SoO 2018: Likely Queensland Squad

By Stephen Gallagher

With the opening Origin match of being held in Melbourne on Wednesday June 6^th, it’s getting really close to that time of year.

Read on, if you can be bothered to find out who I’ve picked in the Queensland side, and who was unlucky.

Billy Slater

Probably Billy’s last rodeo, his form in 2018 is solid. Slater will stand up and deliver as he always does in the Origin arena. He’s the fullback they need, and the fullback who will get the job done. A player who always makes a difference.

Corey Oates

Just kick it to this bloke on the last, and chances are you’ll score a try. He’s a big rig, fast, and strong. With ball in hand, ten out from the line, back Oates to score. High ball, back Oates to catch and score. It’s almost that simple for him. He’s taking giant strides, literally.

Greg Inglis (c)

GI is back, and he will captain the side too, after Smith’s retirement. Inglis will take the responsibility well. After missing the majority of the season, and Origin last year – he’ll be ready to make his mark on the Blues defence. Inglis is a freak, and awesome to watch in full force.

Dane Gagai

Though his form at the Rabbitohs this season is not his best, he will deliver here. Always does. Just a guy who gets busy with ball in hand, and always searching for a crack. Gagai is a dangerous player. One of those special players that will always make a difference.

Valentine Holmes

Val Homes is just a freak. The way he can find the try line is something to watch in awe. He’ll also take the goal kicking responsibilities I imagine, with bugger all people putting their hands up. Holmes can and will make himself felt on field.

Cameron Munster

This kid is going to be in the Queensland squad for a long time. He’s got the right energy and that Queensland attitude. Munster has a strong kicking game, can put the pace on, and gets stuck in on defence too. He’s going to play a vital role in this side with no Smith, Cronk, or Thurston.

Michael Morgan

A good game manager. He’s a level head, and always strives to get the win. Morgan is always a step ahead of the rest, and reads the game like very few. You can rely on this bloke, he’s a smart footballer. He’s got to turn his club form around, however. I believe he can.

Dylan Napa

He’s all shoulder this guy. Loves putting on a shot. If he stops high tackling people, he’ll be there. Napa gets himself in great positions defensively to make the attacker spill the ball. He can offer an offload or two in his game, which makes him dangerous close to the line.

Ben Hunt

Not your traditional hooker, but Hunt has been really good this year. He’s got a reputation and boots to fill, but with the confident state he is in, he’s going to play hard and try change the game around no matter what position he is in. Hunt will go for the jugular when the games on the line. He’s got that winning spirit in him.

Matt Scott

He’s got unfinished business in the Queensland jumper. Although he’s won plenty of matches, and series, he’s the old head in the forward pack to make a difference.

Scott is strong. Hard running. Hard to tackle. A guy that you can always rely on. A player who will never want to let his team mates down on the field.

Felise Kafusi

This Kiwi who had a strong Rugby League World Cup last year for Australia, on the back of a premiership winning season with the Storm will definitely get up front and physical for the Maroons. I enjoy this guy when he plays. Gets busy. Always here his name mentioned.  A good player to have.

Coen Hess

The Barbarian, he’s lethal close to the line. Don’t think I’ve seen a second rower score as many tries as he has. He’s built thick and solid, but also has deceptive footwork. Undeniable strength. Almost sounds like I have a crush on him. Hess is a menace. I would have to see him running at me. He’s a maniac.

Josh Papali’i

After a form slump at the beginning of the season, Papali’i is right in the mix as one of Canberra’s best this season. He’s a quiet guy on the field, but when the ball is in his hand, the ground starts to tremble and the defenders close their eyes. A player that’s going to take matters in to his own hands.

BENCH

Kalyn Ponga

This Kiwi kid is really special. I’m just speechless when he plays. Just always seems to know what’s going to happen, and gets himself in a great position to tackle, run, or counter. This is the spark Queensland need to keep their run alive. Unleash Ponga just before half time, and you can see him making a massive difference.

Jai Arrow

Though the Titans have been poor all year, Arrow has really led the way. He deserves the call up to play with the big boys. A guy that can lead the way with his defence, without having to do too much. Just a quality guy who will do his job and keep Queensland in it.

Jarrod Wallace

He’d have learnt a lot from his time in the Queensland side last year, and I expect him to do solidly play again. Much like Arrow, he’ll make his tackles, he’ll charge the ball up, and he’ll put his body on the line. You need a player like this in every team.

Tim Glasby

As I mentioned about Wallace above, he’ll have learnt a lot from last year. Glasby has secured his 2019 playing future, and can now let the footy do the talking.

When everyone else is on point, he can be the exclamation mark. Glasby is underrated in my opinion. Deserves more praise.

THE UNLUCKY ONES

Josh McGuire

Injury will rob him of a chance, and that’s disappointing. He’s got a lot of mongrel and versatility in his game. Always delivers when he puts on the jersey.

Andrew McCullough

Despite the retirement of Cam Smith, I think that Morgan and Munster have to be the halves, and Ben Hunt is too good not to have in your starting squad. Unlucky.

Matt Gillett

Much like his Broncos team mate, injury will rob him of any game time this series I think. He’s always good in the Origin mix.

Will Chambers

Chambers loves scoring a try in Origin, but with GI and Gagai in the centres, there’s just no room for him.

Follow Stephen Gallagher on Twitter