State of Origin 2020: Queensland Maroons likely 17 revealed
He’s one of Queensland’s most experienced forwards despite playing just four Origin matches, but Jai Arrow is set to be relegated to the bench for Game I. See Bennett’s likely team here.
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New Maroons coach Wayne Bennett will dust off a 20-year-old selection playbook by naming up to nine debutants in Game One as he looks to replicate one of the most famous series wins in Origin history.
Bennett blooded a record 10 rookies for Origin I in 2001 and, almost two decades later, the veteran Maroons mentor will again usher in a new generation of Queenslanders for the series opener at Adelaide Oval next Wednesday.
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Bennett has been tight-lipped about the composition of his team for Origin I but The Courier-Mail understands he is considering handing out nine new caps in the wake of Queensland’s injury crisis.
The 70-year-old Bennett will unveil a 21-man squad on Thursday and among the raft of changes:
* Roosters veteran Jake Friend is set to edge out Ben Hunt for the No.9 jumper, making his Origin debut after 263 NRL games;
* Four new faces will appear in the backline, with AJ Brimson to clinch the fullback spot following the loss of injured Kalyn Ponga;
* Bennett is seriously considering boom Broncos winger Xavier Coates for his debut at age 19 after just 15 first-grade games;
* Souths back-rower Jaydn Su'A will start in the back row - 12 months after being axed by the Broncos;
* Newly-crowned Storm premiership-winner Brenko Lee, who briefly quit the NRL a year ago, is poised for a stunning debut at right centre; and
* Three rookie props will be unleashed on the Blues as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins and Moe Fotuaika get their first taste of Origin football.
In 2001, Queensland conjured an epic 34-16 win in Origin I after Bennett rolled the dice with Lote Tuqiri, Daniel Wagon, Kevin Campion, John Buttigieg, Petero Civoniceva, Brad Meyers, Chris Walker, Chris Beattie, Carl Webb and John Doyle.
They went on to win the series 2-1 after Allan Langer’s fairytale return from England to win the decider.
Now, with NSW raging favourites for a third consecutive series win, Queensland are banking on ‘The Bennett Nine’ to inspire another Blues boilover.
“I’m very excited; there’s no doubt these young guys can handle the occasion,” veteran Maroons prop Josh Papalii said.
ORIGIN TEAM SELECTOR: PICK YOUR MAROONS SIDE HERE
“Wayne’s smart enough to not pick players that can’t handle it.
“They all came through the system together and I’m excited to see how they go.”
Bennett’s biggest headache is getting the right mix in his three-quarters. Penrith utility Kurt Capewell is a left-centre option to partner Brenko Lee, while either Coates or Edrick Lee are being considered to replace the suspended Valentine Holmes in Adelaide.
The 20-year-old Fa’asuamaleaui, fresh from his Storm title win, is the frontrunner for the No.13 jumper ahead of Jai Arrow.
Incumbent hooker Ben Hunt shapes as the No.14 utility, with Roosters tearaway Collins and Titans sensation Fotuaika to debut off interchange.
Maroons skipper Daly Cherry-Evans scoffed at suggestions the Blues could thrash ‘Bennett’s Babes’ 3-0 in a lopsided 2020 series.
“I play at a club in Sydney where we have a backs-against-the-wall mentality. Manly is the team everyone loves to hate,” he said.
“Coming into Origin as massive underdogs feels a little bit similar to that mentality.
“Our young guys will be fine. I don’t think the outside noise will concern anyone, particularly the young fellas.”
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Former Maroons lock Scott Sattler backed Bennett’s youth policy.
“Wayne is the perfect guy in their time of need - it’s 2001 all over again,” he said.
“What you will get with all these debutants is enthusiasm and energy which can lift the entire squad.
“This is Queensland’s biggest challenge since that 2001 series. NSW will be the raging favourites but these batch of Maroons kids have nothing to lose and Wayne can get the best out of them.”
‘Bring it on’: Maroons forwards ready rumble
Queensland’s young gun forwards have hit back at suggestions they are in line for an Origin mauling and insist they can stand up to the all-star Blues pack in Adelaide next week.
The Maroons are set to blood five new forwards at the Adelaide Oval next Wednesday as part of nine Queensland debutants for the series opener.
Melbourne premiership-winner Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Souths hit-man Jaydn Su’A, Titans workhorse Moeaki Fotuaika and Roosters giant Lindsay Collins will join hooker Jake Friend as Queensland’s fresh faces in the forwards.
They will be tasked with shutting down the likes of NSW stars Payne Haas, Jake Trbojevic and Tyson Frizell as the Blues gun for a third straight series win.
The Maroons will head into the series as rank underdogs, but Collins said he was refusing to accept Queensland was outsiders and couldn’t match the Blues.
“I haven’t given it much thought about us being underdogs,” he said.
“We’ve got a solid squad here with lots of talent and hard workers.
“I don’t buy into the underdog mentality. It’s anyone’s game.
“It’s definitely a dream to represent the state. I haven’t got there yet so I won’t count my chickens yet, but I’m excited and keen to rip in at training and put my best foot forward.”
The Queensland team to run out under coach Wayne Bennett is expected to be one of the least experienced in Origin’s 40-year history.
But the majority of the players, in particular the debutants, are coming into the series on the back of strong NRL club form.
Su’A, 23, has been a revelation in the back-row for the Rabbitohs this year and said he was ready to take the next step.
“That underdog tag...it is what it is, I’ve been an underdog at Souths all year,” he said.
“Hopefully I can get the opportunity to run out with these boys and show people what we’re all about as a forward pack.
“I can’t wait to run out alongside some of these young guys and I can’t wait to play alongside Josh Papalii too.”
With 15 Origin appearances, Papalii will be Queensland’s most experienced player in this year’s series.
Now one of the NRL’s top props, Papalii said he couldn’t wait to see Queensland’s next generation of forward talent emerge.
“I don’t blame the critics talking about NSW and how they’ve been going because they’ve earnt that,” Papalii said.
“The last two years we haven’t been up to scratch, it’s our fault and we’ve copped it on the chin.
“A lot of people have spoken about what the Blues have and what they’ve got going on but I’m very confident in believing in my own team and it’s no different with this young Maroons squad.
“They’re young, hungry and just want to play footy.”
Fotuaika, 20, narrowly missed out on being crowned the Titans’ player-of-the-year for the second season running.
His no-nonsense style of play is purpose-built for Origin and Fotuaika said he would not let Queensland down.
“If the opportunity comes I will grab it with both hands and do my best,” he said.
“I’m trying to enjoy the experience and learn from the senior boys that have been here for a while.”
Originally published as State of Origin 2020: Queensland Maroons likely 17 revealed