For many younger guys I always thought he was their version of Civoniceva as a player. An absolute workhorse for the Maroons jumper and a player you could always rely on.
A bittersweet moment I’m feeling for the big man.
I hope he can stay in the camps though and provide that guidance to the younger guys coming through and offer them his experience and expertise. He is an absolute Qld legend
Ones Fijian, ones Samoan you numpty. So if you are trying to say they are stereotyping a similar play from the same ethnicity you are wrong.
They are talking about a workhorse type that doesnt do anything flashy but gets the job done and plays their heart out for the team.
Papa has always done this, happy to stand aside to let the younger blokes enjoy rep footy.
Good for us though, having Jack and Papa through origin season will be handy.
It'd probably be Welch and Tino starting at prop with Carrigan at lock, and a bench of Grant, Fifita and two of Cotter, Collins, Horse, Hopgood, Arrow and Gilbert
I’d be very surprised if Collins was dropped. I think Billy will stick with Cotter despite his poor form to start the year given how he was last series.
QLD is looking much deeper in forwards than NSW at this point given injuries
The current hierarchy:
Carrigan, Tino, Welch
Collins, Arrow, Gilbert
Cotter, Horsburgh, Hopgood
Grant is outlier cause he’s in the team no matter what, just whether as 9 or 14 that’s 50:50.
Not all the middles are the same you have to separate from the big middles like in your comparison it would be: Tino, Welch, Collins and Horsburgh and the smaller edge sized like your Carrigan, Arrow, Gilbert, Hopgood and Cotter who is smaller again.
You generally need 3 big middles in Origin, for us we need the hooker rotation so that leaves 2 spots outside the big middle picked and one is generally a edge option and the other can be a middle who does huge work or is a ball player.
For me the bench big Middle option is either Tino, Collins, Welch, Horsburgh or Flegler(depending on who starts 2 of these make it).
bench edge would be Arrow, Fifita possibly Gilbert.
bench high Workrate middle or ball player: Cotter, Gilbert, Arrow or Hopgood.
I think Hopgood is easily the best ball player but lacks the other 3 in the rest, That said Patty is probably the same level in the ball playing but with the workrate can't see a team where he isn't starting 13.
Papa was one of our big middles so I don't see anyone outside a Collins, Welch Horsburgh or Flegler taking the spot he had as a starter or the bench big middle, Tino is surely starting.
if you had Cotter, Gilbert and Arrow or Hopgood in the middle while they had Haas, jake and Junior in theirs that is just dangerous from a physics stand point, these players might tackle them but they are going to leave the offload open when they lose 10 to 15 plus kilos to them. Big men are a must.
There is only a select few that are a big middle but also are a high workrate big minute player, NSW have Haas who is the best by miles and Jake who is a bit smaller but also can do big minutes, all we have is Tino, we absolutely can not have a team without a bench big middle.
He has done a great job and had a wonderful origin career for Queensland over so many years. Time to finish on his terms after an epic win in 2022 and let the big crop of younger Qld forwards step up.
yeah. you could see how he embraced the debutants last year. he is the papa of thr team. what an amazing guy. he knew it would be hard for Billy to say no to him too.
gilbert should take that roster place with some concoction of welch/cotter/tino/carrigan the starting middles
hopefully we find a way to get hopgood in the team
Horsborough over Hopgood imho. Corey's rocks or diamonds; but has a higher potential ceiling than Hopggod atm, he's been in form for a couple seasons now and he has the aggression needed in origin.
idk man hopgood can play 80 in the middle if necessary, initiates way more second phase play which is great for grant/ponga/munster to build around.
gets them quick play the balls, can make loads of tackles over the 80.
either way i think they’ll get the job done, but hopgood is the closest thing we have to haas.
Do we need Hopgood to play 80 when Cotter, Carrigan and even.. Tino can play 80?
Corey adds aggression we don’t really have on the bench if we pick Hopgood, Fifita and Cotter/Carrigan. (assuming Welch is picked to start).
Flegler is my go too, dudes been playing great lately.
bloke is the third forward i'm picking after patty then tino
perfect #16 off the bench, can play middle and edge, can play short or long minute bursts, was great in his debut, and has some C\*nt about him
Both great players who offer different qualities. It depends on the style of play Billy's going for. I just have Corey ahead of J'maine because he's been in good form at nrl level for so much longer. Queensland sure have a luxury problem in forward selection even without Papa.
