Wingers and Centres
Centres:
This year Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges will most likely be picked to play in the centres unless Slater is out . If Billy is unavailable for origin that would see Greg swift to fullback so QLD will need to select someone to fill GI shoes in the centres.
Selectors need to start looking towards the future. It’s highly likely in 2016 we will have completely new centres. Justin has announced his retirement from rep footy and Greg Inglis will be playing fullback because it looks likes Slaters elite days are behind him.
So what are the options ??
Dane Gagai and Will Chambers. These for me should be first on everybody’s list. Will got his first taste of origin last year while Dane is yet to pull on a maroon jersey. Both are star players that can finish and create chances.
Dale Copley is another. I thought he was amazing last year an absolute star. Copley got a chance in the centres when Jack Reed was dropped for disciplinary reasons and he bloody nailed it. He has really beefed up the last few years. I think he will get his first taste of origin on the wing. I do admit he hasn’t hit the form this year which is displayed in 2014 but he will only get better with time.
So this year the centres will be (in my opinion )
Hodges and Greg Inglis.
If Slater is out.... Will Chambers and Justin Hodges
2016 Chambers and Gagai.
2020 Copley and Gagai
Darius Boyd returns for Broncos this weekend so he will be ready for origin. He will resume his usual spot on the wing but the other is up for grabs. Another factor that may decide the 2nd winger is if Slater is fit for Origin. Will Chambers played on the wing last year but if GI is required at Fullback chambers will most likely play in the centres. So the wing spot will go to someone else.
So apart from giving NRL star centres Chambers , Gagai or Copley the 2nd wing spot. Who else could Mal pick??
A player that was mentioned last year but not so much this year and one of my favourite players. .... Daniel Vidot. He is beast. He isn't just a great player he brings a special energy to the team. Just watching the team it feels different when he plays. He gets ya pumped up ... Like Wendell or Willie Mason. I realize it’s a long shot for him because his barely played NRL this year and the fact that he plays for Samoa( Not that that’s a major issue). I’m sure Josh McGuire will be selected for QLD this year despite playing for Samoa last weekend.
Who else?
I’d like to give Lachlan Maranta a mention. I know alot of people would disagree with me but I think if Lachlan was given the chance he would not disappoint. He isn't a superstar but he is a hard working reliable player. Every team needs players like that, You can’t have a team full of Benjis and Lockyers. It just wouldn't work ( No one could land a tackle ;) ). I’d let Maranta catch a high ball to save my life. I trust him that much. It’s just a thought guys.
Valentine Holmes is another possibility .He WILL land himself a spot on the wing in the near future. Before maybe he gets the QLD number 1 jersey sometime in the future. Other youngsters that people mention are Edrick Lee and Justin O'Neill. In my opinion Kurt Mann is a better prospect. Kurt applies his trade down at the Melbourne Storm. He plays centre/Fullback/Halves but I think if he was offered a wing spot for QLD I don’t think he would say no. I love watching Kurt play and I know he has a lot more to offer. He will only get better over time.
Nene Macdonald and Tautau Moga are players the could easily push for origin in the future but it depends on if the NRL tighten up the eligibility rules or not. Nene is born in PNG and has played for them. Tautau was born in Brisbane but has played for Samoa. At the end of the day it's up to the players where they pledge their allegiance... both are talented enough to play origin.
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So this year I give Chambers and Boyd the thumbs up. If Chambers is required in the centres then Gagai should get his first taste of origin.
2016 Boyd and Copley.
If Greg Inglis leaves to union or is unavailable
1.Boyd
2. Copley
3. Chambers
4. Gagai
5. Holmes
2020 Holmes and Mann
What do you guys think ?? Who would you have as your wingers and centres this year and beyond ?? Comment below
I think I might be a tad biased towards Broncos players and my favs ;)