As we head into State Of Origin 101 Queensland is looking to square the series and head back to Brisbane looking to retain the Origin shield. What better occasion to select my ultimate Queensland Maroons State Of Origin lineup!
Anybody that has played State Of Origin football for Queensland is eligible. All players are selected in career best form.
So, who would be my ultimate Queensland Maroons State Of Origin side?
League Freak’s Ultimate Queensland State Of Origin Lineup:
1. Darren Lockyer
2. Billy Slater
3. Mal Meninga
4. Greg Inglis
5. Israel Folau
6. Wally Lewis
7. Allan Langer
8. Shane Webcke
9. Cameron Smith
10. Arthur Beetson
11. Gorden Tallis
12. Trevor Gillmeister
13. Bob Linder
14. Johnathan Thurston
15. Petero Civoniceva
16. Gary Larson
17. Gene Miles
Fullback was an easy choice. Lockyers selection however means Slater needs to head out to the wing. I had to have Slater in the side. The other wing was a tough choice, Michael Hancock and Dale Shearer went REALLY close, but I would rather not have to play against Israel Folau to be honest. He didn’t play too many Origin games but he was devastating when he did.
Meninga and Ingis in the centres is easy enough. Steve Renouf and Gene Miles get an honourable mention though.
Wally Lewis just makes the team, he played better than average at State Of Origin level.
Allan Langer in the halves ahead of Thurston was tough. Here is my reasoning…
Langer caused New South Wales nightmare in the 80’s, 90’s and 00’s. That in itself is incredible. I also feel that Thurston has played brilliantly in the best Queensland team ever. Langer played brilliantly in a few Queensland teams that just weren’t as good as the opposition.
Webcke was an easy choice at prop. Arthur Beetson didn’t play too many State Of Origin games but if you could select him in career best form, he is probably the first player you select in this team.
Cameron Smith gets the hooking role just ahead of Steve Walters.
Gorden Tallis and Trevor Gillmeister in the second row were easy choices for me as was Bob Linder at lock.
That leaves the bench, and keeping in mind I selected this side to play an actual game.
I went with Thurston in a utility role, hard to leave him out completely. Petero Civoniceva, Gary Larson and Gene Miles who could play in the second row.
So there you have it. How did I do? It was a little harder to select the Queensland team than it was selecting the New South Wales side.
Feel free to comment on this team in the comment section below. Name your own teams and see how they line up against my one!
