Origin is fast approaching, so that technically means every person and their dog will throw their opinion as to who should get picked.
Today, I am not different, as I look to pitch my best 17 for Queensland for Game 1 in two weeks’ time.
Without further ado, here are the 17 men that I would choose to represent Queensland when State of Origin kicks off.
1. Kalyn Ponga
There has been no real push from other contenders for the jersey, so Ponga basically gets in on merit. He is not in the greatest form, but I have seen Ponga light up Origin arenas at any given stage of his career. He provides a kicking option and he is a strong ball player.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
2. Selwyn Cobbo
He barely beats Corey Oates for me. Oates has been in blinding form, but so has his winger counterpart, Cobbo. The young talent has really stretched his wings in the past fortnight, and really looks like a young Greg Inglis when in full flight. Can Cobbo stand up in the bright lights of Origin? I guess we will see soon enough.
3. Valentine Holmes
He is arguably the in-form centre of the competition at the moment. The makeshift fullback slash winger has really found a home in the left-centre position. He looks to be in the best shape of his life. Holmes is no stranger to the Origin arena and loves to score in it, as well.
4. Dane Gagai
One of the best performers on the Origin stage, Gagai seems to shoot to a whole new level when he puts on the maroon for Queensland. He has been a staple on the right edge for Queensland for a long time, and doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon.
5. Xavier Coates
The young speedster from Melbourne has been scoring tries at will in his new back line. He is in strong form himself. He will offer an aerial threat against the smaller NSW wingers.
6. Cameron Munster
He picks himself. He is the best five-eighth in the competition. Say less.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
He is the captain. He is a great leader. He is playing well in a very inconsistent Manly side. He tries his tail off. He will lead from the front.
8. Josh Papalii
‘Big Papa’ is an absolute mainstay in the Queensland pack. He knows how to rise for the occasion and always shows out in the maroon.
9. Harry Grant
The young whiz from Manly is ready to take the maroon nine and make it his own. He will cause havoc for the NSW forwards when they tire. He will be a mainstay for years to come for Queensland.
10. Jai Arrow
Currently playing on the edge for his club, Arrow has never let Queensland down when he’s been asked to play in the middle. He offers a great mix of tenacity and skill in the Origin arena. He may be a dubious call, but I like Arrow in the front row to start the game.
11. Felise Kaufusi
The Storm back-rower goes about his work in a quiet way. He is always efficient at the Origin level. He will tackle his arse off when needed and will take a heavy carry when called upon.
(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
12. Kurt Capewell
He has played in the centre for Queensland before and did an honourable job, but I would love to see him in his favoured position, just outside of Munster. He is a tricky player. He can create something out of nothing and is a strong defender.
13. Pat Carrigan
It may surprise people, but I just cannot see a better option at 13 than Carrigan. He is fresh off an ACL injury. He has picked up right where he left off and has been an absolute workhorse in the middle for Brisbane. He has the potential to be a great leader moving forward. I just cannot deny his effort and skill set for the Origin arena.
14. Ben Hunt
This is a contentious pick, given people want a faster utility in the Origin arena. His form warrants a selection in the side somewhere. He has really controlled the Dragons all year and has shown just how strong he is in defence. He gets the utility nod for mine.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
15. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
The Titans’ fans may feel like their captain deserves to start, but I would have Fa’asuamaleaui off the bench, as he provides a strong impact and sense of tenacity that the bench will need to bring.
16. Moeaki Fotuaika
Joining his captain, Fotuaika is a star going forward. ‘MoFo’ was one of Queensland’s best last year, when he was playing. He is a very durable big man and has a lot of skills. Fotuaika will fit in well with the Origin scene.
17. Reuben Cotter
He is the workhorse from Townsville. I have Cotter making the 17 to make his debut for Queensland. He is an absolute workhorse and plays well above his size. Cotter has heart and the aggression to match. He will be an absolute nightmare for tiring NSW forwards with his fast feet around the ruck.
