Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
- 44,119
- 33,258
JOSH McGuire is ready to pull on a starting jersey for the Maroons.
The Broncos prop emerged as the favourite to take the place of injured forward Nate Myles against the Blues in Game Two.
Coach Kevin Walters said he will not make his decision on who gets the starting spot until he has spoken to the senior players, but McGuire is the clear frontrunner.
After making a strong impact off the bench in Queensland’s Origin I victory, the Brisbane star only helped his cause with an outstanding performance against Canberra last Thursday.
And he knows he is ready. McGuire may have only played three games for Queensland so far, but he believes his time starting for Brisbane shows he can handle the challenge against NSW next week.
“I like starting … every player loves starting,” he said.
“You want to be out there from the get go. But if you don’t get the opportunity, that’s fine. I am just excited about being here.
“Whatever role that Kevvy thinks is best for the team, he’ll make that decision and I’ll wait and see.”
McGuire said he will not let the possibility of starting distract him this week. His biggest competition for the spot is Canberra’s Josh Papalii.
The 26-year-old said regardless of where he plays, he does not think there will be much difference in his role, with most of the Queensland forwards playing an equal amount of time in Game One. He expects to see the same happen next Wednesday.
“The way the games are now, when you bring on your interchange forwards, it’s the same thing,” he said.
“They’re fresh, you’re fresh. When you start, you obviously get into the game like everybody else, you work into the game together. It is what it is.”
Walters was really impressed with both McGuire and Papalii after Origin I but also hinted that Myles’ replacement in the 17, Jacob Lillyman, is in the running for the starting gig.
“I thought our three bench players were really good in Game One in Sydney against much bigger opponents,” he said.
“They’re going to need to do that again for us. Whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench, it’s a really important role that they play within the team.
“Both Joshes I thought were outstanding in Game One when they took the field. It will be a big challenge for one of those two if they do start, or even Jake. We have some good options there.”
No Cookies | Daily Telegraph
The Broncos prop emerged as the favourite to take the place of injured forward Nate Myles against the Blues in Game Two.
Coach Kevin Walters said he will not make his decision on who gets the starting spot until he has spoken to the senior players, but McGuire is the clear frontrunner.
After making a strong impact off the bench in Queensland’s Origin I victory, the Brisbane star only helped his cause with an outstanding performance against Canberra last Thursday.
And he knows he is ready. McGuire may have only played three games for Queensland so far, but he believes his time starting for Brisbane shows he can handle the challenge against NSW next week.
“I like starting … every player loves starting,” he said.
“You want to be out there from the get go. But if you don’t get the opportunity, that’s fine. I am just excited about being here.
“Whatever role that Kevvy thinks is best for the team, he’ll make that decision and I’ll wait and see.”
McGuire said he will not let the possibility of starting distract him this week. His biggest competition for the spot is Canberra’s Josh Papalii.
The 26-year-old said regardless of where he plays, he does not think there will be much difference in his role, with most of the Queensland forwards playing an equal amount of time in Game One. He expects to see the same happen next Wednesday.
“The way the games are now, when you bring on your interchange forwards, it’s the same thing,” he said.
“They’re fresh, you’re fresh. When you start, you obviously get into the game like everybody else, you work into the game together. It is what it is.”
Walters was really impressed with both McGuire and Papalii after Origin I but also hinted that Myles’ replacement in the 17, Jacob Lillyman, is in the running for the starting gig.
“I thought our three bench players were really good in Game One in Sydney against much bigger opponents,” he said.
“They’re going to need to do that again for us. Whoever starts, whoever comes off the bench, it’s a really important role that they play within the team.
“Both Joshes I thought were outstanding in Game One when they took the field. It will be a big challenge for one of those two if they do start, or even Jake. We have some good options there.”
No Cookies | Daily Telegraph
