Cameron Smith got his first taste in origin in 2003 and has played all 3 games of the series since 2004. The Maroon 9 has been his for over a decade. Everyone thought this was the year he would lose it but it won’t be. Smith has been in good form for storm who currently sit 2nd.
There are a few players that are lining up to replace Smith once he draws the curtains on his representative career.
Two players who have been mentioned for awhile are Brisbane’s Hooker Andrew McCullough and Roosters Premiership winning rake Jake Friend. I always thought it was going to be Brisbane's Andrew that got the Maroon 9 jersey but in recent years Friend has over taken him. His become one of the games best hookers. BUT both might be behind Penrith’s James Segeyaro. Who has been an absolute star the last couple of seasons. He has ditched PNG ( :( ) in the hopes of playing origin.
My dark horse would be Jake Granville. Exciting young player very fast and very talented. He is developing combinations with JT and Morgan (a future maroon). So he could slot in right now with JT or in the future because Morgan will be there.
2015: Smith
2016 : Smith
2017: Any of the 4 youngsters I mentioned
Looking further into the future ....Jayden Nikorima
Front Row
QLD will have a whole new foward pack soon. Matt Scott has been in decent form but Nate Myles has really been low on confidence it seems. Also it looks as tho David Shillington’s career is at an end and Ben Hannant really hasn't been mentioned much. It looks certain that either or both Josh McGuire and Dylan Napa will be in the team somewhere. Both have been in brilliant form. Josh Papalii could play upfront. He will be in the squad somewhere probably on the bench.
A bloke that could get a chance is David Tyrrell the unsung hero for Rabbits. He is hard working and a tough player. If Mal was to give him a maroon jumper he wouldn’t let him down.
Looking forward to the future there’s plenty of talent to pick from. Korbin Sims , Mitchell Dodds, Jarrod Wallace , Joe Ofahengaue , Francis Molo , Tim Glasby , Dunamis Lui , Lloyd Perrett , Luke Bateman and Martin Kennedy ***. This list goes on
2015 : Scott and Myles
2016 : McGuire and Napa
Second Row and Lock
Thaiday has been in career best form. At the start of the season people said Sam wouldn't even be in contention for State of Origin . Now he is the first name you’d write on the team sheet. Accompanying him in the second row will be Brisbane team mates Matt Gillett and Corey Parker at lock. Aidan Guerra could replace Matt in the starting lineup but might be on the bench having just come back from an injury.
Other contenders are Cowboys Gavin Cooper and Ethan Lowe both have been playing very well as of late. Cooper could get a spot on the bench this year. As I said before Josh Papalii will be in the team somewhere. Also even tho they have not been performing Premiership winner Chris McQueen and Titan Dave Taylor are still in contention.
Across the Tasman as always veteran Jacob Lillyman could see himself in the team .
Young players coming through include Corey Oates , Luke Bateman , Jai Arrow , Patrick Mago , Blake Leary and Jayson Bukuya.
2015 : Thaiday , Gillett and Parker
2017: McQueen , Oates and Papalii
What do you think ?? Who will get selected this year and beyond ?