NRL 2021: Broncos’ State of Origin production line working for NSW not Queensland

Despite its horror form, Brisbane has several players in the mix for NSW Origin selection but just one for Queensland. What does that say about the playing list?

The Broncos’ Queensland roots have been infected. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

Broncos founding father Barry Maranta has backed Kevin Walters to save the club but is concerned it is becoming a State of Origin nursery for NSW.

Maranta is staggered the Broncos missed out on signing boom Roosters half Sam Walker and has noted Xavier Coates is the only Bronco likely to be selected in the Queensland State of Origin side.

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Despite the club’s horrid form slump, Brisbane does however have several players circling for NSW selection.

“Why have we got four guys who could play for NSW and just one who is a real chance of playing for Queensland?’’ Maranta asked.

“That, to me, is turning the Broncos upside down.

The Broncos’ Queensland roots have been infected. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

“That wasn’t part of our growth pattern in the first 25 years of the club. Queensland State of Origin selection is not the be-all and end-all but it is a litmus test.

“Clearly we have failed in our recruiting. It happened on someone’s watch.’’

Forward enforcer Payne Haas is certain to be chosen for NSW and Sydney-raised forward Tevita Pangai Jr is strongly in contention after reports last week he has pledged his allegiance to the Blues.

Controversial centre Kotoni Staggs appears certain to be chosen for the Blues when injury free and while Matt Lodge’s form has been patchy in recent seasons, he was discussed as an Origin possibility when in peak form.

“We have only got one player (Coates) who is really in contention whereas in the old days we would have nine or 10,” Maranta said.

Maranta believes Walters is the right man to rebuild the club’s culture. Picture: Che Chorley

“We have to be much more skilful at finding the enormous Queensland talents.

“The Broncos have a relationship with the rugby league people of Queensland and I often wonder why we have been so poor at recruiting the greatest talents from this state.

“That may sound a bit sentimental but I am sure Kevin Walters will be much more tuned in to tapping into the talent that is here.

“I just know Kev is the right guy to coach the club. It’s the one thing I feel comfortable with that if anyone can get us out of this it will be Kevvie – I am convinced of that and I think the club will do well under the new chief executive (Dave Donaghy).

Xavier Coates is his club’s only sure thing for Maroons selection. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty

“The problem is Kev has a squad which has did not have a (big part) in.’’

The Broncos famously missed out on mega-talents like Cameron Munster, Cam Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk but it is the failure to snare Walker, whose father Ben played 72 games for the Broncos, that particularly irks Maranta.

“I look at someone like Sam (Walker) who has Broncos blood running through his veins and it gives me indigestion that he is playing for the Roosters. Where did that come from?

“We should be out in Charleville and Roma looking around like we used to be.’’

Originally published as NRL 2021: Broncos’ State of Origin production line working for NSW not Queensland