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Queensland Origin Team Prediction
With the highly anticipated Origin team selection less than 24 hours away, here’s the team I’d like to see take the field for the mighty Maroons in Game One.
After hearing the comments of coach Mal Meninga on FoxSports, it seems a given that Hunt will line up at fullback with Slater on the wing. Hunt gives a physical presence that no other fullback can provide and is ultra safe under the high ball, while Slater’s trademark kick returns should be just as lethal from the wing. The rest of the backline names itself and I’m hoping that Inglis get a chance to play in the centres.
The Thurston and Prince combination in the halves is a no-brainer. Prince can direct the forwards and Thurston can provide the link to the outside backs.
The forward pack contains the automatic selection of current Australian captain Cameron Smith, veteran prop Petero Civoniceva and Storm lock Dallas Johnson. Nate Myles secures the other front row position after solid club form and some admirable performances in past Origins. The backrow is made up of Thaiday and Crocker who will together provide footwork, strength, toughness and the ability to offload.
Many may view the bench as too heavy but QLD will need plenty of go forwards against what will be an imposing NSW pack. Harrison and Lillyman are the two options in the second row, while Hannant and Webb are the muscle up front.
Overall, the backline looks simply sensational and, if the forwards can hold their own against the NSW pack, QLD should have enough pace and skill to come away with a victory.
Please feel free to comment!
01. Karmichael Hunt
02. Israel Folau
03. Greg Inglis
04. Justin Hodges
05. Billy Slater
06. Johnathan Thurston
07. Scott Prince
08. Nate Myles
09. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Michael Crocker
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Ashley Harrison
15. Carl Webb
16. Ben Hannant
17. Jacob Lillyman
02. Israel Folau
03. Greg Inglis
04. Justin Hodges
05. Billy Slater
06. Johnathan Thurston
07. Scott Prince
08. Nate Myles
09. Cameron Smith (c)
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Michael Crocker
13. Dallas Johnson
14. Ashley Harrison
15. Carl Webb
16. Ben Hannant
17. Jacob Lillyman
After hearing the comments of coach Mal Meninga on FoxSports, it seems a given that Hunt will line up at fullback with Slater on the wing. Hunt gives a physical presence that no other fullback can provide and is ultra safe under the high ball, while Slater’s trademark kick returns should be just as lethal from the wing. The rest of the backline names itself and I’m hoping that Inglis get a chance to play in the centres.
The Thurston and Prince combination in the halves is a no-brainer. Prince can direct the forwards and Thurston can provide the link to the outside backs.
The forward pack contains the automatic selection of current Australian captain Cameron Smith, veteran prop Petero Civoniceva and Storm lock Dallas Johnson. Nate Myles secures the other front row position after solid club form and some admirable performances in past Origins. The backrow is made up of Thaiday and Crocker who will together provide footwork, strength, toughness and the ability to offload.
Many may view the bench as too heavy but QLD will need plenty of go forwards against what will be an imposing NSW pack. Harrison and Lillyman are the two options in the second row, while Hannant and Webb are the muscle up front.
Overall, the backline looks simply sensational and, if the forwards can hold their own against the NSW pack, QLD should have enough pace and skill to come away with a victory.
Please feel free to comment!
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