For the purposes of this article, the players who were unlucky to miss out are Corey Oates, David Fifita, Lindsay Collins and Thomas Flegler.
This is the best 17 I would pick for Queensland for Game 1. What changes would you make? Can this team win it all?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
Motz Tanou
Guest
Les Go Boys
Sydneysideliner
Roar Rookie
I agree with Cobbo getting there. Blues are all about speed and agility now, so fight fire with fire. Oates is in good form and would be the logical pick if the blues were going for height and size on the wing, but he'll struggle to contain the pace of JAC and To'o
Wazzag
Guest
A very good team picked here I would have picked Corey Oates on the wing but the two wingers you have picked are very talented Thomas Flegler in there somewhere too
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Hunt is the 3rd best 9 in Qld and the 2nd best 7. As a result he will always be 14
CairnsBronxFan
Guest
Start Hunt at 9, Hammer on the wing for Coates and find a bench spot for Faffita.
EagleWal
Roar Rookie
Agreed. Croker not a problem at all. His service is good, defence better than satisfactory and his option running this year has improved greatly. But he ain't Harry Grant....
Rellum
Roar Guru
What I have seen of the Storm this year Coates defence is still a big concern. We will get killed if he keeps jamming in and missing everything.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
That looks about right to me, Willie. I'd probably swap Tino and Jai, but assuming good use of the bench it may not matter too much who starts. I think we would benefit from giving Cotter big minutes.
Willie La'ulu
Roar Guru
:laughing: :laughing: good pick up. That is from the edit. I definitely do not want him at Manly :laughing:
varun sharma
Roar Rookie
I don't think he has done anything wrong under highball this year. His kick return meters and defence is also pretty good at least for last four-five rounds. Not sure what you watching mate.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
You’ve got bigger problems than Lachlan Croker.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Oh missed that line. Maybe the Maroon thing confused him.?
Pete
Guest
As a NSW fan I really hope QLD pick Coates. He can finish a try but he's still very ordinary under the high ball and even worse in defence.
EagleWal
Roar Rookie
I wish Harry Grant was at Manly... :silly:
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Not according to this article, as you can see.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I think that is the side to pick. You can make a case for Nanai ( next year imo) , Gilbert ( won’t let you down, Collins ( has been great in the past) , Fifita ( has x factor) but for a balanced team I reckon you’re right. Just two things. Hunt is the first one I pick. He is a perfect number 14. Cobbo reminds me of a young Mitchell not so much GI. I hope he can keep his weight down.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Storm?
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
I know Harry Grant will be playing for Queensland, but who's he playing for this Thursday night?
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Collins may not be having the best year, TBH I haven't seen a lot of him but I still think he's a better option at prop than Arrow. Don't know who drops back to 18th man. Do you go for the old and trusted in form Oates or Feldt or The Hammer or the new boy? I had a theory in cricket that you need to select people who's star is rising when it's on the rise. None of this 'earn your stripes with more proving' bs which can be a confidence block. But this is league not cricket. I'd be having Cobbo in the squad for the experience first, it can be daunting, and I'd lean to The Hammer on the wing but either of the older 2 would do the trick. Is there room for Fifita?? He's a weapon.
3 R M
Roar Rookie
Billy, Cam,JT and Hannay were all there when Mal took over in 06 it was a shake up where incumbents were dropped and stars put in notice. And while the first 3 played Mal always regenerated the side. From what Billy has said about selection you would think the spine and the backs will be close to what you have surmised Willie. After last year I think Hunt takes the 14 The forwards are different imo , from what he has said he is looking for , Tino will be there Then the rest of the spots are up for grabs The fact that Nanai has only played 15 games, u19 eligible and still classed as a rookie won't stop him from scoring trys in origin he can pull something out of nowhere and that's gold in origin. Cotter stops second phase, tackles every thing and he can do it all game 80 minutes at prop or 90 at hooker he is extremely fit both these guys are close I think , Carrigan is another with a high envolvement That leaves 2 on the bench a prop and a second rower.