State of Origin 2020: Wayne Bennett set to punt on Xavier Coates

He has played just 15 NRL games but this rookie is determined to uphold the legacy of his idol, Queensland Origin champion Greg Inglis.

He idolised Greg Inglis and now Xavier Coates is determined not to fail in the Maroons jumper in which ‘GI’ excelled.

Coates has played just 15 first-grade games but Queensland coach Wayne Bennett is seriously considering the 19-year-old young gun for an Origin debut on the left wing in the series opener at Adelaide Oval next Wednesday night.

At 194cm and 100kg, Coates has some formidable physical parallels to Queensland Origin champion Inglis, prompting Broncos teammates to nickname him ‘Little GI’.

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Coach Wayne Bennett is considering Xavier Coates (far right) for an Origin debut. Pictures: Adam Head

Coates is so young he was born in 2001 — the year ‘Bennett’s Babes’ inspired Queensland’s series boilover of the Blues — but the hulking winger says his memory of Inglis is one reason to perform if handed his maiden Maroons jumper.

“Just about everyone’s Queensland Origin hero was Greg Inglis,” said Coates of the 32-game Maroons legend.

“When I was young watching the Maroons play, there was no-one better in the Origin side for me (than Inglis).

“He was one guy I loved watching.

“I feel I’m up for the occasion. Wayne has a lot of faith in all the players and he knows we can all do the job.

“I’m here to soak up the experience and if I’m picked to make my debut, I’m ready for it.”

It is a measure of Coates’ ability that he was picked to play Test football before he even had a taste of the NRL.

Broncos rookie Xavier Coates is lapping up his selection in Queensland’s extended squad for this year’s Origin series. Picture: Adam Head

The Papua New Guinea-born flyer turned out for the Kumuls in a 24-6 loss to Samoa at age 18 in June 2019, just a month before scoring a try in his Brisbane debut in the Baby Broncos’ 24-22 upset of Cronulla.

Coates scored five tries from 12 games this season, including a 90-metre intercept against Newcastle in which he was clocked at a sizzling 36.9km/h, making him one of the fastest players in the NRL.

It is that fusion of speed and strength that evokes images of former Broncos winger Lote Tuqiri, who was handed his Origin debut by Bennett in Queensland’s famous 2001 series victory.

With Valentine Holmes suspended for Origin I, Bennett is looking at Coates, Phillip Sami or Edrick Lee to fill the void and the Broncos teenager is relishing his call-up to the extended 27-man Maroons squad.

“It’s pretty tough to believe it with everything that has happened this year at the Broncos, so I am stoked to be here,” he said.

“Whether or not I get a game, I want to make an impact with everything I do. I want to do my role to the best of my ability and that’s what Queensland expects of whoever gets picked.

“Before the camp started, Wayne said everyone in this squad is picked for a reason, so he has hope in everyone. All the selections were made for a reason, so I’m happy to be here amongst this calibre of players.”