Queensland Origin contenders 2015: The Forwards

Last week we ran the rule over Queensland’s backline contenders, and now it’s time to give the big fellas the same treatment. With Game One now just a month away, here are the men in the frame for a coveted maroon jumper in the engine room.

Front Row

Matt Scott is a certainty, and despite a slow start to the year Nate Myles should hang on to the other starting spot. Jacob Lillyman has incumbency in his favour and is a strong chance for a bench spot, however he’ll have to hold off strong challenges from the likes of Bronco Josh McGuire and Roosters all-rounder Dylan Napa, who are both pushing hard for an Origin debut. They may only run with one prop on the bench as they like to carry an additional half/utility and most of their back rowers can pinch-hit for a few minutes here and there.

Quiet achiever Jacob Lillyman never lets his state down
Source: www.couriermail.com.au

Hooker

Cam Smith is a certainty, but like the halves the battle for heir apparent is an interesting one. Jake Friend was the man last year but Andrew McCullough can’t be too far behind, especially given Friend’s injury problems this year. Matt Ballin has done the job before as well. But the real ace up Queensland’s sleeve, and a definite contender for a spot on the bench, is Panthers livewire James Segeyaro, who possesses the ability to drastically change the complexion of a game with his quickness and creativity.

Cam Smith is set to lead his beloved Maroons once again in 2015
Source: www.heraldsun.com.au

Second Row

The incumbent starting trio of Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday and Aidan Guerra is likely to be retained, although Guerra is racing the clock to recover from a facial injury. Matt Gillett leads a large pack of players fighting for a bench spot, including Josh Papalii, Chris McQueen and uncapped Cowboy Gavin Cooper. Cooper’s teammate Ethan Lowe could be in with a shot after a strong start to the year, with the inconsistent Dave Taylor probably on the outer. Corey Oates is a bolter for the bench given he can cover for the backline, but it be a bit early for him as he’s yet to play big minutes up front on a regular basis.

Sam Thaiday will be a key cog in the Maroon machine
Source: www.couriermail.com.au

Cover Image Source: www.roundeight.com

Nick Fray, Origin Online

State of Origin Player Previews: McQueen, Thaiday & Gillett

Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports

Chris McQueen, Queensland

Back Row, South Sydney Rabbitohs

Origin Appearances: 4

Origin Tries: 0

Origin Status: Looking to prove himself

Chris McQueen’s evolution from fringe first grade winger to Origin back rower over the last couple of seasons has been nothing short of remarkable, but after brushing off Beau Scott to set up a line break in the opening stages of Game One, he will have been disappointed with his output for the rest of the night and will be desperate to make amends tonight with his spot in the Maroons squad potentially on the line.

McQueen knows there are no excuses out there tonight, with Maroons selectors keeping the faith as they look to save the series. Given that a change of clubs has been widely touted come the end of the season, there is no better occasion for McQueen to prove his value than in a backs-to-the wall slugfest tonight.

Under the pump: Chris McQueen Source: www.news.com.au

Sam Thaiday, Queensland

Back Row, Brisbane Broncos

Origin Appearances: 20

Origin Tries: 3

Origin Status: Cult hero

One of a slew of current Maroons to have debuted in the pivotal 2006 series, Thaiday’s worth to the Maroons was at its most evident in Game One of the current series, when he was ruled out through injury. Missing his wrecking-ball runs on the right edge as well as his ability to pinch hit in the front row, Thaiday’s absence was a major factor in Queensland’s inability to forge attacking metres and his return is perhaps the most under-rated element of the Maroons’ preparation for tonight’s game.

With a couple of runs now under his belt since returning from injury, Thaiday will be desperate to help the Maroons reverse the Game One result and send the series into a decider at his home ground Suncorp Stadium. Although he is no longer Broncos captain, his leadership-by-example style will be crucial in inspiring teammates at various stage of tonight’s game.

Matt Gillett, Queensland

Lock, Brisbane Broncos

Time to step up: Matt Gillett Source: The Courier Mail

Origin Appearances: 7

Origin Tries: 0

Origin Status: Leader of the new wave

Even though Queensland have gone about their winning streak with minimum personnel changes over the past eight years, they have never been afraid to blood youngsters as they cast an eye to the future. Broncos forward Matt Gillett has been one of the main beneficiaries of that policy, to the point where he has become one of the side’s most important players with veteran Corey Parker approaching the twilight of his career.

With Parker’s absence tonight, now is the time to Gillett to deliver on what many believe is unfulfilled promise in the Origin arena. With 7 games now under his belt, Gillett is at a stage where he needs to step up and become a genuine Origin star, as opposed to just ‘one of the young guys’. Blessed with a rare combination of athleticism and ball skills for a player of his size, Gillett has the potential to develop into one of the game’s top stars, and his performances for the Broncos this year suggest he’s not far off. If he can finally have the same sort of impact on an Origin game, tonight may just prove the making of him.

McQueen: ‘I’m ready to go’

Luke Pentony, ABC Grandstand

Chris McQueen says he is determined to repay the faith shown by Queensland selectors after earning a starting spot in the Maroons back row for State of Origin I.

McQueen admits he was feeling nervous before receiving the phone call on Sunday night confirming his selection, even though he finished last year’s series in the Maroons’ starting line-up.

He made his debut off the interchange bench in the Maroons’ 14-6 loss to New South Wales in the series opener in Sydney, before securing a start in the second row for Origin II and III.

Read more at ABC Grandstand