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Back-to-basics approach works for Chambers

3 minute read

By his own admission last year's State of Origin was "a bit below average" but a back-to-basics approach has Queensland's Will Chambers enjoying his football.

WILL CHAMBERS passes during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort in Brisbane, Australia.
WILL CHAMBERS passes during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Getting back-to-basics has been the key to Queensland centre Will Chambers rediscovering his best form heading into next week's State of Origin opener.

Chambers will resume hostilties with NSW rival Latrell Mitchell on Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium, after the Blues centre dominated his Maroons counterpart in 2018.

The Sydney Roosters star was a key part of the Blues' 2-1 series win, often forcing Chambers' frustrations to boil over.

The pair often scuffled and exchanged verbal barbs throughout the series.

Chambers says ditching the niggle and focusing on his direct responsibilities had him in a good state of mind heading into this year's campaign.

"It was alright last year, it was a bit below average, but not too much," the Melbourne Storm back said.

"I'm not too worried about last year - I'm worried about this year.

"I have got back to doing the basics well and enjoying my footy, I went away a bit from that last year but now I'm making every day enjoyable and trying to be the best footballer I can be."

The 31-year-old heads into his fifth Origin campaign as the veteran of a new-look backline following the retirements of Greg Inglis and Billy Slater.

Youngsters such as Kalyn Ponga and debutants Joe Ofahengaue and David Fifita had brought a new energy into the Queensland camp, Chambers said.

"It's a great young group with talented kids, Ponga, Fifita and Ofahengaue," he said.

"Michael Morgan, (Dylan) Napa, (Josh) Papalii and DCE (Daly Cherry-Evans) have been there for a while so we have a good mix there at the moment."

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