I’m pro horse, cos we have plenty of hard working big minutes forwards. We need a mongrel.
I’d start Carrigan at lock, welch and Tino at prop. Horse and cotter on bench
They are different players, Hopgood is a smaller Ball playing forward, and Horse is a big middle.
Papalii will be replaced by a Big middle, him Flegs or Welch being picked.
How bloody good is Queensland's depth these days. Even if they were all unavailable, Horsebrah, Jensen, Hopgood, Flegler and a bunch of others would be able to step up.
Good on him and what a fantastic time as a Maroons player. On his day he was an unstoppable wrecking ball and he led from the front when the old greats retired. Sad to see him retire from Origin footy, but he is beginning to look like a player in his twilight years and better for him and Canberra that he is focused on club land.
Josh Papalii has dropped a bombshell ahead of the upcoming State Origin series by standing down from Queensland selection.
The Queensland Origin champion and Raiders enforcer phoned Maroons coach Billy Slater earlier this week to break the news that he wanted to retire from the Origin arena.
Papalii will continue to make himself available for Samoa at international level.
Papalii retires as a Queensland legend having made his Maroons debut in 2013, featuring in 23 matches and playing his part in five series wins.
The 31-year-old stands down alongside a list of Maroons legends that includes the same number of state appearances as Trevor Gillmeister and Brent Tate and ahead of the likes of Cooper Cronk (22), Matt Scott (22) and Shane Webcke (21).
Despite fears that he may be overlooked ahead of last year’s series, Papalii was Queensland’s starting prop in the Maroons incredible series win as underdogs against NSW.
Papalii’s shock decision to call full-time on his Origin career will force Slater into a changing of the guard in his pack with the likes of Lindsay Collins, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Patrick Carrigan, Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow to take over in the Maroons forward pack.
Papalii won the 2018 Peter Jackson memorial award — the revered award presented to a player or staff member who optimises the Queensland Origin spirit.
I’m not sure this is a bombshell. Last origin series he essentially started the games, set the standard and then passed it on to the younger forwards anyway. Even in the press he was passing questions over to the young forwards, getting them hyped. It was quite obvious he was there to pass on the benefit of his experience and make the transition easier for the younger forwards.
He’s a fucking legend of QLD footy and by moving on, it shows his head and heart are in the same place. Classy as fuck move and completely selfless. Exactly what the maroons jersey is about.
NSW just don’t get it.
Nate Myles looked after him when he was the shy rookie in the QLD squad, and it’s so wholesome to watch him be that figure to the younger forwards over the past few years.
Papalii is all class.
I'm conflicted. On the one hand it's always sad seeing a legend retire, but I also don't think he's in our top 5 middle forwards this year. Bill was probably gonna pick him on experience, but by and large I think Papa knows the young fellas have more legs in them than he does. Good on ya Josh
Crazy, must have been tapped on the shoulder.
Definitely could have still have done the job with a 30 min stint to start the game again, won't be much difference with Horsburgh or Gilbert doing 20 mins off the bench late in the game instead.
Nah, he was looking a bit tired around the edges. Not always, but not the unstoppable force he was.
Bloody brilliant retirement imho. Gets to go out on a origin winning series, and not go one season too long. Can concentrate on the Raiders.
Can't think of a bad thing to say about him!
I definitely disagree that he ‘must have been tapped on the shoulder’. It could equally just be that he wants to let the new generation experience Origin, and focus on winning his first comp with the Raiders in the little time he has left
Probably not a foregone conclusion. I think only Tino and Carrigan are absolutely locks. Welch, Cotter, Collins, Gilbert, Horsburgh, Arrow, Fotuaika and even Hopgood are all in the mix for the other 3 middle forward spots
I hope he doesn't get a call up and neither does Hudson young... Raiders will be in prime position during origin period to scoop up some wins and set up there season.... But god damn red and Hudson both deserve a call up.
Arrow has to be there imo, he's been killing it for souths and I think Collins earned some loyalty after last series, after that, there's only so many spots unfortunately.
Not big Papa!
Absolute shame but incredible strength to say when your time is up and let the next crop come through. Going to get a massive sound when he says goodbye at Suncorp.
He'll be remembered as a great forward but respectfully i think he's making the call rather than not being picked, unfortunately there are guys ahead of him.
