3 minute read
A look at the Queensland squad for the State of Origin opener in Townsville on Wednesday.
HOW QUEENSLAND SHAPE UP FOR ORIGIN I
Fullback - Valentine Holmes
Age: 25
Origins: 7
Tries: 9
The North Queensland star loves scoring tries for Queensland with nine in just seven State of Origin games. His boot could come into play too, having kicked two match-winning field goals for North Queensland in the NRL this year.
Winger - Kyle Feldt
Age: 29
Origins: 0
Tries: 0
It's been a long road to a Queensland jersey for the Cowboys winger who has been on the cusp of selection for years. Origin is a new arena but he'll feel right at home on the edge at Townsville.
Centre - Kurt Capewell
Age: 27
Origins: 3
Tries: 0
The Penrith second-rower was one of the breakout stars of last year's Origin series and reprises his role in the centres once again in 2021. Will have his work cut out for him, likely marking Tom Trbojevic.
Centre - Dane Gagai
Age: 30
Origins: 16
Tries: 11
The South Sydney centre has battled a bout of tonsillitis while in camp but, expected to be fit, the Maroons jersey never fails to bring out the best in him.
Winger - Xavier Coates
Age: 20
Origins: 2
Origin tries: 2
Origin debuts don't come much better than the one Coates experienced last year, scoring in both games for Queensland to win the series. It's the start of a long representative career for the winger.
Five-eighth - Cameron Munster
Age: 26
Origins: 10
Tries: 1
The Melbourne five-eighth hasn't played since round nine with a foot injury but has been declared fit to play. The lack of game time won't worry Munster, who relishes the rise in intensity at Origin level.
Halfback - Daly Cherry-Evans (captain)
Age: 32
Origins: 13
Tries: 1
The Queensland skipper had a tough start to the season for Manly but has regained his confidence after a stellar run of form. Will have insight into how to shut down NRL teammate and NSW star Tom Trbojevic.
Prop - Christian Welch
Age: 26
Origins: 3
Tries: 0
Thrust into the role of one of Queensland's forward leaders and is now one of their senior players. Injuries ruined his push for Origin two years ago but was workmanlike last year as he got the job done in the Maroons' series win.
Hooker - Harry Grant
Age: 23
Origins: 1
Tries: 1
Starts for the first time in Origin after making his debut off the bench in Game III last year. Was the man who swung the series in Queensland's favour with that performance, but hasn't played a full 80 minutes since last September.
Prop - Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
Age: 21
Origins: 3
Tries: 0
Has had a rollercoaster start to the year since moving to Gold Coast, with suspensions breaking up some big performances. The Maroons need him to start big in order to get the early ascendancy over his NSW counterparts.
Back-rower - Felise Kaufusi
Age: 29
Origins: 9
Tries: 1
Free to play in the Origin opener after beating a tripping charge at the NRL judiciary. Is one of the game's best hole runners, but will need to get his discipline in check as the most penalised player in either team.
Back-rower - David Fifita
Age: 21
Origins: 3
Tries: 0
Queensland's X-factor with the way he can break a game open on the edge. Missed last year's series through injury but leads the NRL for tackle busts with 81 in 10 games for Gold Coast.
Lock - Jai Arrow
Age: 25
Origins: 7
Tries: 0
Comes in off a start to the year where has largely come off the bench for South Sydney. Will play big minutes for the Maroons.
Interchange:
Alexander Brimson
Age: 22
Origins: 1
Tries: 1
Lit Origin up with a brilliant debut in Game I last year before succumbing to a foot injury. This time it's a knee worrying the Gold Coast No.1 but he should be fit to play in Townsville.
Jaydn Su'A
Age: 23
Origins: 3
Tries: 0
Was dropped by South Sydney just a fortnight ago but is now back in the Queensland camp with the Maroons declaring him an Origin player. Will walk a fine line as he seeks to bring a physicality to the Maroons' defence.
Moeaki Fotuaika
Age: 21
Origins: 1
Tries: 0
Only got 26 minutes on debut for Queensland in Game II last year but will likely play a bigger role off the bench in Townsville. Has been one of the few shining lights for Gold Coast, averaging 142 metres per game.
Joe Ofahengaue
Age: 25
Origins: 2
Tries: 0
Back after poor form saw him lose his Queensland spot in 2020, he can play on an edge or in the middle for the Maroons. Will have a big job when he gets on given the Blues' big bench.
18th man:
Coen Hess
Age: 24
Origins: 6
Tries: 0
