Michael Crocker picks his Maroons team for Game One of Origin

One of Queensland’s toughest enforcers, Michael Crocker, knows what it takes to handle the Origin arena and believes his squad can do the job for coach Kevin Walters.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Matt Scott of the Cowboys makes a break during the round 10 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Parramatta Eels at 1300SMILES Stadium on May 18, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

One of Queensland’s toughest enforcers, Michael Crocker, knows what it takes to handle the Origin arena and believes his squad can do the job for coach Kevin Walters.

“The standouts for me were obviously Kalyn Ponga, the way he’s starting to play and (Cameron) Munster was a certainty,” he said.

“Daly Cherry-Evans is another standout – the way he was playing before he was injured, especially in a team where a lot of people didn’t think they’d be going that great.

Michael Crocker offers Justin Poore a helping hand during the 2009 series.

“I originally had Matt Scott out of the team but his performance on the weekend was enough to convince me I made a mistake, so Jarrod Wallace moves to the bench and Tim Glasby just misses out.

“Dylan Napa and Wallace have been reasonably good while Jai Arrow has been the pick of the other forwards.

“Josh Papalii has certainly earned a spot on the back of playing some good footy at the Raiders.

“My No.14 jersey was between Anthony Milford, Michael Morgan and Corey Norman. I like having someone like Milford that can give you that spark. Kalyn did a good job last year when he came off the bench.

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“You think of guys like Kurt Gidley, Shaun Berrigan, Craig Wing, those sorts of guys that come in when the forwards get a little bit tired. Especially with the way it’ll be officiated this year. It’s going to be a fast game, hopefully low penalty count. Once those forwards are tired, someone like Milford can come on and be very dangerous.

Matt Scott’s bullocking performance against the Eels was enough to convince Mick Crocker he deserves a shot at the Blues. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“I’d love for Cameron Smith to play hooker. I think there’s a lot of smoke-and-mirrors going on. If not, Ben Hunt because he’s played good footy at halfback and he stepped up when St George played Manly earlier this year. He’s got that zip and spark out of dummy-half.

“I’ve also included Joe Ofahengaue and Edrick Lee in my side because I’d really like to see them spend some time in camp to be future Origin players.

“There’s options there for Kevvie.”

MICHAEL CROCKER’S MAROONS ORIGIN TEAM

1. Kalyn Ponga

2. Corey Oates

3. Will Chambers

4. Dane Gagai

5. Darius Boyd

6. Cameron Munster

7. Daly Cherry-Evans

8. Dylan Napa

9. Ben Hunt

10. Matt Scott

11. Matt Gillett

12. Felise Kaufusi

13. Josh McGuire

14. Anthony Milford

15. Jai Arrow

16. Josh Papalii

17. Jarrod Wallace

18. Michael Morgan

19. Coen Hess

20. Joe Ofahengaue

21. Edrick Lee