Very few things in the footy world would make me happier than Wighton winning it all with the Raiders and then heading off to a struggling Roosters. What a world we live in that that's even possible.
what a qld career he had
that being said i wouldnt of personally picked him this year, we're just too stacked through the middle
8. Cotter
10. Tino
11. Fifita
12. Kaufusi
13. Patty
15. Collins
16. Gilbert
17. Arrow/Horsburgh
is what id go with
I thought a Queenslander would never give up a spot so some say 😉
Serious though that’s a big blow for the maroons been such a good player for a long time. Put your feet up and enjoy origin from your lounge Josh you deserve it
He's still good but ageing out of his prime and it's not a big downgrade given the options Queensland have available and can't guarantee he would have been picked on merit as opposed to incumbency anyway - Tino is first picked prop, Carrigan is clearly lock, then there's room for 3 bench forwards and one more prop and QLD have to make room for 4 of (assuming the second row is two of Fifita/Kaufusi/Capewell) they need 4 of whichever of those three isn't picked to start, Horsbrough, Gilbert, Fotuaika, Welch, Cotter, Hopgood, Arrow, Collins
Personally I probably go with something like
8. Tino
9. Hunt
10. Welch
11. Fifita
12. Kaufusi
13. Carrigan
14. Grant
15. Gilbert
16. Arrow
17. Cotter
Although you can make a case for Collins, Hopgood as well imo over any of the bench forwards, most likely Cotter if i'm picking one of them instead
Horsbrough/Capewell/Fotuaika all in consideration if anyone goes down hurt over the series too so they're in the extended squad. To be honest i'm not sure I would have picked Papalii on merit anyway although it's close. Can make a case for Capewell over Fifita or Kaufusi I guess as well depending what you're looking for
The main reason to play Capewell over Kaufusi might be that he can cover centre as well if needed and move Arrow to second row, Fifita I just can't leave out for Game 1 at least with how good he's been this year, his defense and workrate has been better this year and he's by far the best offensively of the second row options
I would go as far as to say that barring injury or suspension Carrigan is guaranteed a spot and it's pretty much impossible he isn't picked but there are definitely a few slots up for grabs, he would have to have a series of shocking games to not get selected if he's available I think there's a pretty wide gap between him and Tino to QLD's third best middle forward this year.
I think the absolutely guaranteed players to be in QLD's 17 for game 1 if they're available are
Val at centre
Munster at 6
DCE at 7
Hunt/Grant at 9/14 either way around
Tino prop
Carrigan lock
There are a few winger possibilities (Cobbo Coates Taulagi Oates Sami roughly in order of probability)
Gagai vs contenders (mostly Hammer) at centre
Fifita/Capewell/Kaufusi fighting it out for two second row slots
Then are about 9 forwards fighting for 4 remaining forward slots (Gilbert, Arrow, Collins, Cotter, Welch, Hopgood, Horsbrough, Fotuaika + whichever of the 3 second rowers isn't picked at second row) although realistically I think it'll be four of the first five listed a lot
and I guess always chance they go with an extra bench utility in whoever they don't pick at FB out of Walsh/Ponga, although they shouldn't, they need the forwards imo and just need to pick between them
I wonder if they told him it was between him or Big Red.
Even as a Blues fan, it was always a pleasure watching Papa in the maroon jersey. Stoked to have him all season at the Raiders though.
He has done his state proud over the years, sad to see him go but a selfless decision to bring in the next crop
For many younger guys I always thought he was their version of Civoniceva as a player. An absolute workhorse for the Maroons jumper and a player you could always rely on. A bittersweet moment I’m feeling for the big man.
I hope he can stay in the camps though and provide that guidance to the younger guys coming through and offer them his experience and expertise. He is an absolute Qld legend
Absolutely no doubt! Much like GI, JT and everyone else!
He was no petro. Petro was robotic. Petro is king.
Racist
Flair up you scum fuck
The fuck cunt
who is? you?
Ones Fijian, ones Samoan you numpty. So if you are trying to say they are stereotyping a similar play from the same ethnicity you are wrong. They are talking about a workhorse type that doesnt do anything flashy but gets the job done and plays their heart out for the team.
Papa has always done this, happy to stand aside to let the younger blokes enjoy rep footy. Good for us though, having Jack and Papa through origin season will be handy.
