but he is the best of an average bunch. We just need to wear it.
Sammy Di Fran
Roar Rookie
I am but even if I was not the squad would mostly still be the same, even now I’m still tossing up Wallace or Napa
Nat
Roar Guru
Why not Segs as utility? Not really his fault he was in reserves until last week due to Cronulla's 'creative accounting' but he has many years of experience and all manner of big games. I don't think we need a half on the bench with Morgan, Munster and DCE in the squad. Napa needs someone to point him around, simple instructions w/ effort plays. I would swap Joey O with Wallace at this stage.
Don
Roar Rookie
Me too. If Segeyaro had 2 more games under his belt I reckon they’d pick him. I’d still feel better if they picked him now and Hunt was on the bench as the utility instead of Milford.
Emcie
Roar Guru
.....I'd still go Segs, even off one game