Speculation that Cameron Smith will make a State of Origin comeback won’t go away after Queensland coach Kevin Walters made a curious squad announcement on Monday.
A fired up Walters spoke for 15 minutes spruiking his 17 unveiled for June 5’s Origin I before surprisingly calling back the media for a late announcement.
He named Anthony Milford as his 19th man and Cronulla forward Kurt Capewell as his development player before announcing No.21 was “TBC” – to be confirmed.
Walters then raised eyebrows when he declined to confirm or deny whether former skipper Smith would be the man added to his extended squad for next week’s series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
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“We’ve named Tim Glasby at 18, Anthony Milford at 19, Kurt Capewell will be coming in from the Sharks later in the week as our development player and then there’s player No.21 to be confirmed,” Walters said.
A journalist then asked: “Is his name Cam Smith?”
Walters then curiously replied: “I’ll get back to you later in the week.”
It ramped up speculation Smith may again don the boots for Queensland just as the long-serving Maroons skipper had appeared to finally dismiss the rumours.
Earlier this month Queensland Rugby League chairman Bruce Hatcher became the latest to ask Smith to end his representative retirement and resume his record 42-game Origin career after the Maroons were hit by a No.9 injury crisis.
Hatcher sent an SOS after incumbent Maroons hooker Andrew McCullough broke down with a knee injury following Sydney Roosters rake Jake Friend’s serious biceps complaint.
Yet Smith appeared to finally pour cold water on a return when he wrote a recent column for website Player’s Voice explaining why he was never going to return for Queensland and that he was happily retired from representative football.
Still, NSW will be wary of a surprise return after being burned in the past by a scheming Queensland.
In 2002, the Maroons included “TBC” in their squad to allow flying winger Lote Tuqiri to serve a dangerous throw ban and feature in their game two win over the Blues.
And Queensland pulled the ultimate rabbit out of the hat when UK-based Allan Langer made a shock return in 2001, flying in to inspire a series-deciding game three victory.
Dave
Guest
Get this one. You heard it here first. DCE is not fit. A day before Origin he drops out. Who comes in? Yup. C. Smith. I know you'd get some juicy odds on that but the clue is DCE hasn't played for 6 weeks and it's nuts picking him. Throw ppl off the scent with the captaincy and bingo. Genius mate, genius.
WarHorse
Roar Rookie
The only hope Smith has of playing is if Hunt gets injured during training. I can't see anyone else filling that vital dummy half role adequately. Perhaps Mbye is the only one in that squad that could possibly try to fill it. McGuire certainly wouldn't last 80 minutes and be effective.
WarHorse
Roar Rookie
What about Paul Gallen?
Graham
Guest
please let it be matt parcell guy is a gun
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yeah I agree with you on the seriousness of it. It’s definitely at the lower range. But we don’t know whether he was a danger to anyone or not. P platers are zero for a reason - they are inexperienced and anything slightly impairing that, can numb reaction times which could be fatal.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Nope he saved Qld from an embarrassing whitewash, he torn NSW a new one and will do it again, the Qld roster is the most potent I’ve scene for a long time, yes the big 3 were elite but this new group has individual brilliance throughout to much danger for NSW to handle
Emcie
Roar Guru
I've got no time for drink driving, but trying to compare this the going out on the drink and jumping behind the wheel or even feeling a bit off in the morning and going for a drive is pretty disingenuous. It's more unlucky then irresponsible. He wasn't a danger to anyone, he just broke the rules of his provisional license
eagleJack
Roar Guru
A lot of pressure on him. He’d know the knives will be out if the team fails. He got the blame for past losses. He’ll get it again. I hope he puts in a top notch performance. But ultimately falls short
Insider
Roar Rookie
Spot on Eaglejack , and he has been solid for us this year, held Twents hand during interviews last year, DCE has always had leadership qualities, just needed a leader for a coach to mentor him. He will pull NSW apart
eagleJack
Roar Guru
It’s a great story. Going from being booed and abused, to leading the state. The only player I’ve seen treated worse than DCE over the years at Suncorp was Brett Stewart.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Probably part of his media deal with Fox… I just can’t see how it’s in the best interests of the team, which should be his primary priority
Insider
Roar Rookie
It’s hype Emcie, I watched it liked it and will like it better when it’s 3 nil
eagleJack
Roar Guru
No Crusade mate. Just pointing out the facts. You seem to believe it’s not a big deal, others find any form of drink driving abhorrent. I’m somewhere in the middle. But believe it’s not a good look for the game.
Insider
Roar Rookie
CAPTAIN DCE , go you champion!
Insider
Roar Rookie
Emcie you are correct, even I say it’s no big deal, problem is the “keyboard warriors “ will be out for blood
Emcie
Roar Guru
Alright mate, don't let me get in the way of your crusade...
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Being a provisional licence holder and getting caught with any alcohol in the system is treated the same as low-range drink driving (0.05 to 0.09). A very bad look for the game. A very dumb move by Segeyaro.
Clanger McClunk
Guest
I've read the comments here re Segeyaro going DUI. One commenter in particular seems to brush it off as a mere hiccup rather than a traffic offence. Breath analysis of drivers is there for a reason and to say failing to pass is at the bottom end of offences is trivialising a serious traffic infringement. Segeyaro should be penalised by the courts which he won't be because they are as soft as marshmallow, as well as the NRL.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Dunno if anyone else is watching 360 on fox right now but Kevvie really needs to stop overselling QLD's chances, what does this accomplish exactly?
Joe
Roar Rookie
I hope Smith does not play. This is getting ridiculous. Just pick your team and get on with training them to win game 1 without the distractions.