How Queensland shape up for Origin I
Joel Gould |
Fullback – Reece Walsh
Age: 20
Origins: 0
Origin tries: 0
Nicknamed “Reece Lightning” for his blistering speed, Brisbane custodian Walsh edged out Kalyn Ponga to make his debut on the back of scintillating club form. Walsh plays with creativity, confidence and a trademark verve.
Winger – Selwyn Cobbo
Age: 20
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
One of Brisbane’s emerging tyros, Cobbo is raw but has proven himself a regular try scorer with 26 in just 37 NRL games. Has already forged a slick combination with Walsh in club football, which NSW will have to watch.
Centre – Valentine Holmes
Age: 27
Origins: 13
Origin tries: 11
An Origin specialist who delivers whenever he plays for Queensland, the goal-kicker is one of the Maroons’ first picked with 11 tries in 14 appearances.
Centre – Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Age: 21
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 1
The man known as ‘Hammer’ has been in stellar form for the Dolphins at fullback but made his Maroons debut in 2021 in the centres and has played the position previously. Has been preferred to Queensland stalwart Dane Gagai.
Winger – Murray Taulagi
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
A schoolboy rugby union star, Taulagi has a hulking frame and silky skills to go with it. Made his Maroons debut last year and is highly regarded for the vigour with which he returns the ball from back-field.
Five-eighth – Cameron Munster
Age: 28
Origins: 15
Origin tries: 2
Queensland’s best and most influential player, when Munster fires the Maroons usually win. Player of the series in 2020, the Melbourne playmaker will carry a rib injury into the clash in Adelaide.
Halfback – Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Age: 34
Origins: 19
Origin tries: 2
Captaining the Maroons to two series victories (2020 and 2022) in the past three, Cherry-Evans is the side’s most experienced Origin player. Credits a personal challenge from Queensland coach Billy Slater for improving his defence.
Prop – Tom Flegler
Age: 23
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Flegler grew up idolising Maroons great Shane Webcke and earned his recall on the back of a strong last month for Brisbane. An aggressive front-rower who will embrace the Origin settling-in period.
Hooker – Ben Hunt
Age: 33
Origins: 14
Origin tries: 3
The ultimate team player, Hunt has twice (2019 and 2021) won the Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s best in an Origin series. Named to start at hooker but will also play as an extra half.
Prop – Lindsay Collins
Age: 27
Origins: 6
Origin tries: 0
The Sydney Roosters prop has played in two winning series (2020 and 2022) already, relishes the grind and performs with grit. Not flash, but will do his job.
Second-row – David Fifita
Age: 23
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 0
The Gold Coast wrecking ball has taken his all-round game to a new level this season. Can break a game open with his ball-running but can now be counted on to do the tough stuff Origin demands.
Second-row – Tom Gilbert
Age: 22
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Already the spiritual leader of the Dolphins pack at a young age, Gilbert is bound for a lengthy career in the Origin arena. A selfless and reliable forward who can play 80 minutes and will compete for the entirety.
Patrick Carrigan
Age: 25
Origins: 3
Origin tries: 0
Regarded as a future Maroons captain, Carrigan was player of the series in 2022 in a breakout season for Brisbane. The trainee physiotherapist has added ball-playing dimension to his tough-as-teak approach.
Interchange:
Harry Grant
Age: 25
Origins: 5
Origin tries: 1
The Melbourne rake will come on as the NSW forwards start to tire, when his running game will come to the fore. Had a brilliant Origin debut in 2020 where he scored a series-winning try.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
Age: 23
Origins: 9
Origin tries: 0
The Gold Coast captain has been a mainstay since making his debut in 2020. Relishes confrontation and will be gunning for NSW prop Payne Haas as he did in his debut series.
Reuben Cotter
Age: 24
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Known as “Mullet Man”, the North Queensland middle forward plays with no thought for self-preservation. Has vowed to keep the heat on NSW hooker Api Koroisau.
Jai Arrow
Age: 27
Origins: 11
Origin tries: 0
The most experienced of all the Maroons middles, Arrow has a big motor, underrated offloading skill and a capacity to move to the edge if required.
18th man – Tom Dearden
Age: 22
Origins: 1
Origin tries: 0
Dearden had a superb Maroons debut last year in the series decider when called on to replace the ill Cameron Munster. If needed in an emergency he has the toughness and versatility to cover a range of positions.
AAP
