Darren Lockyer: The six Cowboys fighting for an Origin position

Kyle Feldt is the poster boy for several Cowboys teammates chasing an Origin jumper – and the Eels game will tell a story of whether they’re worth the jersey, writes Darren Lockyer.

Jake Granville of the Cowboys gets a pass away during the Round 8 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at 1300SMILES Stadium in Townsville, Friday, May 3, 2019. (AAP Image/Michael Chambers) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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Kyle Feldt is the poster boy for several Cowboys teammates chasing an Origin jumper and how their attitudes against Parramatta will have ramifications for their futures at representative level.

No less than six Cowboys players – Feldt, Michael Morgan, Matt Scott, Coen Hess, Gavin Cooper and Jake Granville – will be closely watched when they run out against the Eels in Townsville.

Of those six, three guys – Morgan, Cooper and Hess – have worn Maroon in the past two Origin campaigns. So North Queensland’s importance to Queensland, and the composition of their team for Origin I on June 5, cannot be undersold.

Kyle Feldt will be playing for a potential Maroons jersey. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

There needs to be some 80 minute performances from our Cowboys contingent because they can have a large bearing on Queensland’s fortunes this season.

It has been a patchy season for the Cowboys and the club’s overall form has impacted on several individuals, including Morgan, but tonight’s clash can be a seminal moment in the career of Feldt.

Greg Inglis’ shock retirement has left a gaping hole in Queensland’s three quarter stocks. Factor in the retirement of Billy Slater, and Valentine Holmes’ decision to quit the NRL to chase his NFL dream, and suddenly the door is ajar for Feldt to realise his Origin dream.

A few years ago, Feldt was identified as a possible Origin player, but there were one too many errors in his game to risk him in the code’s toughest arena.

Kyle Feldt during that game in 2016. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

I remember back in 2016, Kyle was right in the hunt for an Origin debut. Then, in the final game before the Queensland team for Origin I was chosen, he had a night to forget against the Broncos in a Friday night derby in Townsville. and the Queensland jumper fell from his grasp.

But three years on, Feldt has proven himself a quality NRL winger. He has great athletic ability, he has been part of several Emerging Origin camps and if he produces some complete performances in the next fortnight, starting tonight against Parramatta, he could find himself replacing Holmes in his maiden Maroons jumper.

Feldt’s Cowboys cohort, Morgan, isn’t playing at the peak of his powers, but his value to Queensland is undeniable.

Michael Morgan has been battling for form at the Cowboys. Picture: Adam Head

The issue is more about his precise role for the Maroons this season, and where ‘Morgo’ best fits into the equation.

If Daly Cherry-Evans, the incumbent halfback, is fit for Game One, Morgan could play centre, where he played two years ago, or in the No.14 slot in which he made his Origin debut in 2015, which could push Dane Gagai to centre, opening up a wing berth for Feldt.

A lot of people just expected Morgan to reprise the form that powered the Cowboys to the 2017 grand final. But in the post-Johnathan Thurston era, Morgan is still adjusting to life as an organising halfback. While his kicking game has been sound, Morgan’s running game hasn’t been as effective as it was in 2017.

With Queensland’s hooking stocks having been decimated, Granville is also in the picture. His form in 2015 when the Cowboys won the premiership was superb, but Granville similar to Morgan needs to find some fresh spark from his running game.

Jake Granville needs to work on his runnig game. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Chambers

Scott had a glorious opportunity to impress against the Rabbitohs last week, but South Sydney won the midfield battle comprehensively. Hopefully ‘Thumper’ can be a dominate force against the Eels tonight.

This has been one of Queensland’s most turbulent build-ups for some time, but I am still confident the 17-man squad that comes together will be up for the challenge.

One crucial component is the health of our halfback. My view is you always put trust in the player and if Cherry-Evans tells the coach he can play Origin I without any game time in the lead-up, you back him.

Given NSW are the reigning champions, Queensland must go into Origin I with the bulk of their squad with winning habits. That’s why it’s vital for North Queensland’s Maroons contenders that they are ready for the toughest arena in rugby league.