Queensland has done a great job re-stocking its State of Origin player shelves since the departure of so many stalwarts from its golden era when the state claimed a record eight straight interstate series.
Over recent years, Queensland has farewelled some of its finest, many of them, including former captains Cameron Smith (FOG#140, 42 games) and Darren Lockyer (FOG# 104, 36 games), who are widely considered Immortals in waiting.
The long list of recent retirees includes maroon greats Jonathan Thurston (FOG #147, 37 games), current coach Billy Slater (FOG# 142, 31 games), Greg Inglis (FOGS#152, 32 games), halfback Cooper Cronk (FOGS#168, 22games) and Justin Hodges (FOGS#130, games 24).
Those seven retired Queensland heroes — Lockyer (2011) Justin Hodges (2015), Smith and Cronk (2017) Slater and Inglis (2018), — were all instrumental in the state’s complete domination of NSW between 2006 and 2013.
During that period, under the coaching of another great Queenslander, Mal Meninga, the state did not lose an interstate series.
Those players alone represent over 200 Origin games between them and their departures left a gaping hole which has slowly been filled in the last five years.
You never replace champions of that ilk.
But as always, new stars emerge and Queensland has done an exceptional job unearthing some young and exciting talent, guaranteeing more Origin success in the future.
With four NRL teams now playing out of Queensland, the player pool, once heavily stacked in the NSW’s favour is a little more even, although the Blue’s still have a big edge in player numbers.
What’s exciting though for Queensland is the strength and depth that it has in several key positions and the age of the players who are now knocking on Origin’s door.
A team’s spine is always important and Queensland now is well-placed to compete with NSW in this year’s series as they set about defending the title they won last year.
NSW year will field one of the best 1-6-7-9 combinations they’ve had in many years.
Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco, the NRL’s Dally M Player of Year, Nicho Hynes, should he oust Jerome Luai as many are tipping, Penrith young gun Nathan Cleary and either Apisai Koroisau or Damien Cook, form a very classy looking spine in anyone’s eyes.
But Queensland has a great spine itself and should have nothing to fear.
Maroon selectors could face a tough decision should incumbent fullback Kalyn Ponga, a star of last year’s series win, make a successful comeback for Newcastle against the Cowboys this weekend.
Ponga has been plagued by a series of nasty head knocks but has been cleared to make a comeback and I’m sure all rugby league fans will be wishing him well.
He will need to impress quickly because young Brisbane No.1 Reece Walsh is attracting rave reviews already this season and is a strong tip to finally make his Origin debut.
Walsh was all set to become one of the youngest players in Origin history as an 18-year-old in game two of the 2021 series before being ruled out late with a hamstring injury.
Daly Cherry Evans and Cameron Munster have the halves spots locked down barring injury or suspension while Melbourne hooker Harry Grant and last year’s series’ decider hero, Ben Hunt, will share dummy half duties.
What’s very exciting for Queensland league fans is the ages of the players starting to make their mark.
Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, and Jeremiah Nanai are only 20, Tom Dearden is 22, Reuben Cotter is 24, and Harry Grant and potential future Queensland captain Patrick Carrigan are both only 25.
Whether it’s Billy Slater or some other coach at the reins, they will have a young spine with the potential to continue the Maroon’s Origin success against the Blues, regardless of who they play in those positions.
It’s a spine that has everything and more.
Walsh is already displaying Slater-like qualities at fullback.
Munster is the heart and soul of the team and has a Lewis-like influence on games.
Harry Grant is a special player with his best football ahead.
It augurs well for Queensland fans to have so many young talented players with so many years of service still to give to their state.
There are still eight weeks to go before the first State of Origin game in Adelaide, which is plenty of time for players to stake their claim for Queensland selection.
A number of Queensland players are going gangbusters in the NRL.
But as well all know, injury or suspension can always strike at any time which is why it is so very important to look at all the fringe players leading into the series.
Bring it on!
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