Kevin Walters bloods two debutants in Game Three decider

Corey Norman had effectively marked his Maroons card with a cross after copping an eight-week suspension in 2016 for a string of offences. But coach Kevin Walters believes the Dragons playmaker holds the key to success in Sydney.

Corey Norman will make his Origin debut. Picture: AAP

• Maroons’ No.1 mystery as squad explained
• Broncos lose $1m man Milford indefinitely
• The only thing keeping Boyd in first grade

A former NRL bad boy and one of the nicest blokes in the competition – they are the Maroons debutants tasked with bringing the Origin shield back to Queensland.

Corey Norman and Christan Welch will face a baptism of fire next Wednesday night as they make their Origin debut in a decider at ANZ Stadium.

The inclusion of Norman will cap off his rugby league resurrection.

Just three years ago Norman was suspended for the final eight weeks of the 2016 season for a string of offences, including pleading guilty to drug possession, although his conviction was overturned on appeal.

Corey Norman will make his Origin debut. Picture: AAP

Even rugby league great Darren Lockyer admitted at the time that the Beenleigh junior was on the outer with Maroons powerbrokers, saying he had to “keep his head down and bum up if he wants to play for Queensland”.

And the talented utility has done just that after being named in Queensland’s 17-man squad for the first time in his decade-long NRL career.

His form for the Dragons this year, where he has won two games with a field goal, has convinced Maroons hierarchy to forgive his past indiscretions and hand him his Origin redemption.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters admitted Norman’s past was no longer a factor following a standout season with the Dragons.

“That’s irrelevant,” Walters said of Norman’s past.

Christian Welch. Picture: Getty

“I’ve looked at his past month, past six weeks of football and he’s been really good for the Dragons.

“He’s been playing in the NRL for 10 years now, waiting for an opportunity at this level.

“He’s another one who has come through our system as a young kid and now here he is on the big stage of State of Origin in a decider.

“It doesn’t get any bigger than that for Corey.

“He will be ready to go. Corey’s that type of player that the bigger the occasion, the better he will go.

“I know that for a fact.”

The 28-year-old was also 18th man for Game Two this year and spent time with his Queensland teammates to familiarise himself with the Maroons’ backline plays.

Welch is another big inclusion for the Maroons, with the Melbourne workhorse earning his Origin call up on the back of his performances at the Storm.

Walters said it was impossible to leave Welch out of the side.

“He was one that probably should’ve played in Origin I but he was injured and then didn’t have enough football into his legs for Origin II,” Walters said.

“Everyone has seen what he’s been doing in clubland.

“He’s one of those guys we just couldn’t leave out. He’s one that’s earnt his spot in the team.

“I was very excited to ring him and give him the call about his debut.

“His dad was in the car with him as well, so it was a great night for both of them.”

Originally published as Kevin Walters bloods two debutants in Game Three decider