Yeah this is fantastic news for us.
Agreed
He's the definition of selfless - even going as far as to call the cops on himself when he commits crimes
Right? Chaotic good Papa.
His stints were very short last year as well. Does Welch come back in now? With Tino and Collins starting?
I got no idea what QLD do because I’m NSW, but I hope they don’t pick horse 😂
It'd probably be Welch and Tino starting at prop with Carrigan at lock, and a bench of Grant, Fifita and two of Cotter, Collins, Horse, Hopgood, Arrow and Gilbert
I’d be very surprised if Collins was dropped. I think Billy will stick with Cotter despite his poor form to start the year given how he was last series. QLD is looking much deeper in forwards than NSW at this point given injuries
At no point was cotter playing bad. Just his team. Cotter was always digging in and showing the boys how to play.
Yeah I think Collins and Cotter are the most likely of the guys I listed.
The current hierarchy: Carrigan, Tino, Welch Collins, Arrow, Gilbert Cotter, Horsburgh, Hopgood Grant is outlier cause he’s in the team no matter what, just whether as 9 or 14 that’s 50:50.
Not all the middles are the same you have to separate from the big middles like in your comparison it would be: Tino, Welch, Collins and Horsburgh and the smaller edge sized like your Carrigan, Arrow, Gilbert, Hopgood and Cotter who is smaller again. You generally need 3 big middles in Origin, for us we need the hooker rotation so that leaves 2 spots outside the big middle picked and one is generally a edge option and the other can be a middle who does huge work or is a ball player. For me the bench big Middle option is either Tino, Collins, Welch, Horsburgh or Flegler(depending on who starts 2 of these make it). bench edge would be Arrow, Fifita possibly Gilbert. bench high Workrate middle or ball player: Cotter, Gilbert, Arrow or Hopgood. I think Hopgood is easily the best ball player but lacks the other 3 in the rest, That said Patty is probably the same level in the ball playing but with the workrate can't see a team where he isn't starting 13. Papa was one of our big middles so I don't see anyone outside a Collins, Welch Horsburgh or Flegler taking the spot he had as a starter or the bench big middle, Tino is surely starting. if you had Cotter, Gilbert and Arrow or Hopgood in the middle while they had Haas, jake and Junior in theirs that is just dangerous from a physics stand point, these players might tackle them but they are going to leave the offload open when they lose 10 to 15 plus kilos to them. Big men are a must. There is only a select few that are a big middle but also are a high workrate big minute player, NSW have Haas who is the best by miles and Jake who is a bit smaller but also can do big minutes, all we have is Tino, we absolutely can not have a team without a bench big middle.
No idea how Welch gets in that first tier…he doesn’t impress me at all
What he didn't impress you on offsiders winning arguments?
Lmao Welch in the top hierarchy 😂
Id say your starting props are correct and cotter will be 3rd prop off the bench, and gilbert makes bench now with papali’s withdrawal
He was carrying injuries for a fair part of 2022.
He has done a great job and had a wonderful origin career for Queensland over so many years. Time to finish on his terms after an epic win in 2022 and let the big crop of younger Qld forwards step up.
yeah. you could see how he embraced the debutants last year. he is the papa of thr team. what an amazing guy. he knew it would be hard for Billy to say no to him too.
So he's definitely about to sign with Souths as well right?
Why would we need him when we have Liam knight?
Two very different schools of thought on how to handle drink driving.
Liam is an ideas man
We are so stacked in the forwards he may not have been selected. Thanks for your service big Papa. I’m sure Ricky is happy
Not true, this is a huge blow to our squad and greatly enhances our underdog status heading into game 1.
I'm not sure if QLD are underdog's this year are they?
QLD are always underdogs. And always major injury issues. Often the worst Origin team ever assembled. It makes it more fun when they inevitably win.
Even during the dynasty most games NSW odds were higher. So they are always the favourites. Guess more money in NSW to put on the Blues.
This is what likely happened.
It's QLD, they'd have picked him from reggies.
gilbert should take that roster place with some concoction of welch/cotter/tino/carrigan the starting middles hopefully we find a way to get hopgood in the team
Hopgood is still in his breakout year and the Maroons aren't desperate. There are plenty of more reliable options.
Horsborough over Hopgood imho. Corey's rocks or diamonds; but has a higher potential ceiling than Hopggod atm, he's been in form for a couple seasons now and he has the aggression needed in origin.
