Tigers skipper Moses Mbye in Maroons Origin frame, then injury hits

A freak training injury threatens to derail Wests Tigers captain Moses Mbye’s hopes of a shock Queensland debut for Origin I on Wednesday week.

Moses Mbye was looming as a shock Queensland bench utility selection. Picture: Darren England

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A FREAK training injury threatens to derail Wests Tigers captain Moses Mbye’s hopes of a shock Queensland debut for Origin I on Wednesday week.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Mbye has edged ahead of Broncos star Anthony Milford and Cowboys rake Jake Granville as the trio prepare for a Super Saturday shootout for the Queensland No.14 jumper today.

But Mbye is sweating on the green light from doctors after the Maroons hopeful suffered a minor groin strain at his side’s final training run ahead of the Tigers’ clash with South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Moses Mbye was looming as a shock Queensland bench utility selection. Picture: Darren England

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Mbye was the surprise frontrunner to be crowned Queensland’s super-sub bolter for Game One, but his Origin prospects now hang in the balance.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters met with Maroons selectors on Thursday. It is understood Maroons hierarchy discussed the claims of Mbye, Milford and Granville for the critical interchange utility spot for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium.

Today’s three NRL games will determine whether Mbye can stave off Milford and Granville to make a dream Queensland Origin debut.

Anthony Milford would miss out if Mbye was selected. Picture: Darren England

Granville will audition first against Canberra at GIO Stadium, followed by Milford against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium. Mbye will be the final act if passed fit today by Tigers coach Michael Maguire.

Mbye has barely been mentioned in Origin discussions, but Queensland hierarchy’s most significant selection meeting yet has thrown up the 25-year-old as a serious No.14 contender.

While Walters is a huge fan of Milford, the Broncos pivot lacks the ability to play in the forwards or three-quarters.

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Queensland powerbrokers have decided they want their No.14 to possess either extreme versatility or hooking experience.

Mbye is the ideal Mr Fixit.

The Noosa Pirates junior can play five positions, including fullback, five-eighth and halfback. He debuted at centre for Canterbury in 2014 and later that year, he started at hooker at age 21 in the NRL grand final against South Sydney.

Barring injury, Ben Hunt will be Queensland’s starting hooker, with Granville or Mbye to provide interchange insurance.

A two-time Queensland Emerging Origin squad member who has played 112 NRL games, Mbye recently told The Courier-Mail of his ambition to break into the Maroons this season.

“There’s no doubt I would love to play Origin,” Mbye said.

“Every kid who was born on the Queensland side of the border dreams of that Maroon jersey.

“But you get those rewards from playing consistent footy and quality footy in clubland.

“To be honest, I haven’t always done that.

“The more success you have at club level, the more opportunities you get personally in the rep arena.”

Former Queensland Origin lock Scott Sattler believes Mbye is ready for an Origin baptism.

“He’s a gun,” Sattler said. “He has a great skill set, great versatility and has the attitude to thrive in that arena.”

When Mbye was chosen as Tigers captain in February, teammate and former Kiwi Test skipper Benji Marshall lauded his leadership.

“I don’t think he understands that when he talks, everyone listens,” he said.

“Moses drives standards really hard ... I think that is a big reason why he is captain.”

Originally published as Tigers skipper Moses Mbye in Maroons Origin frame, then injury hits