Queensland anoint Jai Arrow as their new forward leader for Origin III

QUEENSLAND have seen enough to anoint young Titans forward Jai Arrow as their new forward leader after handing the workaholic a starting spot for Origin III.

Jai Arrow in action during game 2 of the State of Origin series between NSW and Queensland at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pics Adam Head

MAROONS selectors have found Jai Arrow’s form too good to resist after anointing the Titans tearaway as Queensland’s new forward leader just two games into his State of Origin career.

Arrow only donned the Queensland jersey for the first time last month after only half a season of regular first grade with the Gold Coast, but has quickly risen to the top of the Maroons’ pack.

He has now been handed a starting spot, following a knee injury to fiery prop Dylan Napa and the demotion of his Gold Coast teammate Jarrod Wallace to the Queensland bench.

Arrow has been strong off the bench in both his Origin appearances, Picture by Adam Head.

Arrow is set to start alongside Josh Papalii next Wednesday night and Walters admitted his form had been too good to ignore.

“Everyone has been watching him this year, he’s a great young talent and sometimes you have to reward that talent when they continually perform at a high level,” Walters said.

“That’s the reason why he’s starting for us.

“They’ve earnt their right to start. They’ve really earnt their stripes to be part of the starting 13.”

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Arrow was one of Queensland’s best forwards in Game Two, bringing a great impact from the bench.

But it’s also a bittersweet reward for Arrow, who is one of Wallace’s close friends.

Wallace has copped plenty of criticism for his efforts in Games One and Two, particularly for his below average metres.

Arrow has fast become one of the top middle forwards in the league. Picture by Brett Costello.

But Walters defended the Gold Coast prop and said while he would like to see more from him, he felt some of the commentary had been too harsh.

“He’s been unfairly criticised, but we want to see some more from Jarrod,” he said.

“We saw again (on Sunday) how good a player he can be for the Titans. He needs to lift for us.

“He’ll get opportunity at some stage in the game so when that opportunity comes we want Jarrod Wallace to play like Jarrod Wallace can.

“Good with his hit-ups and his carries, good metres and also very effective in defence.”

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Originally published as Queensland anoint Jai Arrow as their new forward leader for Origin III