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MAROONS 2018: Why the young guns can bring us home

Despite not having our experienced, we have the muscle to hold out the Blues.

Qld Origin team

OPINION: When our Maroons head to the MCG on June 6, they will be without their experienced spine, but the Queenslanders can get us over the line.

The side will be without the likes of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith who have retired from representative footy, taking with them much of the experience Queensland has come to rely on.

With no Matt Scott and injured Matt Gillett, three players will debut for the Maroons - Andrew McCullough, Jai Arrow and Felise Kaufusi - who will be in the starting line-up for game one.

Queensland selectors and Maroons coach Kevin Walters has chosen youth over experience.

It is not time to worry just yet because this was how we got the series win last year.

After a dismal performance by the Maroons in game one 2017, the selectors brought in Coen Hess, Cameron Munster and Tim Glasby for game two, dropping Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles and Darius Boyd.

While many of us thought it might not be enough, the young guns stepped up to the occasion and brought us victory.

JT's shoulder injury left a big hole in the Queensland line-up for game three but Munster started in the number 6 jersey and, without a hint of nerves, put in a great performance to get us over the line.

The spine is so important to any footy team but despite the experience lacking in ours in the front, we have to remember we have Billy at the back.

BLOODED: Hooker Andrew McCullough will be hoping to make a big impact as he comes into the Maroons squad for 2018. Picture: DAVE HUNT
BLOODED: Hooker Andrew McCullough will be hoping to make a big impact as he comes into the Maroons squad for 2018. Picture: DAVE HUNT

McCullough has been an underrated player but he can bring something different to the Maroons with his ability to break the line and his plays from dummy half.

The Blues will be announcing their line-up tonight. It will be tough for the Blues as new coach Brad Fittler has the battle of restoring faith in Blues fans who have that one victory (2014) since Queensland's dominance began in 2006.

With our legends lacing up their boots and three more players blooded into the Maroons line-up, Foxsports reported Fittler could name as many as 12 debutantes for the start of the series.

It is going to be an anxious wait for game one, but it will be an even tougher wait for Blues fans.

Originally published as MAROONS 2018: Why the young guns can bring us home

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/sport/maroons-2018-why-the-young-guns-can-bring-us-home/news-story/eb46abdc591fa331dc199dfd168da32a