Scott Sattler’s plea for Maroons not to waste Jai Arrow at prop

Former Origin lock Scott Sattler has called for Queensland selectors to resist ‘doing a disservice’ to Jai Arrow when they name their Game 1 side to face the New South Wales.

Jai Arrow must be named at lock for the Maroons, according to Scott Sattler. Picture: Peter Wallis

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Former Origin lock Scott Sattler has called for Queensland selectors to resist naming Jai Arrow in their Game 1 front row and keep him in his preferred No.13 jersey.

The in-form Arrow started at prop in Game 3 last year and could reprise the role after running for over 100m and making 20 tackles.

But former Maroons and Penrith premiership hero Sattler says Arrow’s versatility would be wasted at prop.

Jai Arrow must be named at lock for the Maroons, according to Scott Sattler. Picture: Peter Wallis

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“You’ve got to have Arrow at lock with (Josh) McGuire and (Josh) Papalii in front of him,” Sattler said.

“You’d be doing a disservice to Arrow in the front row because he’s one of those old-school locks who can drift around the park and run with width.

“The variation in his game is pretty rare these days and I don’t think you want to waste him on tackle one or two when he can be a wider option and use his offloading game.”

The Gold Coast lock has been a lone light for the Titans in 2019, averaging 157 metres and 33 tackles per game, and looks set to feature in Kevin Walters’ starting side.

Arrow was strong for Queensland in Game III last year. Picture: Peter Wallis

Sattler believes Walters can build a winning game plan around a mobile backrow combination of Arrow, McGuire and Papalii, with Dylan Napa providing additional grunt off the bench.

“It’s probably a smaller forward pack than Queensland has had in the past but I think Kevvy will enjoy playing around with it,” Sattler said.

Melbourne’s Felise Kaufusi and Cowboys duo Coen Hess and Gavin Cooper are other second row options with Origin experience.

Originally published as Scott Sattler’s plea for Maroons not to waste Jai Arrow at prop