Assuming all are fit and in good form, this is the side I’d be looking to run out with for Game 1 in 2019:
1. Ponga - Absolute no brainer, the kid could be a revelation for many years to come.
2. Gagai - Perhaps Queensland’s best for the second year running, back in his best position. Long term let’s hope he grows into a quality Centre.
3. Inglis (C) - Relished the Captaincy and showed he’s still got what it takes to lift for these games, deserves to go out a winner.
4. Morgan - Hopefully refreshed and in good touch, too much quality to not find his way into the side and Queensland are desperate for Centres
5. Holmes - Absolutely put the him v Oates debate to bed this series. Perhaps the best finisher in the game and has brained them at Origin level.
6. Munster - Needs to focus on his running game more but he’s clearly an immense talent and has done more than enough to hold his spot. Can make this his own for the next decade if he plays his role right.
7. DCE - Queensland needed a hero last night and DCE, for all his faults, seemed to relish that opportunity to stand up and be that hero. This takes huge pressure of Queensland to blood Taylor too early and without the runs on the board, and in DCE they have someone who can run this side for the next few years while he is hopefully at the peak of his powers. Has by far the most complete Halves skill set of any one available and will hopefully relish the chance to steer ‘his’ Queensland side around the park.
8. Arrow - If you told people last night this was his 30th Origin game and not his 3rd they’d have probably believed you. Best Queensland forward talent to come through in many years and can do that Number 8 jersey proud.
9. McCullough - Finds himself in the strange position of being a senior player and leader in what would be his second series in 2019. Has handled the defensive workload comfortably and with more experience at this level we may see his attacking game come out a bit more too.
10. Napa - Realistically the only other Prop besides Arrow who showed any sort of ticker. Needs to be far more consistent and should not need a blasting from Game 1 to wake him up for Game 2, but at this stage he holds his spot. Needs a big series though if he wants to keep it.
11. Kaufusi - Provides a great hole runner that can ask questions of the NSW edge. Had a solid first series and will hopefully continue to grow at this level.
12. Gillett - Queensland finally get an experienced Forward back into the side. Will hopefully be refreshed from his time off and will be the leader of the Queensland pack next year.
13. McGuire - Would still rather see him and Arrow swapped, but Arrow’s ability to step up at Prop seems to have locked McGuire into the 13. Will again be one of the few experienced Forwards Queensland can call on and needs to show that consistently.
14. Hunt - Much maligned and probably fairly so at Halfback, but he does seem to ask questions at Dummy Half, and his ability to cover multiple roles makes him a reliable pick at 14. Berrigan never seemed ashamed of the genuine Utility role and neither should Hunt, he can contribute greatly to Queensland’s potential success if he can make this role his own.
15. Papalli - Had one of his best games for Queensland last night, oddly in a position I hate seeing him play in. Is now one of the most experienced Forwards in the side and his versatility off the Bench is a huge asset. Just needs to bring that hard running game on a regular basis.
16. Hess - Still yet to really find his feet at Origin level, but he’s shown glimpses of what he’s capable of, and his try scoring ability and his ability to ask questions of opposition defence makes him a strong attacking weapon if he can bring that form into the Origin arena.
17. Ofahengaue - Queensland are begging for Props that roll their sleeves up and get the dirty work done consistently. This is Joe O’s bread and butter and the timing for him is perfect to take his shot. Needs a big back end of this year and start of next year to make sure he gets that shot.
This I believe is a side that can genuinely compete for a series next year. It also has plenty of upside for the future which is importantly too. Queensland do have some major worries around a general lack of depth, especially in the Front Row and Centre positions, but the guys available for now are quality and for any aspiring players in those positions now is the time to stand up and make themselves heard.