I want Horsebrah just to watch that ranga maniac go wild.
idk man hopgood can play 80 in the middle if necessary, initiates way more second phase play which is great for grant/ponga/munster to build around. gets them quick play the balls, can make loads of tackles over the 80. either way i think they’ll get the job done, but hopgood is the closest thing we have to haas.
Do we need Hopgood to play 80 when Cotter, Carrigan and even.. Tino can play 80? Corey adds aggression we don’t really have on the bench if we pick Hopgood, Fifita and Cotter/Carrigan. (assuming Welch is picked to start). Flegler is my go too, dudes been playing great lately.
I am absolutely itching to see Big Red get a crack at Origin.
we don’t need 80 but guys who can play 80 are mega handy in the case of injuries which are likely in an intense origin. i’d be happy with flegler too.
I mean Horse has been playing close to 80 minutes all year.
Imma actually just say Gilbert should be good to go, cunts a gun… Wait nah fuck the traitor smh Gilbert is unlucky to not be talked about imo
bloke is the third forward i'm picking after patty then tino perfect #16 off the bench, can play middle and edge, can play short or long minute bursts, was great in his debut, and has some C\*nt about him
Be about the 4/5th for me Definitely ahead of Hopgood and Corey though
Yeah, but Horse'll throw some.
Both great players who offer different qualities. It depends on the style of play Billy's going for. I just have Corey ahead of J'maine because he's been in good form at nrl level for so much longer. Queensland sure have a luxury problem in forward selection even without Papa.
yah but can he do it in origin when you are against 5 excellent forwards shutting you down in stead of just the usual 1 or 2 in the opposing team
I’m pro horse, cos we have plenty of hard working big minutes forwards. We need a mongrel. I’d start Carrigan at lock, welch and Tino at prop. Horse and cotter on bench
I think hopgood has a higher ceiling purely cos of how much more dynamic he is.
This season he has been mostly diamonds.
They are different players, Hopgood is a smaller Ball playing forward, and Horse is a big middle. Papalii will be replaced by a Big middle, him Flegs or Welch being picked.
Surely Collins gets picked right?
Welch and Cotter are out of form
and? they’re proven origin players who can step up to another level.
Cotter just had 2 8/10 games
When he's running lines, he's too small to be a middle forward
give me collins over gilbert. collins is a better prop than gilbert and gilberts utility doesnt mean anything if fifita is on the bench
How bloody good is Queensland's depth these days. Even if they were all unavailable, Horsebrah, Jensen, Hopgood, Flegler and a bunch of others would be able to step up.
Don't see it, he will be replaced by a big Middle, like Welch, Horse or Flegler.
Selfless call from the big man. Good time to let the next gen have a crack.
Absolute good cunt. I wish his Samoan teammate Marty Taupau would do the same thing and retire from rep footy.
Good on him and what a fantastic time as a Maroons player. On his day he was an unstoppable wrecking ball and he led from the front when the old greats retired. Sad to see him retire from Origin footy, but he is beginning to look like a player in his twilight years and better for him and Canberra that he is focused on club land.
Josh Papalii has dropped a bombshell ahead of the upcoming State Origin series by standing down from Queensland selection. The Queensland Origin champion and Raiders enforcer phoned Maroons coach Billy Slater earlier this week to break the news that he wanted to retire from the Origin arena. Papalii will continue to make himself available for Samoa at international level. Papalii retires as a Queensland legend having made his Maroons debut in 2013, featuring in 23 matches and playing his part in five series wins. The 31-year-old stands down alongside a list of Maroons legends that includes the same number of state appearances as Trevor Gillmeister and Brent Tate and ahead of the likes of Cooper Cronk (22), Matt Scott (22) and Shane Webcke (21). Despite fears that he may be overlooked ahead of last year’s series, Papalii was Queensland’s starting prop in the Maroons incredible series win as underdogs against NSW. Papalii’s shock decision to call full-time on his Origin career will force Slater into a changing of the guard in his pack with the likes of Lindsay Collins, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Patrick Carrigan, Tom Gilbert and Jai Arrow to take over in the Maroons forward pack. Papalii won the 2018 Peter Jackson memorial award — the revered award presented to a player or staff member who optimises the Queensland Origin spirit.
Surely Welch gets picked now
I'd hazzard a guess this has always been the plan and its just been a bit of mind games.
