Who would have seen it coming?! NSW win the first Origin game in 2014 and put Queensland on the back foot. It did come at a cost, though – several players are ruled out for both sides and others are carrying niggling injuries, how will both teams cope? Will the new players make a difference or be the difference, or will they struggle to find their feet?
With the news that Josh Papalii is out of the Queensland side after injury last night, the Maroons will not be bringing an extra player into their squad, leaving their total squad number at 21 players.
Here is the QLD squad with a team to be named once injuries are assessed further:
Darius Boyd (Knights), Will Chambers (Storm), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly), Matt Gillett (Broncos), Justin Hodges (Broncos), Aidan Guerra (Roosters), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Greg Inglis (Souths), Jacob Lillyman (Warriors), Chris McQueen (Souths), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Nate Myles (Titans), Corey Parker (Broncos), Matt Scott (Cowboys), Cam Smith (Storm), Billy Slater (Storm), Brent Tate (Cowboys), Ben Te’o (Souths), Sam Thaiday (Broncos), Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys) & Willie Tonga (Eels).
Perhaps the surprise packet there is Willie Tonga. Although some may be scratching their heads at his inclusion, when you look at his form for the Eels so far in 2014, it is justified. He has made a tremendous return from the wilderness and from injury and as a result, he has been rewarded for his great form with a call-up to the Queensland squad.
Here is the NSW side:
1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Will Hopoate
3. Josh Dugan
4. Michael Jennings
5. Daniel Tupou
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Trent Hodkinson
8. Paul Gallen (C)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Aaron Woods
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Beau Scott
13. Greg Bird.
14. James Tamou
15. Anthony Watmough
16. Trent Merrin
17. Luke Lewis.
Josh Dugan the real surprise here, named at centre. A fairly unfamiliar position for him and it will be a test for him to contain the QLD attack on that fringe.
Will Hopoate returns to Origin footy and completes a remarkable turnaround.
Both teams named, both talented sides, who will win?
NSW blues we are good to GO…bring on boys..Go blues..
Great to hear from you, Fitler. Should be a great game.
despite missing out on some key players, I think and I’m sure the maroons will trash the blues this time.. real bad!!