Maroons can turn to Inglis, but Blues aren’t stuck on Boyd

For Queensland, there’s no choice other than Greg Inglis for the State of Origin captaincy. At NSW it’s not so obvious.

Souths captain Greg Inglis would be an ideal leader for Queensland. Picture: Brett Costello

Dear old Cathy Freeman is attending a function with Greg Inglis and Lance Franklin in which they have to kick footballs through a set of miniature goalposts. Freeman’s appearance is causing fuss and fawning because she’s not often seen in public; it’s the sighting of an impossibly beautiful and reclusive bird. She shanks most of her kicks and then flies out the door.

The enduring memory? While Freeman is creating a gushing sense of awe among the dozens of athletes and hundreds of guests in attendance, the Olympic champion herself is overwhelmed by the presence of one of her indigenous brothers. Inglis. The magical quality that gives Freeman her understated yet powerful aura — her very distinct Freeman-ness — was running in equal measure through the veins of Inglis. It’s difficult to put into words. There’s the obvious splash of sporting greatness and accomplishment but there’s a deeper layer of meaning in there somewhere.

For Queensland, there’s no choice other than Inglis for the State of Origin captaincy. Billy Slater? If there’s a stink at the MCG on the evening of June 6, he’s likely to be in the middle of it. Consider others. As Melbourne captain against Manly, things did not go especially well.

Inglis stands taller than a Roman gladiator. His chest protrudes as if a steel guard has been positioned beneath his jersey. The Maroons are lucky to have him, and not just because he was born in NSW and played all his junior footy there. Rarely has a South Sydney captain said so little, but rarely has a club skipper been so powerful. Freeman clearly adored and admired him when they crossed paths in the Sydney CBD a couple of seasons ago, and every one of Inglis’s teammates, at every level, has been similarly moved. Running first onto the field, the impression he gives is this — follow me.

The NSW leadership has become less cut-and-dried. Boyd Cordner is the incumbent, but he was Laurie Daley’s captain and there’s no guarantee he will be Brad Fittler’s. Origin heavyweight Phil Gould told the Nine Network’s 100% Footy program that Cordner should be relieved of the captaincy and his services altogether, with Penrith’s James Maloney to take the reins.

“I just don’t think he’s going good enough,” Gould said of Cordner. “I’ve always questioned his impact at that level. For me, Boyd Cordner’s football has stagnated over the last two or three years. He runs the one line, at the one time, every time. There’s nothing varied about his play. He never passes the ball.”

Gould said his preferred Blues side would have 12 debutants. He wants Tom Trbojevic at fullback. Jake Trbojevic on the bench. An all-Dragons backrow of Tariq Sims, Jack de Belin and Tyson Frizell. “He (Cordner) is willing,” Gould said. “He’s got a great constitution. He’s got a great work ethic. He’s very popular among the playing group but as far as being a game-breaker in Origin and being someone who can provide that moment that might win you a game, I just don’t think he’s going well enough at the moment. I think Tariq Sims is going, by far, the better.”

Cordner was told of Gould’s remarks yesterday morning.

“Gus is a big personality in the game and he’s allowed to have his opinion,” he said. “I’m confident in what I’ve done this year and what I’ve accomplished throughout my career. I got given the NSW captaincy for a reason and I truly believe that if Freddie (Fittler) has me in his plans, I can do a really good job again and stand up and lead the boys well. That’s Gus’s opinion and like we always say in this game, everyone is welcome to their opinions.”

Cordner’s last Origin audition will be against the Gold Coast on Saturday. He denied Gould’s criticisms had put a rocket under him.

“I don’t need any more desire to go out there and put my name forward to play for NSW,” he said. “I want to play more than anything in the world and I want to play against Queensland. I’ve thought my game was getting better and better as the years have gone on. As a player I’m never satisfied with where I am. I always strive to be better. To be a better teammate and be a better captain here at the Roosters.”