He’s a steam train: Why Charlie Cameron rates Waterman
Justin Chadwick |
He’s already a cult hero at West Coast, and it seems Jake Waterman won over another new fan in State of Origin – Brisbane premiership star Charlie Cameron.
While Jesse Hogan deservedly won most of the plaudits for his five-goal haul that almost dragged Western Australia over the line against Victoria, Waterman played an important cameo as the home side fought tooth and nail to stay in the contest.
Waterman kicked two goals – including a tough 50m set shot from an angle in the third quarter – as WA mounted a comeback from 30 points down.
Victoria eventually held on for a 24-point win, but Waterman’s return of 2.2, eight marks and 12 disposals didn’t go unnoticed.
Cameron played with fellow WA stars Kysaiah Pickett and Shai Bolton in the Indigenous All-Stars match last year.
He said playing alongside Patrick Cripps, Aaron Naughton and Tom Barrass in Origin was also special.
But it was the man with the mullet who truly captured Cameron’s attention at a sold-out Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
“Probably my favourite was Jake Waterman,” Cameron said.
“He’s a cult figure for West Coast. When he gets up and about, he’s a steam train. It was pretty cool to see him get going.
“I played (under 18s) state football with Crippa and Tom Barrass back in 2013, so a while ago.
“But mixing with some of the best players, it was pretty cool and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity.”
Waterman earned his first All-Australian honours in 2024 after kicking 53 goals from 20 games in a struggling West Coast side.
A dislocated shoulder ended his 2025 campaign after just eight appearances, but the 27-year-old’s strong showing in the State of Origin clash bodes well for the year ahead.
Cameron also looks primed for a strong season after kicking three goals and having two score assists in an impressive display against Victoria.
Brisbane are attempting to complete a hat-trick of flags this year, and Cameron again looms as a crucial figure in attack.
The 31-year-old was thrilled to take part in the first State of Origin match since 1999, and is backing the concept to thrive into the future.
There’s even a case to play two State of Origin matches next year, featuring Victoria, WA, South Australia and the Allies.
“I think it’s only going to get better and stronger, and I think a lot of players are going to come back,” Cameron said.
“SA has a great team and you could do the Allies next year as well.
“There are good players missing out on an opportunity to play State of Origin in other States. It would be cool to showcase that.”
AAP