Gorden Tallis names his Maroons captain and team for State of Origin I

Captaining Queensland is not a short-term job. It’s a position that requires leadership and a future. And in GORDEN TALLIS’ early Maroons 17, his choice for skipper is an Arrow from the blue.

Jai Arrow could guide Queensland into the future. Image: Peter Wallis

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Here’s one out of the blue for you.

My pick to captain the Maroons this year — and well into the future — is Gold Coast lock Jai Arrow.

Before you ask what I’ve been smoking and point out that Jai plays for the Titans, where I am an ambassador, you have to hear me out.

Firstly, this is Origin. Club ties don’t matter when you are trying to beat the Blues.

Secondly, Jai has been in outstanding form for the Titans and he has played Origin before and showed he is up to the level.

Thirdly, he is the guy that leads and inspires through his actions whether it be a bone-crunching tackle or a fearless hit-up.

And finally, it is an appointment for now and the future. He could be a long-term captain if his form holds up to the high standard he’s already set.

Jai Arrow could guide Queensland into the future. Image: Peter Wallis

Daly Cherry-Evans has only got a few years left at this level, Cam Munster isn’t quite ready for the role just yet and Kalyn Ponga is still very young but probably wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the job.

Jai would handle the pressure and in doing so, take the pressure off others and allow them to do their creative playmaker roles to the best of their ability.

NSW are talking up a lot of players as possibilities for their Origin squad but they can still only pick 17, just like Queensland.

It’s a still a few weeks to go before the selectors sit down and pick the Maroons squad but here’s my 17 for Origin 1.

FULLBACK

Kalyn Ponga

What he did for Queensland last year when he was thrown into the middle on debut and playing the way he did, you know he is up for the challenge, especially playing in his natural position of fullback.

WINGERS

Dane Gagai and Corey Oates

Gagai has won the Wally Lewis Medal and has been absolutely outstanding for the Maroons to the point where he virtually owns a jersey. With Val Holmes gone, it is a great opportunity for Oates to step up on the big stage.

David Fifita could bring something new at centre. Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

CENTRES

Will Chambers and David Fifita

Chambers did not have a great series last year but when you see that he was marking Latrell Mitchell, no centre has been able to shut him down. But Chambers will want another crack at him. As for Fifita, he’s a big body, he’s mobile. We’ve got plenty of backrowers but we are lacking a centre and I think that he could do a really good job for Queensland. A bit like a Darren Smith or a Tonie Carroll. He could be our new Tunsa.

HALVES

Cam Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans

These guys pick themselves, don’t they. Both are in good form at club level and know what Origin is about.

Papalii‘s form for Canberra is good news for Queensland. Image: Alix Sweeney

PROPS

Josh Papalii and Dylan Napa

Papalii is in career-best form for the Raiders who are going great. He’s a big reason why they are equal first on the ladder. Napa has been one of the best for the Bulldogs and he knows what’s expected of him at this level.

HOOKER

Ben Hunt

After Cam Smith and Josh Hodgson, he’s the best hooker in the comp. I’ve always thought he was a better hooker than a halfback.

Ben Hunt can still deliver for Queensland. Image: Phil Hillyard

SECOND-ROW

Matt Gillett and Felise Kaufusi

Just like the halves, these guys are walk-up starts. They are both so good on the edge of the ruck. Class acts.

LOCK

Jai Arrow (c)

He going to be a very important player for Queensland for a very long time. He could be our next Trevor Gillmeister. That shot he put on David Klemmer last week is what “The Axe” did for his whole career. Jai can be our forward leader for a long, long time.

BENCH:

Michael Morgan

The Cowboys are struggling at the moment but when you look at the outside backs that he is playing to, he’s going to nobody. Opposition sides are targeting him because he is not getting much help. In the vital No.14 role that suits him down to the ground because of versatility, he will bounce back to his best footy.

Josh McGuire

He’s going to play quality minutes and do what he does best.

Tim Glasby

Newcastle is struggling but he comes out of a great system in Melbourne and has been there for Queensland in the past. I know what that jersey can do for players and he will lift.

Joe Ofahengaue

He’s probably been Brisbane’s most consistent forward over the last couple of seasons and deserves his chance at this level.

18th man — Jarrod Wallace

He played well against Penrith but he needs to show more in the next couple of weeks if he wants to get in the squad.