NRL 2020: Emerging Origin squad for the Queensland Maroons, part one

A group of 34 young Queenslanders have been battling it out over summer to earn a place in the emerging Maroons squad for 2020. Today we profile a Dalby playmaker, a Cairns speedster, and a powerful Terrace talent.

The Maroons future looks exceptionally bright with 34 talented, young Queenslanders all vying for a spot in this year’s under-18s squad.

The boys got together on the Sunshine Coast in the school break for a week-long Origin camp, impressing the likes of Queensland coach Kevin Walters and former Origin great Justin Hodges.

“They’ve been really good, the boys,” Walters said.

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“Just their attitude and everything around State of Origin. It’s a wonderful concept and it’s good to see them all together and in the Maroon colours, I like that.”

Today, we profile five of the hopefuls before going through the entire list throughout the week.

Jack Howarth tries to break through the Ipswich Grammar defence last year. Picture: AAP Image/Josh Woning

Jack Howarth – Easts Tigers

THE Rockhampton centre dominated the GPS rugby competition throughout 2019, averaging five tackle busts and two linebreaks per match for Brisbane Boys College.

The code-hopper has signed with the powerhouse NRL club Melbourne from 2021, once he finishes Year 12 this year.

The youngster made his international debut for the Australian Schoolboys last year, where he teamed up with fellow gun Sam Walker to inspire his side to a 36-20 win over New Zealand under 19s.

Was listed at No.3 in The Courier-Mail’s top 50 schoolboy footballers of 2019.

Keanu Wright-Dunrobin bursts through during the QRL Junior State Championships last year.

Keanu Wright-Dunrobin – Dalby Devils

WRIGHT-Dunrobin is proving to be a must-have five-eighth in any side following a standout 2019.

The young Indigenous star from Dalby received man-of-the-match honours during last year’s under-16s Murri v Koori game after guiding his side to a 28-20 win.

He has signed with the Broncos on a development contract and looks up to current Brisbane hooker and fellow Dalby product, Andrew McCullough.

Ezra Mam in action during last year’s QRL Junior State Championships.

Ezra Mam – Souths Junior Magpies Acacia Ridge

IT’S Ezra’s third consecutive year in a Queensland’s representative side, after being called into the under-15s and under-16s squads.

The versatile Cairns product has dabbled at fullback as well as the forwards but is shaping as a talented halfback.

Mam trains with the Broncos development program and plays for Souths Acacia Ridge – the same club to produce rugby league stars David Fifita and Cooper Cronk.

Selwyn Cobbo (right) the Senior Magpie of the year.

Selwyn Cobbo – Sunshine Coast Falcons

COBBO has been likened to Indigenous superstar Latrell Mitchell for his size and ability to break a tackle.

The Murgon State High School captain is another exciting young Queenslander who is turning heads in the younger divisions with his freakish talent.

Keegan Vandenberg – Redcliffe Dolphins

TEENAGE sensation Vandenberg has been a regular through the Queensland representative system since he was 12-years-old and shows no sign of stopping.

The 183cm St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace product, is a useful outside back, playing either centre or wing.

The strong, powerful youngster has the ability to crash his way through the defensive line to score tries.

He starred for the Redcliffe Dolphins in last year’s Mal Meninga Cup.

TOMORROW: PART TWO OF OUR EMERGING MAROONS