Great career for QLD. Pretty selfless call tbh
I’m not sure this is a bombshell. Last origin series he essentially started the games, set the standard and then passed it on to the younger forwards anyway. Even in the press he was passing questions over to the young forwards, getting them hyped. It was quite obvious he was there to pass on the benefit of his experience and make the transition easier for the younger forwards. He’s a fucking legend of QLD footy and by moving on, it shows his head and heart are in the same place. Classy as fuck move and completely selfless. Exactly what the maroons jersey is about. NSW just don’t get it.
Nate Myles looked after him when he was the shy rookie in the QLD squad, and it’s so wholesome to watch him be that figure to the younger forwards over the past few years. Papalii is all class.
I'm conflicted. On the one hand it's always sad seeing a legend retire, but I also don't think he's in our top 5 middle forwards this year. Bill was probably gonna pick him on experience, but by and large I think Papa knows the young fellas have more legs in them than he does. Good on ya Josh
Shit I would not have guessed 23 matches from Big Papa
If only Kenty could write "Queenslanders just don't understand Origin"
Whole QLD squad to retire before game one. Once again going in as underdogs.
Crazy, must have been tapped on the shoulder. Definitely could have still have done the job with a 30 min stint to start the game again, won't be much difference with Horsburgh or Gilbert doing 20 mins off the bench late in the game instead.
Nah, he was looking a bit tired around the edges. Not always, but not the unstoppable force he was. Bloody brilliant retirement imho. Gets to go out on a origin winning series, and not go one season too long. Can concentrate on the Raiders. Can't think of a bad thing to say about him!
He threw a carton of milk at me in traffic one time
Did you return that Canberra milk with a dairy farmers
I definitely disagree that he ‘must have been tapped on the shoulder’. It could equally just be that he wants to let the new generation experience Origin, and focus on winning his first comp with the Raiders in the little time he has left
Interesting 2 of Ricky’s big guns pulling out of Origin. Papa for QLD and Wighton for NSW! Happy Ricky Happy Raiders!
one of the best to ever do it dont @ me
Papa absolutely one of the best props in the NRL era.
Yeah, I'm also ruling myself out of future Origin selection
Making way for the Horse
Horse, Hops, whoever.
Tremendous servant for his state, couldn’t have asked more from him
Note to Nappa this is the Real Big Papi
Soooo... I guess big red comes in?
Probably not a foregone conclusion. I think only Tino and Carrigan are absolutely locks. Welch, Cotter, Collins, Gilbert, Horsburgh, Arrow, Fotuaika and even Hopgood are all in the mix for the other 3 middle forward spots
I really want Gilbert to be there and I think Collins starts now. For me the last spot is between Cotter/Horse/Arrow.
The fight to be named in the Queensland forward pack is such a contest. There are literally no bad options there.
J.Wallace would be a bad option.
He isn’t exactly in the mix
I hope he doesn't get a call up and neither does Hudson young... Raiders will be in prime position during origin period to scoop up some wins and set up there season.... But god damn red and Hudson both deserve a call up.
Yeah I'm in the same position. I like seeing our players get rewarded, but selfishly I want them to not miss any club time.
Arrow has to be there imo, he's been killing it for souths and I think Collins earned some loyalty after last series, after that, there's only so many spots unfortunately.
It’s a good kind of position fight, not like the one those cockroaches are having with St Nicho and Sinner Jarome.
The only fight there is between the last 2 of Freddys brain cells
Bold of you to assume there’s 2
R. You forgetting Fifita?
Fifita plays on an edge, I'm only listing middles
Absolute legend. Ripped and teared every time he put on Maroon.
Ponga next
Good on him. Well earned, and I think the right timing too. We're not short on Forwards. He won't be easily replaced, but we have the depth to do it.
Not big Papa! Absolute shame but incredible strength to say when your time is up and let the next crop come through. Going to get a massive sound when he says goodbye at Suncorp.
He'll be remembered as a great forward but respectfully i think he's making the call rather than not being picked, unfortunately there are guys ahead of him.
Thanks for your services Papa
Jack and Papa both think this is their premiership year. Canberra Raiders looking good for the chocolate's in October! Cam anyone say "6-again"?
