Well the Queensland squad was named a few weeks ago but now its a more relevant time to bring it up.
The QRL named just a 22 man squad and that squad was:
Shaun Berrigan, Matt Bowen, Paul Bowman, Tonie Carroll, Petero Civoniceva, Michael Crocker, Chris Flannery, Dallas Johnson, Darren Lockyer, Steven Price, Scott Prince, Ben Ross, Matt Sing, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Jason Smith, Brent Tate, Brad Thorn, Johnathan Thurston, Willie Tonga, Carl Webb, Rhys Wesser.
A few hours after the announcement of this squad, Jason Smith announced his retirement from rep football…..good job selectors, next time pick players that actually want to play!
Since then Willie Tonga has been ruled out through injury and its unlikely Brent Tate will be available either.
Now, before I name my Queensland side I want to talk about a disgrace. The selection of Brad Thorn.
Brad Thorn’s selection makes a mockery of Origin football. Not that Queensland care, they will select anyone that puts their hand up and work out how to get around the rules later.
People can say “Well he played for NZ in union so it doesn’t count” but the fact is….he chose to represent New Zealand….I don’t care if he represented them in lawn bowls….his loyalties obviously lie with New Zealand.
He is not the only Queenslander in the squad as Tonie Carroll did the same thing.
Now….with that out of the way. Here is my QLD side picked from the 22 man squad:
1. Rhys Wesser
2. Billy Slater
3. Josh Hannay
4. Paul Bowman
5. Matt Sing
6. Darren Lockyer (Captain)
7. Scott Prince
8. Ben Ross
9. Cameron Smith
10. Steven Price
11. Petero Civoneceva
12. Chris Flannery
13. Tonie Carroll
14. Carl Webb
15. Brad Thron
16. Shaun Berrigan
17. Dallas Johnson
Not a great deal to work with for the Queenslanders. A lot of people are saying they are favorites for the Origin titles….but I cant agree.
They have a good front row but their back row is not that flash. Ive put Civoneceva in the back row because basically….there isn’t much else to choose from.
Their strength in their front row rotation of Price, Ross and Webb who are all in terrific form.
Wesser gets the fullback spot on form while Billy Slater has to be in the side and is selected on the wing.
I think QLD will draft in Ashley Harrison from Souths from outside of the squad….but still….I just don’t like the look of this QLD side up against the NSW team. A lot of players are there on reputation alone.
