People have been questioning the depth available to Queensland since the State of Origin concept began; so Queensland Maroons coach Kevin Walters and the selectors would not be too worried about the pundits who have been speculating on the make up of the 2019 Game I team.
There is no doubting the representative retirements of unparalleled giants of the game in Billy Slater and Greg Inglis this past season will hit hard.
Injuries have not been kind to Queensland either, with incumbents (Andrew McCullough, Daly Cherry-Evans) and hopefuls (Corey Norman, Jake Friend, Christian Welch) alike being struck down.
However, there is plenty of Queensland talent impressing in the NRL each week; so much so, you could pick a Maroons side made up entirely of players on debut who would be more than competitive in the representative arena.
Below is a hypothetical Queensland Maroons team made up of players who are still striving to achieve their Origin goal.
1. AJ Brimson – Gold Coast Titans
Tough as nails, quick and versatile – AJ Brimson has been one of the best performers for the Gold Coast Titans this year. He holds little regard for his own body it seems and would throw himself head first into the opportunity to represent Queensland.
2. Corey Thompson – Wests Tigers
While he may not be an obvious choice, the rugby league wanderer has been in good form for Wests Tigers in season 2019 and has been a consistent performer throughout his varied career. He has scored four tries so far this season and if in camp, would provide a mature outlook to the young team.
3. Hymel Hunt – Newcastle Knights
Although born in Auckland, the in-form centre is eligible for Queensland and played for the state in the Under 20 match in 2013 alongside Kurt Mann, Rhyse Martin, Moses Mbye and current FOGS Corey Oates and Anthony Milford.
4. Marion Seve – Melbourne Storm
Since being given his NRL debut with the Melbourne Storm in Round 2 this year, Seve has consistently shown that when he is given a chance – he will grab it, and there are not many games bigger than Origin.
5. Corey Allan – South Sydney Rabbitohs
The young gun has been firing since he joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the off-season and would be a big body out on the wing. No stranger to the representative arena, he made history in 2018, when he became the first player to represent the Prime Minister's XIII before playing an NRL game.
6. Moses Mbye – Wests Tigers
One of a number of players equally adept at a variety of positions. He has been part of the Emerging Origin system and knows what’s required of him on the state representative arena. He has nine try assists this year – Damien Cook has the most with 12 – and would be a good addition to the spine.
7. Brodie Croft – Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne Storm halfback has been working hard on his game and at only 21 years of age, has plenty of time ahead of him to mature into the highly-demanding role. Part of an NRL team set-up that demands excellence, his focus would be key for the side, not only on game night but in the lead-up.
8. Corey Horsburgh – Canberra Raiders
What’s Origin without a forward battle to look forward to and the Canberra Raiders young gun has shown he is not one to take a backward step. Able to play as a prop or lock, the Redcliffe Dolphins junior has a high work-rate and has been known to fire up in representative games.
9. Jake Granville – North Queensland Cowboys
The experienced rake has lifted this season and found a new spark from dummy half. One of a number of specialist options Queensland has for the role of hooker, the former fullback with Wynnum Manly is currently fourth on the list for most dummy half runs in the NRL with 49 (Damien Cook has the most with 90).
10. Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
The highly regarded Brisbane Broncos prop has been in Origin discussions for a number of seasons, and has plenty of representative experience with Tonga. He was brought into Maroons camp last year, so is familiar with the environment.
11. David Fifita – Brisbane Broncos
The hype has continued to follow young man mountain Fifita who burst onto the NRL scene last year. While he is still learning the ropes, and has played reduced minutes in recent weeks, there is no doubting his ability, with his great speed – despite his size – a notable attribute.
12. Kurt Capewell – Cronulla Sharks
One of the more impressive backrowers in the competition at the moment, Capewell has been a key part of Cronulla’s against-the-odds success this season. While he has a laidback country attitude thanks to his Charleville upbringing, he is a hard-working and creative player who would not look out of place in maroon.
13. Rhyse Martin – Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
There is no denying the talent of popular PNG Kumuls representative who loves a big occasion and can play a full NRL game at lock. He can also kick a goal which always comes in handy in Origin games, especially series openers where points come at a premium.
14. Reed Mahoney – Parramatta Eels
A ball of energy, Mahoney would be able to ensure the intensity of the game remains high when he comes off the bench. He can more than hold his own in defence as well with an average of 46.3 tackles made per game.
15. Ethan Lowe – South Sydney Rabbitohs
The no-frills forward has put his head down since joining with the South Sydney Rabbitohs this year, following his transfer from North Queensland. The premiership winner is known for his work in the back row, but was most recently deployed at centre by his coach Wayne Bennett.
16. Tom Mikaele – Wests Tigers
It’s always good to have a big bopper on the bench how can come on and run hard at the opposition. The 109kg Goodna Eagles junior has been solid form for the Tigers and has run for 665 metres this season, with 275 of them being post-contact.
17. Kurt Mann – Newcastle Knights
A veritable ‘Mr Versatility’, he played five-eighth for the victorious Newcastle Knights against St George Illawarra Dragons, but can play well in the centres, back row and fullback and would do whatever job the team asked of him – a great option to have in the bench.
Here is the list (ever growing with more NRL graduates emerging each season) of Queensland Men's State of Origin eligible players, where the Maroons selectors will find the players to best represent the state.
The Queensland Maroons series launch will be held on Monday, May 27, where all will be revealed. Keep an eye on QRL.com.au for the official team and captain announcement.
