State of Origin 2018: NSW’s indigenous stars can inspire Blues to victory, says Anthony Mundine
NSW’s indigenous stars are ready to set the MCG alight in State of Origin game 1 — and Anthony Mundine says it should have happened much sooner for the Blues.
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ANTHONY Mundine believes cousin James Roberts will set the MCG alight — adding the NSW selectors have finally realised what he’s been saying for 20 years.
“I’m so proud of The Jet (Roberts),’’ Mundine told The Daily Telegraph.
“I’m happy for all the aboriginal boys that got the nod to represent their state.
“Because how long have I been saying this for? I’ve been saying it since I was playing.
“I could never believe how we (indigenous players) would have to play three or four times better than everybody else, just to get a look in.
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“At the time, there was Dave Peachey, Nathan Blacklock, Preston Campbell and myself. I ended up playing (State of Origin), but I still think they’re should’ve been a lot more (indigenous players) who played.
“State of Origin footy, as long as you’re fit — it’s made for indigenous players of that calibre.
“They have the off the cuff, instinctive football, that you can’t teach.
“They can turn the game on its head — just like that.
“As long as they’ve got their fitness and keep their head, in the back end of the halves, it starts to open up and its made for them.
“I reckon it’s going to pay big dividends and NSW will bring the title home this year.’’
Mundine said NSW centre Roberts — whose family is related to Mundine’s father Tony — can turn State of Origin on its head.
“He’s matured over the last couple of years and had his problems,’’ Mundine said.
“But he’s tackled them and put his hand up. You can’t teach speed and he’s got that.
“He has set it alight in the NRL and when he’s song, which I’m sure he will be on Wednesday night — it’s just great to watch.’’
Mundine described Roberts’ decision to move to Brisbane with the Broncos as a turning point in the strike centre’s career, admitting he has ways kept a close on the speedster from afar.
“Whenever I see him we have a good yarn. He’s family,’’ Mundine said.
“He loves playing cards the Jet, I’m the champ of cards though.
“He was always quick, the Jet. When he was at Souths, as a 17-year-old, I kept an eye on him.
“But the best thing he could’ve done was go to the Broncos. I’ve been coached by Wayne and I know how he deals with personalities and egos.
“I’m going to give him a call before they play.
“I’m going to tell him to enjoy the moment. Have fun because that’s when these (indigenous) boys play their best footy.
“When they play aboriginal knockouts as kids, it’s all about fun. And that’s when you’ll see them perform.’’