Cowboys v Rabbitohs: Hospital call for hard-partying Queensland Origin stars

Former Maroons backrower Coen Hess has revealed the biggest threat to North Queensland’s State of Origin champions backing up against the Rabbitohs.

Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Valetine Holmes of the Maroons celebrate victory. Picture: Getty Images

Former Maroons backrower Coen Hess warned that killer hangovers could prove the biggest threat to North Queensland’s State of Origin champions backing up against the Rabbitohs in Sydney on Sunday.

Four Cowboys played every minute in the series decider - including Reece Robson for the defeated Blues - while young gun backrower Jeremiah Nanai played 62 minutes.

Hess had not heard from any of the Cowboys Origin representatives nearly 18 hours after the final whistle blew.

“I don’t know if I can say this but I’d be more worried about the hangovers that they have,” Hess teased.

“We might have to send them to JCU Hospital and get them on a drip or something like that.

North Queensland Maroons representatives Valentine Holmes and Reuben Cotter with their children after State of Origin II, 2023. Picture: North Queensland Toyota Cowboys

“I’m super proud of the team and our boys as well. I thought they were probably the best on the field and they certainly made all Queenslanders proud, that’s for sure.

“Those boys - not including Robbo (Robson), unfortunately - they’re going to come back raring to go and really excited. For us it’s probably just feeding off those boys.”

Kiwi international Peta Hiku had no horse in the Origin race so was left to cheer on his teammates and dream of the day they could join forces on the field again.

“That was probably what I was thinking the most every time they touched the ball, I can’t wait for them to bring that back to our club,” Hiku said.

“They enjoyed themselves and getting themselves back to good footy.”

North Queensland Maroons representatives Jeremiah Nanai, Murray Taulagi, Reuben Cotter and Valentine Holmes. Picture: North Queensland Toyota Cowboys

Hess said the Maroons camp prided itself on returning players fit for club duty as soon as possible and expected that to be true again despite the heady celebrations.

“We’ll be expecting those guys to play at their best (against South Sydney) and I’ve got full confidence in them,” Hess said.

Hess said even if some players were unable to back up, confidence in the group was high after stunning Penrith without an Origin player on the field last weekend.

Among their top contributors on Friday were young backs Zac Laybutt and Semi Valemei.

“The more games they play the better they’ll get,” Hess said.

“For the fans it’s really exciting because the more we see of them, it’s only going to make them better in the long run.”

Originally published as Cowboys v Rabbitohs: Hospital call for hard-partying Queensland Origin stars