NRL 2020: Emerging Origin squad for the Queensland Maroons, part three
A son of a gun touted as the best player to come out of QLD in years, a powerful winger coming through the Logan nursery, and a brilliant Sandgate rookie. It’s part three of our series on our emerging Maroons.
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PART TWO: Walsh, Wavik, Savage, Clarkson, Nanai
A year ago there were very few rugby league fans who knew who Sam Walker was.
We didn’t even have an updated photo of the kid, with just a shot of him as a toddler with dad Ben in our picture library.
Just 12 months on and the Ipswich Grammar young gun is the hottest property in the NRL, signing with the Roosters as their long-term replacement for Cooper Cronk.
A year is a long time in footy – particularly when you’re a kid on the rise.
Walker joins four other young stars in part three of our profile on Queensland teenagers trying out for the emerging Origin squad.
Grand Hagai – Wynnum Manly Seagulls
THE tall, powerful winger is a promising young talent coming through the Logan rugby league nursery and another exciting outside back for Queensland. Hagai signed with the Newcastle Knights last year following an impressive year for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in the Mal Meninga Cup. He also helped guide his Mabel Park State High School side to claim victory over Coombabah in the Broncos Cup Gee Shield last year.
Jayden Hunt – Norths Devils
HUNT’S form in both the Mal Meninga Cup competition and schoolboys tournament last year sparked plenty of interest from those watching, including NRL powerhouse clubs the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks.
The Sandgate District State High School student was once a barnstorming backrower, but has slimmed down and moved out into the centres.
Sam Walker – Ipswich Jets
THIS exciting youngster burst into the spotlight in 2019 with a highlights reel that could go on forever.
Walker, son of former Broncos halfback Ben, is one of the hottest prospects in rugby league and was signed by the Sydney Roosters last year on a two-year deal.
He has been touted as the successor to Cooper Cronk at the tri-colours because of his incredible step and playmaking ability.
He is no stranger to the Origin arena, having steered the Queensland under-18s to their 34-12 win over New South Wales last year.
Was given the honour of being named the No.1 schoolboy talent in Queensland last year.
Peyton Jenkins – Brothers Rockhampton Junior Rugby League
HERALDING from the Beef Capital, Jenkins is a crafty halfback with a decent kicking game.
He was best on field during St Brendan’s College narrow 18-16 loss to Kirwan State High School in last year’s Aaron Payne Cup final.
St Brendan’s College First XIII coach Terry Hansen has praised the youngster’s confidence and competitiveness.
Brendan Piakura – Tweed Seagulls
YET another young barnstorming Gold Coast product, Piakura shapes as a future NRL star.
In last year’s under-18s Origin clash at Suncorp Stadium, the powerful backrower finished with almost 100 running metres, 25 tackles, four tackle breaks and a try assist. Not a bad effort for an Origin debut.
The Tweed Seagulls talent has signed with the Broncos on a development contract and poses a real threat of cracking first grade in several years’ time.
Former Broncos centre Denan Kemp was full of praise during his Bloke In A Bar podcast while watching Piakura’s highlights.
“He moves well for a big guy,” Kemp said.
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