Queensland’s relatively inexperienced forward pack is ready to step into the breach in the absence of retired warhorse Josh Papalii, coach Billy Slater says.
The Maroons will field three forwards – Tom Gilbert, Tom Flegler and Reuben Cotter – who have each played just one State of Origin game ahead of this year’s series opener in Adelaide on Wednesday night.
Canberra prop Papalii was the spiritual leader of the Maroons pack in a 23-game Origin career, and for the last seven series was one of the first forwards picked.
He will leave a massive hole in the middle of the park but Slater said the tyros he had selected were up to the challenge.
Gilbert will play in the second row but Cotter and Flegler will line up in the middle and wrangle with NSW’s debutant enforcer Tevita Pangai Jr in a mouth-watering clash.
“Big Papa was a real warrior for Queensland for a decade and they are big shoes to fill,” Slater said.
“We are really healthy in that position. Both Reuben and Fleg have done a great job for Queensland and earned their opportunity. I am really comfortable with the forwards we have picked.”
Brisbane prop Flegler is a firebrand who has brought under control the discipline issues that shadowed his early career.
He will not hold back in any confrontation with his former Broncos teammate Pangai Jr.
“(Flegler) was involved in all three of our camps last year but never got an opportunity to play,” Slater said.
“He is a better and more rounded player this year than he was last year.
“I know Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas get a lot of the raps at the Broncos, and rightfully so, but Fleg is doing a fantastic job for the Broncos and has earned his spot on this team.”
Maroons middle forward Cotter said in camp there would be a target on NSW’s sole hooker Apisai Koroisau but Slater played a straight bat when asked about that tactic.
“There is more than one way to skin a cat in our game,” he said.
“What works for NSW may not work for us and vice-versa. It is important for us to get our game right and to play our footy.
“We are aware of the strengths of NSW and we will need to nullify them but we need to play to our strengths.”
North Queensland’s Cotter made his Origin debut last year in an 80-minute display in the series opener.
A hamstring injury prevented him from playing the final two games but he has been given a huge vote of confidence by the coach despite the Cowboys’ poor form this season.
© AAP 2023
