Queensland Maroons have selected New Zealand born Ben Te'o for Origin III

HERE we go again. Another bloody Queensland foreigner is set to represent the Maroons at Origin.

HERE we go again. Another bloody Queensland foreigner.

The Maroons yesterday named Brisbane and future Souths forward Ben Te'o to make his State of Origin debut in place of injured Ashley Harrison.

We just assumed Te'o was born in Brisbane, Mackay, Cairns or Townsville.

Nup, he was born and bred in New Zealand, his junior club listed as the Hibiscus Coast Raiders in northern Auckland.

Te'o has even played one Test for Samoa in the 2008 World Cup and also represented the New Zealand under 16's in 2003 and was a 2005 Junior Kiwi.

"Is there anyone in the Queensland side actually born in Queensland?" said one former NSW star. "They are a Barbarians team."

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FORMER Prime Minister John Howard has been among a host of well-wishers to have contacted ex-NRL chief executive David Gallop.

"Barry O'Farrell also made contact - so many people have. It's been amazing," Gallop said.

"I've been overwhelmed by the number of people who have wanted to have coffee, lunch or dinner. It's been really great catching up with so many people."

THE Sydney Roosters coaching staff were spotted yesterday at the Crowne Plaza, Coogee. We're told they were there for a 2013 planning meeting. Brian Smith was there - he must feel safe.

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Tony Sage

PERTH businessman Tony Sage wants to know if he should spend $1.5 million compiling an entry application to the NRL if the rival WARL has already won the bid.

"The WARL is going around Perth saying they have it wrapped up," Sage told The Daily Telegraph.

"That shocked us. I don't want to spend $1.5 million putting together a syndicate bid if the WARL has already been anointed. We have looked at the Nathan Tinkler model in Newcastle and we like it. Our bid would guarantee $100 million over 10 years. If the WARL can match that, fine. But I don't know where they are going to get the money from."

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CONTROVERSIAL figure Bob Reilly has resigned from the Manly Leagues Club board. His departure was sudden and quiet. Already Reilly's photo has come down from the director's board.

Leagues Club chairman David Costello confirmed: "Mr Reilly tendered his resignation and it was accepted." He will be replaced by Graham Houston. Meanwhile, Manly chief operating officer David Perry is under increasing pressure from fans to retain star fullback Brett Stewart.

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THE NRL rumour mill is in full swing. Here are a couple to reach our desk. Canberra may look to sign Wests Tigers' utility Tom Humble while Wigan's Brett Finch could rejoin Melbourne.

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INSEPARABLE as kids so why split them in Origin? Josh and Brett Morris are roommates for Origin III, bunking at Coogee's Crowne Plaza. The Stewart brothers have been split though, Glenn with Anthony Watmough, Brett with Beau Scott. Robbie Farah joined camp yesterday will room with Mitchell Pearce. The Blues fly to Brisbane Sunday.