Papalii the bridge to Maroons last super Sydney decider
Joel Gould and Scott Bailey |
Josh Papalii’s recall has given Queensland firepower up front but also an intimate understanding of what it takes to win a State of Origin decider in Sydney.
The 33-year-old prop is the only member of the current playing squad to have achieved the rare feat.
When playing in just his second Origin match back in 2013, Papalii was among the side that beat NSW 12-10 at Homebush.
That was the last time the Maroons have prevailed in a Sydney decider and was the fourth time they had won the Origin shield in the NSW capital.
They also won deciders on enemy territory in 1998 and 2008, while an 18-all draw in 2002 was enough to retain bragging rights.
Papalii’s very presence has been a comfort to the Maroons ahead of his 24th and final Origin showdown.
“Papa is a real calming influence on the group,” Maroons hooker Harry Grant said.
“He’s got so much experience and willpower to have a real dig in the Maroons jersey.
“I’m really excited for him to have this final opportunity. He’s been playing some awesome footy for Canberra.”
The Maroons, who clung on to win game two 26-24 in Perth, must pull off a 45-year Origin first in Sydney. They have never won two games away from Brisbane to clinch the series after losing the first match.
It’s an opportunity coach Billy Slater said his side would embrace, rather than be daunted by that history.
“We’d never won in Perth either before game two,” Slater said.
“No Queensland team has lost at home and had to go on the road for game two and three and won the series. What an opportunity it is for this group of men.
“That’s a real challenge. We’re not naive to (not) know where we’re going and how good the footy team is that we’re playing against, and the individuals in the footy team. It’s a task for sure, but what an opportunity it is.”
Grant said on Monday that Cameron Munster’s brave decision to play after the death of his father Steven had motivated the players to give a strong performance to make their skipper’s family proud.
Grant grew up in Rockhampton, as did Munster. The Maroons skipper was man of the match in the win in game two in Perth. Munster’s story, from loveable larrikin to Maroons captain, continues to inspire and Grant himself has been moved by it.
“I’ve been lucky enough to grow up in the same region as him and watch his journey to the Storm and now captain of the Maroons,” Grant said.
“It’s been a very inspiring journey and he gives a lot of people hope that you can do it.
“You don’t always have to be the best kid growing up. You can have a bit of cheek and do things your way too.
“He’s captain of the Maroons and we love him as a teammate and bloke. You saw what he did in game two.”
AAP
