Growing indigenous band has Maroons trembling ahead of Origin

Justin Hodges says NSW’s previous rejection of indigenous players led to their downfall. But with Brad Fittler in charge, things have changed and just two months before Origin kicks off, Queensland is worried.

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Just two months before State of Origin kicks off, Queensland is worried.

Not only by the form of Maroons players, but NSW’s attitude towards picking indigenous players.

Queensland assistant coach and legendary antagonist Justin Hodges admits NSW’s coach Brad Fittler’s affinity for selecting more indigenous players has increased concerns north of the border.

Hodges was a central member of an indigenous-stacked Queensland team that won 12 of the past 14 series against NSW, alongside greats Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Sam Thaiday.

The Blues’ indigenous contingent have Queensland worried. Picture: Phil Hillyard

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But Fittler led NSW to a monumental series win last year after selecting indigenous rookies Latrell Mitchell, James Roberts, Tyrone Peachey and Josh Addo-Carr, and has already touted Souths playmaker Cody Walker as a consideration for this year’s series.

“It does worry me – it’s a good thing, you want indigenous boys playing for their state, but also you don’t want them playing too well against you,” Hodges told The Daily Telegraph.

“Over the course of Origin, you look at the number of indigenous players who played for Queensland, there’s an unbelievable amount, and then you look at NSW and there hadn’t been a lot, which was a downfall because there are so many talented young Koori boys playing in the league.

Justin Hodges fears a further injection of indigenous stars in the NSW team. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Guys like Choc [Anthony Mundine] only played a handful, Nathan Blackock didn’t play, Preston Campbell never got a go, Nathan Merritt got one game. And Queensland has produced so many good Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players.

“We look after each other and that’s probably been a backbone of our success.”

For years, NSW was accused of having a bias against indigenous players when overlooking some of the most potent attacking threats in the league, while Queensland was viewed as fostering a welcome environment for them.

Hodges, who also mentors youth in Queensland, has started to see for the first time talented indigenous youngsters eligible for NSW now wanting to wear the blue jersey instead of maroon.

“We’d had Gorden Tallis, Big Dell [Wendell Sailor], Artie [Beetson] who inspired guys like myself to want to play for Queensland,” Hodges said.

“Now this next generation of guys coming through for NSW, James Roberts, Latrell, will do the same.

“Latrell is the main piece for them, to see what he did for them in that last Origin series, he and Will Chambers up against each other, it was a great battle.

“The more boys that play at that level, the better it is for our indigenous youth coming through. The satisfaction those kids get of seeing their childhood heroes playing at that level makes them want to become rugby league players.”

Cody Walker is a chance at an Origin debut this year. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)

Fittler said last week: “Indigenous footballers really suit the way I like footy to be played.

“Indigenous footballers are fast. And we really underestimate speed in this game.

“Plus, they have incredible instinct.

“And if you have a look at how most Origin tries are scored, it isn’t from structure or set plays. It’s all instinct.

“And that’s what I want.”

Hodges is also alarmed that Queensland players are off the pace in the NRL so far this season, causing selection headaches for head coach Kevin Walters.

“The best thing for NSW at the moment is that all their players are playing well, all their clubs are at the top of the table, look at the Queensland clubs and Queensland players, they’re not playing to the best of their ability at the moment,” Hodges said.

“That’s what hurt us last year; you look at every single NSW player last year, they were all in wonderful form for their club side and a few of their players are playing some good football.

“Hopefully with our players, over the next few weeks, are not far away and start performing for their clubs.

“That just takes the pressure of Kevvie and the selectors, makes our job a little easier, because it’s hard during Origin - because it’s something special – you don’t want them coming in thinking about what’s going on with their club side and where they’re sitting on the ladder.

“You want to them to clear their mind and enjoy the camp.”