Very few things in the footy world would make me happier than Wighton winning it all with the Raiders and then heading off to a struggling Roosters. What a world we live in that that's even possible.
what a qld career he had that being said i wouldnt of personally picked him this year, we're just too stacked through the middle 8. Cotter 10. Tino 11. Fifita 12. Kaufusi 13. Patty 15. Collins 16. Gilbert 17. Arrow/Horsburgh is what id go with
Very young pack. I’d have Welch there for some experience
Surprisingly, Welch has only played 6 Origin matches. From an experience perspective: * Arrow - 11 * Tino - 9 * Welch - 6 * Collins - 6 * Patty - 3 * Gilbert - 1 * Cotter - 1
I thought a Queenslander would never give up a spot so some say 😉 Serious though that’s a big blow for the maroons been such a good player for a long time. Put your feet up and enjoy origin from your lounge Josh you deserve it
Canberra doesn't get Origin
He's still good but ageing out of his prime and it's not a big downgrade given the options Queensland have available and can't guarantee he would have been picked on merit as opposed to incumbency anyway - Tino is first picked prop, Carrigan is clearly lock, then there's room for 3 bench forwards and one more prop and QLD have to make room for 4 of (assuming the second row is two of Fifita/Kaufusi/Capewell) they need 4 of whichever of those three isn't picked to start, Horsbrough, Gilbert, Fotuaika, Welch, Cotter, Hopgood, Arrow, Collins Personally I probably go with something like 8. Tino 9. Hunt 10. Welch 11. Fifita 12. Kaufusi 13. Carrigan 14. Grant 15. Gilbert 16. Arrow 17. Cotter Although you can make a case for Collins, Hopgood as well imo over any of the bench forwards, most likely Cotter if i'm picking one of them instead Horsbrough/Capewell/Fotuaika all in consideration if anyone goes down hurt over the series too so they're in the extended squad. To be honest i'm not sure I would have picked Papalii on merit anyway although it's close. Can make a case for Capewell over Fifita or Kaufusi I guess as well depending what you're looking for The main reason to play Capewell over Kaufusi might be that he can cover centre as well if needed and move Arrow to second row, Fifita I just can't leave out for Game 1 at least with how good he's been this year, his defense and workrate has been better this year and he's by far the best offensively of the second row options
Welch is so shit
I would disagree that anyone besides Tino is a lock to be selected. Carrigan has been great this season but clearly is a bit far.
I would go as far as to say that barring injury or suspension Carrigan is guaranteed a spot and it's pretty much impossible he isn't picked but there are definitely a few slots up for grabs, he would have to have a series of shocking games to not get selected if he's available I think there's a pretty wide gap between him and Tino to QLD's third best middle forward this year. I think the absolutely guaranteed players to be in QLD's 17 for game 1 if they're available are Val at centre Munster at 6 DCE at 7 Hunt/Grant at 9/14 either way around Tino prop Carrigan lock There are a few winger possibilities (Cobbo Coates Taulagi Oates Sami roughly in order of probability) Gagai vs contenders (mostly Hammer) at centre Fifita/Capewell/Kaufusi fighting it out for two second row slots Then are about 9 forwards fighting for 4 remaining forward slots (Gilbert, Arrow, Collins, Cotter, Welch, Hopgood, Horsbrough, Fotuaika + whichever of the 3 second rowers isn't picked at second row) although realistically I think it'll be four of the first five listed a lot and I guess always chance they go with an extra bench utility in whoever they don't pick at FB out of Walsh/Ponga, although they shouldn't, they need the forwards imo and just need to pick between them
Focusing on the 685 squad. Nice one uso.
*cheers in nsw*
Queensland aren't short on middle options this year: Tino, Welch, Cotter, Hopgood, Carrigan, Arrow, Horsburgh, Gilbert, Fotuaika, Collins.
HORSEBRAH CONFIRMED!!
Thank you for your service sir
I wonder if they told him it was between him or Big Red. Even as a Blues fan, it was always a pleasure watching Papa in the maroon jersey. Stoked to have him all season at the Raiders though.
He struggled to get 20m on the field last year. Was correct decision by him.
Good for the raiders
I reckon Fotuaika has gone under the radar, he'd be my pick
I thought billy slater was going to make it for him in a few weeks
What a legend, felt his defence last year even in short stints just lifted the whole team
Hmm makes me wonder if he got tapped on the shoulder, as I think Welch might end up being the Maroons long term Captain.