North Queensland’s slump could cost Coen Hess his State of Origin spot

NORTH Queensland’s horrendous form could cost Coen Hess an Origin jumper with Storm rival Felise Kaufusi firming as Matt Gillett’s replacement in the Maroons’ back row.

QLD's Coen Hess. Queensland vs. New South Wales for game 2 in the Origin Series at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. Pic Peter Wallis

NORTH Queensland’s horrendous form could cost Coen Hess an Origin jumper with Storm rival Felise Kaufusi firming as Matt Gillett’s replacement in the Maroons’ back row.

Cowboys wrecking ball Hess and Melbourne backrower Kaufusi face an Origin shootout for the Queensland No. 12 jumper that is now vacant after Gillett fractured his neck.

Gillett was certain to be the first Queensland backrower picked for the series opener on June 6 at the MCG, but his two-to-three month recovery has opened the door for Hess and Kaufusi.

Ironically, Kaufusi can press his claims for his maiden Queensland jumper against Gillett’s club, the Broncos, in Friday night’s Brisbane-Storm blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium.

Could Hess bent he man to replace Gillett?

Hess has the edge on Kaufusi as a Queensland Origin incumbent, having played two games off the bench last season.

But the 114kg hulk is struggling for peak form in a Cowboys side reeling from five consecutive losses, prompting Maroons hierarchy to urge Hess to lift his game.

“At this stage, Kaufusi might have a slight edge on Coen,” Maroons selector Darren Lockyer said.

“Hess has started the season pretty well individually, but the Cowboys have been down on form and if they can come out of their slump, it will play him into major contention.

“Now that Felise is back from injury, he is in the mix to replace Gillett.

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“If you want a guy who defends well, runs good lines and has good habits, then Kaufusi is your man.”

The 21-year-old Hess has been a revelation since his NRL baptism in 2015, scoring 21 tries from 41 games and terrorising defences with his straight-line running from close range.

Kaufusi, meanwhile, is yet to make his Origin debut, but is knocking on the door after being named 18th man for Game Three last season.

His magnificent form in helping Melbourne to the premiership last season saw him rewarded with a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.

Kaufusi made his Australian debut in last year’s World Cup.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters said he is relieved to have several options to fill the Gillett void, with Hess’ Cowboys teammate Ethan Lowe another in Origin contention.

“Matt is a huge loss, so I’ll be looking to guys like Coen, Kaufusi and Ethan Lowe to step up,” Walters said.

“We need a right-edge backrower to replace ‘Gillo’ and those three guys immediately spring to mind.

“I’ll be watching them closely over the next few weeks and we’ll see who puts their hand up for Queensland.

“The advantage with guys like Coen, Lowe and Kaufusi is they have played in big games like grand finals.

“They are in good systems at Melbourne and the Cowboys so it always helps when you need players with good habits who have to step up at Origin level.”