QUEENSLAND will launch into the 2019 State of Origin series from a rock-solid base after a gripping, powerful and emotional win in Game Three of the 2018 series at Suncorp Stadium. In one of the highest quality Origin games in recent memory, the Maroons emerged from a relentless war of attrition with an 18-12 victory
IT is always darkest right before the dawn, and while the gloom surrounding Queensland’s State of Origin series loss will take some time to lift, there is no doubt a bright new era for the Maroons is peeping over the horizon. NSW may have won just their second Origin series in 13 years with a
THE unbridled brilliance of Kalyn Ponga can no longer be denied, with the Newcastle sensation called on by Queensland to make his State of Origin debut in Sunday’s all-or-nothing showdown with NSW at ANZ Stadium. Ponga, in just his first full season of first grade, has been a standout for the Knights and will bring
QUEENSLAND are on the ropes. The Maroons’ grip on State of Origin’s title belt is weakened, and slipping after a period of remarkable success. The Blues, emboldened under the unique philosophies of a new coach and the enthusiasm of some rookie players, can smell blood in the water. With their leader missing, the Maroons are
A MAGNIFICENT captain’s knock from Greg Inglis could not save Queensland as they crashed to 22-12 loss to NSW in State of Origin I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In his first game as captain - the 4th Indigenous captain of the Maroons - and in his 31st game for the Maroons, Inglis was simply
QUEENSLAND’S State of Origin selectors have heralded a new era with a new-look Maroons team announced for the first game of the series against NSW at the MCG on June 6. This year’s campaign was always going to be one of transition, given the representative retirements of team leaders Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan
KALYN Ponga has surged into the frame for the Origin series, with Queensland selection boss Gene Miles confirming the Newcastle young gun will be part of the Maroons’ set up this season. Legendary Queensland fullback Gary Belcher has called for Ponga to chosen on the wing for Origin I, in much the same way Billy
TEST coach Mal Meninga says picking the halves combinations will be the biggest headache confronting both State of Origin coaches going into this year’s series. Both Queensland and NSW are entering new eras with this year’s series. Maroons coach Kevin Walters will again have to rebuild his team after the representative retirements of Johnathan Thurston
QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters insists Daly Cherry-Evans can fit into the Maroons’ system and says he has rocketed into contention for the No.7 jumper vacated by Cooper Cronk. The push for Cherry-Evans’ Origin career to be resurrected is gathering steam after he dominated Maroons rival Corey Norman in Manly’s 54-0 rout of Parramatta in Round
JOHNATHAN Thurston says Michael Morgan’s State of Origin apprenticeship is over and has demanded his Cowboys clubmate be the first player picked at the Queensland scrumbase this season. Maroons coach Kevin Walters is on the hunt for a new halves pairing for the 2018 campaign following the dual representative retirements of Thurston and halfback Cooper
