Queensland’s Harry Grant believes this year’s unique State of Origin format has helped him prepare for his Maroons’ debut.
The 22-year-old, as well as South Sydney’s Corey Allan, have been named to play their first matches for Queensland in Wednesday’s series decider.
Being pitched into such an important game for their first interstate appearance is a huge challenge, particularly as the Maroons look to bounce back from last week’s 34-10 game two loss in Sydney.
Grant and Allan were both part of the Maroons’ travelling contingent for that loss, as well as the game one win over NSW in Adelaide.
And while neither has yet played an Origin, Grant says having been in Queensland’s COVID bubble for the past two matches has given him a taste of what to expect on Wednesday.
“To be able to do that and be around the guys for the last few weeks, I think it’s made it a whole lot easier just to sort of come into this side,” Grant said.
“Hopefully we can get the result on Wednesday night.”
Grant, who had a breakout 2020 on loan at Wests Tigers from Melbourne, has been named in place of Ben Hunt in the vital utility role for game three.
Coach Wayne Bennett will be hoping Grant can bring a creative spark off the bench.
Grant could also find himself starting at five-eighth if Cameron Munster is unable to clear concussion protocols before the match.
Wherever he finds himself on the field however, the central Queensland product is confident he’ll be up to the challenge.
“A State of Origin game is a whole lot different to clubland,” he said.
“I’m not sure on my role yet. I’ll probably just go out there and just try not let anyone down and just do my teammates and my state proud.”
Rob
Guest
I had little Harry a chance of debuting from ISC last year. LOL. I’ve got some game theories in my head but I don’t like exposing anything to the dirty blues on the public forum. I’m sure the brain trust will have plenty also. There was big differences in game 1 and 2. Field position and errors being a huge one. NSW didn’t make anywhere near the errors they did in game 1. 500RM from Topou and Teddy a lot of it bringing the ball back? No wonder their forwards Looked fresh. Helped having 17 fit bodies against 15.5. Certainly hope that can be addressed. Coats on Teddy catching a bomb would be interesting to see. Where did Coats play in juniors? Bennett says he’s named his best 17 but I’m a little concerned 2 blokes are going in injured and the little Papi bloke is getting a game.
Rob
Guest
Hunt is a good player when confident. Trouble is to many voices in his own head have had him second guessing himself since 2015GF. It wasn’t just the dropped kick off. It might have been the crescendo to a couple of things that happened. Hunt appears to be someone who doesn’t want to make a mistake as opposed to someone that has total belief in themselves and clutches the moment. He’s the anti JT. Look it’s a terrible thing but Benny Hunt would be someone that would have been better off getting hit on the head from the Feldt kick off and has now got no recollection of what happened in the last 10min of that game. Maybe he needs to talk to Joey about getting how he got his head in the zone and supremely confident before the big game?
Nat
Roar Rookie
I agree with that Rob. Harry will be in the team for a while yet and I'm keen to see how he handles this debut. I've been watching him for a while, he'll be right but I hope it is playing hooker.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Rob, Hunt's not a bad player, but being continually stuffed around by McGregor at Saints has ruined his game. I hope he gets a run on Wednesday night and I'd like to see him kill it. Hopefully Griffin will coach him properly next year.
Rob
Guest
I think unfortunately Hunt and DCE predominately play the same side of the field. Hunt’s playmaking is questionable given he seems to step back rather than step up especially under pressure often looking for a soft option IMO. He appears to like kicking it out or behind the line than taking it to the line? He’s got confidence issues big time. DCE would have to play 6 and on the left. Personally playing Munster is a massive risk not only to the player himself but the team. If he is forced to leave the field from a heavy tackle Queensland have zip in the options. Can Harry help as a kicking option? DCE certainly requires a kick helper as he’s doesn’t turn out big numbers like a Stuart, Cronk or Reynolds. Maybe Capewell or Arrow? I think not. Harry is one of your 1% players you like Nat. I love them also. He doesn’t switch off, falls into space, plays eyes up, doesn’t give you cues and backs up. He’s a good footballer IMO.
Nat
Roar Rookie
It's hard to make a case against that based on his last- 2yrs.
andrew
Roar Rookie
Sorry to disappoint you Nat but Hunt is no five eighth. Half or hooker, that's his game.
Nat
Roar Rookie
As talented as Harry is, it would be a fair slap in the face to Hunt if Granted started 5/8 - as unlikely as it is.