Kevin Walters says Dylan Napa is future of Maroons forward pack

QUEENSLAND will need some serious forward firepower to combat NSW in State of Origin this year, and Maroons selectors reckon they have the answer.

Dylan Napa during team training at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort training ground. Pics Adam Head

QUEENSLAND selectors view Dylan Napa as the answer to the next generation of Blues forwards, as the Roosters wrecking ball firms for his State of Origin debut.

With pack leaders Matt Scott (knee) and Corey Parker (retirement) gone from the Maroons line-up, the Queensland side will need some serious firepower to combat the NSW forwards in this year’s series.

The Blues are set to pack a punch with aggressive giants Andrew Fifita and David Klemmer predicted to be their starting props, and the likes of monster forwards Shannon Boyd, Jake Trbojevic, Jordan McLean and Paul Vaughan also in contention.

Fifita, Klemmer and Trbojevic are all fresh off their campaign with the Australian Test side, with their selections stamping their authority over Queensland’s front-rowers for the first time in years.

But Napa could be just one game away from becoming the man assigned to shut down NSW’s big boppers.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters confirmed that the Brisbane-born enforcer was the future of the Maroons forward pack and could be the answer to NSW’s young guns.

“He’s the next breed of front-rowers coming through,” Walters said of Napa.

Dylan Napa is set to be called up for his Maroons debut. Picture: Adam Head

“You’d hope he is (the answer) ... that’s the plan.

“I know he hasn’t been given his opportunity yet, but if he does get selected we expect him to fulfil that role.

“He’s a fresh face among the group and he brings a lot of size.

Napa is only two games back from an ankle injury, but Walters said he had done enough in that time to maintain Queensland’s interest in him.

He will also be carefully watched in his showdown with Klemmer and the Bulldogs on Sunday.

Queensland selector Darren Lockyer echoed Walters’ sentiments and confirmed that Napa’s name had been mentioned at the selector’s table since his comeback.

“He’s the sort of player that plays with aggression,” Lockyer said.

Dylan Napa on the charge for the Roosters.

“He would be suited to the Origin area.

“Obviously he is there (for consideration). We are talking about Dylan.”

When asked if a dark horse could emerge alongside Napa in the forward pack his series, both Walters and Lockyer said it was not too late for any Queenslander to press their claim.

Walters said it’s a “very important round” for Origin hopefuls while Lockyer pointed to three forward contenders to make a late push in Coen Hess, Jarrod Wallace and Felise Kaufusi.

Coen Hess can push his Maroons claims this weekend. Picture: Mark Evans

“Those younger guys that have never been in that arena, you keep a close eye on them,” Lockyer said.

“All those players that haven’t played Origin before will all want to play well this week.

“There’s a bit more uncertainty around this Queensland team than there has been for some time.”