My QLD Origin side
May 12th 2008 09:37
Greg Inglis looks set to star for the Maroons this Origin series
Queensland are now approaching an era where they can really look to dominate the interstate rivalry between them and the Blues. With the finest backline in Rugby League at their mercy, the Maroons have what it takes to make it three straight Origin series wins against their bitter rivals.
No.1 Billy Slater
Has been by far and away the best player in the NRL this season. Slater is in career best form and deserves the Maroons custodian role this series. He can score tries from anywhere on the paddock and his defence is very sound. It's scary to think what he could if NSW's kicking game is off.
No.2 Israel Falou
From an 18 year old first grade player, to the most devasting winger in the competiton, Folau is a special talent. He is the perfect mold for a rugby league winger running around. His pace is electric and his strength is undeniable. Did i mention he can score tries?
No.3 Greg Inglis
Undeniably the most talented player in our competition. In simple terms he is a freak. His fend is one of the best going around in the NRL and really epitomises what QLD's backline is all about at the moment. If he finds himself in the open, god help the Blues. Enough said.
No.4 Justin Hodges
On form the best centre in the competition. Hodges has been transformed at the Broncos and is now a lethal attacking weapon, not to mention he can tackle like a forward. Watch for him to be at his most lethal when Thurston passes the ball from the scrum. The Blues cannot afford to give Hodges any space or its lights out.
No.5 Brent Tate
Has been quite of late but that's only because his at the Warriors. Tate is a seasoned professional in the represenatative arena and always gives is all in both attack and defence. He has great speed and and will cherish being on the end of a backline that breaths points. Expect plenty of tries from the Warriors winger.
No.6 Scott Prince
Prince is the most skillful halfback in the competition, with his passing and kicking all sublime. The Titans captain can run aswell and also posseses a brilliant step to leave defenders grasping at air. If the QLD forwards do their job, Prince will tear the Blues apart.
No.7 Johnathon Thurston
This man was made for Origin. Thurston is a supremly gifted player but his toughness sets him out from the rest of the pack big time. If he gets knocked down, he'll get up and produce an inspiring play to eventually see his side home. These qualites are the ones that have made the Australian halfback the most dominant player these past couple of years. Will always be a menace for NSW.
No.8 Ben Hannett
I have seen enough from him this season to suggest he could be the next Shane Webcke. The Broncos tough guy has been in sublime form this season and his selection will provide the Maroons with power yet skill in the forwards. Hannett deserves this baptisim of fire against a monsterous Blues pack.
No.9 Cam Smith
The current Australian captain has overtaken Buderus as the finest dummy half exponent in the NRL. If the QLD forwards gather momentum, Smith will cause mass headache for the Blues. He is not blessed with speed but he makes up for that with crisp passing and excellent kicking from dummy half that usually result in 40-20's. His great defence is also an addition in his arsenal.
No.10 Petero Civonicieva
The toughest forward in rugby league to play against. The Panthers captain only knows one way when the ball in his hand and will be hell bent of getting the better of a Blues forward pack that oozes power. An inspirational figure who epitomises the old QLD spirit.
No.11 Michael Crocker
A real lucky charm at the moment. Crocker has not been apart of a losing side since early 2006 believe or not. Other than that, Crocker is a worldclass second rower who offers creativity in the QLD forwards. He hits holes very well and looks set to thrive if the likes of Prince and Thurston dominate around the middle.
No.12 Sam Thaiday
He has had an outstanding start to 2008 and really looks the form forward in the competition. Thaiday's endurance has improved immensely and this has seen him develop an offload in his game that was at its prime against the Tigers last Saturday week. NSW should not underestimate the Broncos hardman because he will be primed for a huge performance after previous Origin experiences have not gone according to plan for the Australian international.
No.13 Dallas Johnson
This man does not know the meaning of "quit". If the Maroons are leading by 40 or are behind by the same margin, Johnson's game will never change. He'll make metres up the middle and will probably make sixty or so tackles in a game. A real hard head who never says die.
No.14 Nate Myles
Is enjoying his finest season of first grade under the guidance of inspirational coach Brad Fittler. Will always go forward and will provide the Maroons with much added gutso off the bench.
No.15 David Shillington
Has been hot and cold this season but the talent the Roosters hard man posseses is undeniable. He looks like Adrian Morley and runs like Adrian Morley and that alone should help QLD gain the edge in the forwards when he comes on. He can offload aswell and his dimensions are built for the Origin arena.
No.16 Carl Webb
A real power forward who will look to really gets things going against the Blues pack. He will have a target on his head after giving the Blues some severe headaches over the years. Despite the extra attention, Webb will not stumble in rugby league's pinnacle event.
No.17 Cooper Cronk
He could be a real trump card for the Maroons. Cronk himself has stated a desire to play a utility role in the QLD side and i think he would do a fabulous job. Cronk would be a menace off the bench against a Blues pack that will tire when the game reaches its pinnacle. The Melbourne half will look to play a role of a Craig Wing for NSW.
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Comment by Geoff Egan
Cinema XYZ
Noise Fanatic
Comment by Anonymous
Pity your not a selector.
Prince is the premier player in league at the moment and should be halfback with Thurston at 6.
I Know it might be sacrilegious to say but Thurston is not the best player in the game at the moment.
The best player in the game at the moment won't be playing in Origin 1. If Qld lose game 1 expect uproar.
Nice one