We’ve done it before and we can do it again.
Confirmation that Cameron Munster (groin) is out of this year’s State of Origin series will hit Queensland supporters hard, especially after already losing some key middle forwards.
But I can promise you, the players who come into Billy Slater’s Origin side for game one next month, will do their jobs.
Queensland Origin victories are littered with stories of players who were called to arms in the past and who became maroon heroes.
I found it a little amusing this week when I was asked my thoughts on the upcoming State of Origin opener in Sydney and then told emphatically that “Queensland will be favourites.” Have they named the teams already? was my response.
How can Queensland be favourites when neither state has picked its squad for game one in Sydney on June 5? The only thing I can say with any confidence is that NSW will start favourites in Sydney – they always do.
I don’t envy Slater with so many of his big guns either on the sidelines with injury or racing the clock to play. But one thing I can guarantee Queensland fans is that any player chosen to pull on a maroon jumper for game one will be bursting with pride and passion. Munster is a big loss, but it gives other players a chance to prove themselves in the Origin arena.
Let’s take a look at the Maroons casualty ward two weeks out from Origin one at Accor Stadium.
Reece Wash (knee hopefully back this weekend), Tom Flegler (round 13, misses Origin 1), Tom Gilbert (knee, out for season), AJ Brimson (groin, misses game one), Kalyn Ponga (foot, series), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (knee, out for season), Cam Munster (groin, out for series) Kalyn Ponga (foot, misses Origin 1-2), Kurt Capewell (calf, misses game one).
The big question for Slater is, who replaces Munster? I have no doubt Billy will already have a good idea on his replacement and no doubt will talk it over with Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans and co-selector, Darren Lockyer, who knows a bit about wearing the No.6 for his state.
It’s likely to come down to a choice between North Queensland’s Tom Dearden or Brisbane’s Ezra Mam -- two different style of halves but both capable of wearing the No.6. Dearden is a tough kid. He's already proven himself under Origin pressure stepping in for Munster in game 3 of the 2022 series at just 21.
He didn’t let anyone down that night, playing a big hand in Queensland clinching the series 22-12 at Suncorp Stadium in his only appearance in Maroon.
He may not be as quick as Ezra, who is lightning off the mark, but by God he is tough and that’s what you need in Origin.
Mam has a strong connection with Walsh as he showed in last year’s grand final crossing for three smart tries in quick succession, but Dearden has shown he is up to Origin. The one thing I know is whoever gets the No.6 jumper will have to have a strong back to carry the side in attack.
Injuries are out of a coach’s control but I am damn sure Billy would have had three blokes pencilled in for each position and knows what combinations will work best and fit the team’s needs the best. Our game is a contact sport and Injuries have hit Queensland in the past. The bigger the player lost, the harder it hits fans and at times, some people have written us off. But the players who are drafted into the squad are warmly welcomed by teammates and made feel part of the Maroon family.
I am sure Billy won’t be bothered by any negative comments or criticism against the players he picks because it will only add fuel to the fire. In my (Origin) experience nothing inspired me, or my players, as much as being told we couldn’t win or that we weren’t up to it.
On another subject, how good was Magic round? Brisbane came alive over the weekend and every NRL club was heavily represented over a three-day League-fest at Suncorp Stadium which staged eight games – nine if you included the historic women’s State of Origin clash.
It’s a magnificent ground and I doubt too many other grounds could cope with 720 minutes of football or 12 hours of traffic in such a short period.
Rugby league fans across the country embraced Magic Round and the NRL deserve kudos for locking the concept into Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium until 2027.
Caxton Steet had a real party atmosphere for four days as league fans partied before and after games.
Suncorp Stadium was sold out for the three days of play with a sea of NRL colours packing the ground.
People took their wedding vows: husband and wives attended games in opposing club jumpers and families organised reunions.
Groups of fans also traveled from all parts of Australia to be part of the magic.
Twenty young guys made the trip down from Townsville, attending the game wearing various styles of coloured wigs, moustaches and T-shirts supporting Reg Reagan’s: “Bring Back the Biff” campaign.
I’m reliably informed the “Biff Boys” took over the Indooroopilly Hotel Sports bar for lunch and a few (hundred) jugs before converging on Suncorp Stadium to cheer the Cowboys to victory on Saturday afternoon.
The atmosphere for all eight games was fantastic and I truly believe the players love the concept and love playing Magic Round it in Brisbane.
Take a bow NRL.
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