Bright-eyed Jai Arrow eyes future captaincy role with Maroons

Titans enforcer Jai Arrow says he wouldn’t knock back the chance to captain the Queensland Origin squad with statistics showing he could be the man to do it.

Jai Arrow celebrates winning Game 3 last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

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Titans enforcer Jai Arrow says he wouldn’t knock back the chance to captain the Queensland Origin squad but concedes it might not be this year.

It comes after former Origin great Gorden Tallis called for Arrow to lead the Maroons side this series following the retirement of Queensland legend Greg Inglis.

The 23-year-old Arrow was one of four debutants in last year’s series and played all three games for the Maroons.

Jai Arrow celebrates winning Game 3 last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

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He has been one of the Titans’ damaging best so far in 2019, with Fox Sports Lab statistics showing he has averaged 140m per game, 52 post contact metres and made 10 tackle busts this year.

His 13 offloads and a little less than 30 tackles a game has provided Queensland selectors with a reason to consider picking him once again.

Arrow said Tallis’ comments spurred on some “banter” among his teammates at training on Tuesday morning.

But asked whether he would like to captain the Maroons this year, he didn’t dismiss the idea.

“It’s obviously something that would be a great honour,” Arrow said.

“It might be a long way away because I’m only a young kid and still learning the trade and enjoying my footy.

“I’m sort of one who leads by example. I don’t really have too much to say.”

Arrow has been in strong form for the Titans this season. Picture: Bradley Kanaris

The 189cm lock was a starting front-rower in last year’s Game 3 at Suncorp Stadium.

He barnstormed his way down the middle of the field to notch up 103 running metres and one tackle break.

Arrow said he was determined to make it back into the side.

“I’d be lying to say it’s not (on my mind to play Origin again),” he said.

“I had a taste of it last year and would love to play in that arena again.

“I try not to get caught up in all that hype of Origin but I’d love to be there.

“I just try and focus on my job week in, week out (for the Titans) and hopefully those rep rewards come off the back of it.”

Arrow will be in for an early Origin audition for the Maroons No.8 jersey on Friday night when they take on the Cowboys in Townsville.

North Queensland’s Matt Scott was a stalwart in the Maroons No.8 jersey in 21 of his 22 Origin games between 2009 and 2016 and is also hoping to resurrect his representative career.

The Titans lock said he was wary of North Queensland’s middle forwards – which includes representative stars Scott, Josh McGuire, Gavin Cooper, Coen Hess and Jordan McLean.

“They’re very dangerous and very desperate for a win as well,” Arrow said.

“Especially up in Townsville, it’s not an easy task playing against a quality side who have a rep forward pack.

“They’ve got some strike out wide. We have to put pressure on those middles.”