Israel Folau return: Southport Tigers smashed 88-0 by Burleigh Bears

The reason Clive Palmer is so desperate to register Israel Folau with Southport Tigers has become clear. CRASH TACKLE.

Paul Green faces a tougher than expected Origin coaching initiation.

Paul Green may be gifted the chance to launch his State of Origin coaching career in Townsville, but there are still huge challenges ahead.

Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans told News Corp several weeks ago he was looking forward to shaking Green‘s hand for the first time this series so they will have to get to know each other quickly.

Maroons inspiration Cameron Munster may be named in the squad on Monday but remains a major doubt with a foot injury.

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Paul Green faces a tougher than expected Origin coaching initiation.

With forward enforcer Josh Papalii out due to suspension and Felise Kaufusi also likely to suffer the same fate, the Maroons forward depth has been laid bare.

Kalyn Ponga has been battling a groin injury and must be underdone while Harry Grant has started in just one match all year.

The challenges are coming from everywhere. Both teams will be beneath full strength but NSW, because of their superior depth, are better equipped to handle the challenges.

The temptation is to say “Queensland love being underdogs’’ and that narrative is perfect when you have a near full strength side. That won’t be the case.

Much has been made of Queensland likely to get the first two games of the series. That would be a bonus, but it would still be a rousing effort to defend the title.

Will Kalyn Ponga be fit enough to play Origin?

REECE LIGHTNING

Could the NRL’s Kid Dynamite, Reece Walsh, complete a stunning rise from the Norths Devils to State of Origin in one season?

It probably won’t happen early in the series, but if Queensland’s backline depth gets exposed any further there may yet be an SOS for the youngster, who was released by the Broncos to the Warriors earlier this year.

There is a natural fearlessness about Walsh which says he would relish the occasion.

WHAT A BLUE

Wally Lewis once said NSW has never really “got‘’ State of Origin, but the vibe may be seeping through.

The Blues won’t consider Broncos enforcer Tevita Pangai for the series opener with their hierarchy unable to fully forgive him for declaring a couple of years ago he would prefer to play for Queensland.

This was a very Queensland sort of a decision. The Maroons have long believed Origin series are won on passion rather than ability.

The Blues are getting the message.

The team Israel Folau hopes to play for were beaten 88-0 on the weekend.

ISSY HERE YET?

No wonder Clive Palmer is so desperate to get Israel Folau on board for the Southport Tigers … ASAP.

The Tigers were beaten 88-0 by Burleigh on Saturday night with Folau cooling his heels on the sideline as the QRL waited for a clearance from French club Catalans before considering letting him play.

RULES ARE RULES

The instant Dragons forward Jack de Belin had sexual assault charges dropped, there were whispers he may seek major compensation after missing two years due to the NRL‘s new no fault rule.

But even if it lands them on the opposite side of a legal challenge, the NRL must not abandon the rule which decrees any player charged with a crime that could bring a jail sentence of 11 years or more must stand down.

De Belin was not found innocent. Nor was he found not guilty after two trials could not find a conclusive verdict.

Even if you believe every word, de Belin said in court that it‘s a tough assignment to argue his actions did not bring the game into disrepute.

No-one could have predicted the first big test of this rule would involve two deadlocked trials, but the new rule has still done its job.