(NQ Players) named for Queensland

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Selectors busy with a puzzle
Robert Craddock

CAN two magicians work on stage together without falling into each other's magic brew? It is this simple question that could decide the destiny of this year's State of Origin series. The Maroon selectors will decide tomorrow whether master playmakers Johnathan Thurston and Scott Prince – who have never played together – can be a double act at halfback and five-eighth in Darren Lockyer's absence.
In club football, when either of them calls "my ball" they get it. When they order a player to do something, they do it.
If they want to kick the ball they kick it. If they want to tinker with the team game play, they'll tinker.
They are undisputed commanders-in-chief.
But what happens when they have to split the role in the hell's kitchen that is the first Origin match?
No one really knows.
The concern among the Queensland selection panel is that Origin matches are often decided by the smallest lapses in communication or concentration.
The chain of command would only have to break down two or three times and it could cost you the match. It's all right having delegated roles but would it all be forgotten under pressure?
And Queensland simply must win the first game in Sydney.
Winning two from two in the Harbour City is like climbing Mt Everest twice. There can be no trial and error. If it works it must work immediately.
And if it does it could take Queensland's attack to a new level.
There would be options everywhere.
For NSW, it would be like trying to work out how David Copperfield did his magic tricks at the same time as figuring out where Harry Houdini got that rabbit from on the other side of the stage.
It's for this reason we hope the selectors give Prince his chance.
Prince has travelled widely as a player (he has been with four clubs) and is worldly enough to adapt to any scenario.
When Benji Marshall was weaving his magic at the Wests Tigers a few years back, Prince at times took a secondary role.
Great players are normally adaptable.
Even Lockyer, who runs the show at the Broncos, handed over a large share of the show-making to Thurston in recent Origin games.
With two matches in Sydney this year, the time is right to roll the dice in search of something special.
Prince is sweating on a recall. Yesterday he politely declined to answer questions about it and said "ring me Wednesday" in a tone that suggested he had no idea whether he was in or out.
He has not played State of Origin since 2004 and feels he is now a better, wiser player and a better defender.
Few would disagree. His cause is supported by a tidal wave of goodwill.
If he misses out tomorrow there would be an outcry similar – perhaps even louder – than the chorus of disapproval over Matt Bowen's omission in recent seasons.
Many people who don't even know the Titans skipper are supporting him for no other reason than they feel a player who is one of the game's top five performers deserves to be in the top 13 for his state.
Still with the same girl he met at school and never in trouble off the field, Prince is a great role model not simply for Aboriginal sportsmen but for all sportsmen.
The game, and life in general, has thrown him some monumental challenges.
He became a heart-breaking figure during his stint at the Broncos when his father was killed in a car crash only two weeks after his 21st birthday, and he sustained two broken legs while playing at the club.
Lesser players might have crumbled but the setbacks made him stronger.
Only last week he agreed to front a campaign called Fatality Free Friday, which is attempting to reduce the nation's road toll.
Prince said his father was a victim of fatigue when he crashed during a lengthy road trip.
"It's pretty difficult. I think about my father every day," he said.
"We've got a picture up in the house and the kids look at him as their grand-dad, and that's all the memories that they'll have."
Prince's main rival for the five-eighth spot appears to be Bronco Karmichael Hunt, the safe option if they give the fullback spot to Billy Slater.
Yesterday at Suncorp Stadium the selectors saw everything they wanted from Hunt to confirm he would be their BHP share option . . . safe, dependable and robust.
From the opening minute when he charged fearlessly into two tacklers without breaking stride, Hunt looked a man out to prove himself.
And he did. He took a high bomb and maintained possession despite being flattened by a charging Steve Matai.
He swept upon loose balls in goal and set up a nice try.
He will be somewhere in the Maroons squad, but whether it will be in a No. 1, No. 6 or double-figured jersey remains to be seen.

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O'Donnell mounts late Origin bid
JOSH ALSTON

THE DAY AFTER ... Cowboys second-rower and New South Wales State of Origin contender Luke O'Donnell at yesterday's recovery session


THE hard work has been done and now all Cowboys second-rower Luke O'Donnell can do is wait for the New South Wales team to be announced tomorrow.
The former Australian forward defied the odds to recover from hip surgery and take his place in the team against the Sharks on Saturday night after missing just two games.
He was initially ruled out for four weeks after leaving the field against the Warriors in round six.
O'Donnell put in a solid effort in his 66 minutes on the field against Cronulla with 115m from 15 runs and 24 tackles.
But he conceded he may have left his run too late to earn a recall to Origin football after injury wrecked his 2007 season.
"I missed the City-Country game and it's pretty bad timing missing two weeks before the game on the weekend," he said.
"I'll just sit back and see what happens but it's a three-game series so I'll just keep doing my best for the Cowboys.
"It's always been a big motivation considering I missed the whole representative season last year.
"I had my spots the year before so it was always big on my agenda for this year and I'll be working hard to get back there."
The Milton-Ulladulla junior missed most of last year after tearing his hamstring from the bone in round four against Wests.
And his latest injury was a hangover from the initial surgery that left an impingement in his hip.
But O'Donnell said he felt better than ever following the clean-up work and was ready to return to his best form in the coming weeks.
"It pulled up really good, I was happy I felt a lot freer running so the operation was a success," he said.
"It was good, I worked pretty hard and got stuck into the rehab really early.
"I was always ahead of schedule and I was just thankful to get through the game well and be back playing with the boys.
"It will be better again next week, it's obviously still a little bit tender but as I said I was happy to get through the game unscathed."
Cowboys athlete performance manager Glen Murphy confirmed O'Donnell had come through the game with a clean bill of health and he was able to participate in yesterday morning's recovery session.
"He was fine, he pulled up good so we're very happy with the way he went," Murphy said.
And O'Donnell was gifted the perfect welcome present in the 70th minute when he latched on to a towering Johnathan Thurston bomb.
Despite being better known for his hard-nosed defence, the forward leapt over Cronulla fullback Brett Kearney to juggle the ball before grounding it beside the posts to give the Cowboys a sniff of victory.
"I was just sort of chasing the kick and was lucky enough to regather control as I went over the line so I'll put that one in the bag I think," he said.

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Maroons have wrong prince: the King
Greg Prichard

"KING" Wally Lewis says he wouldn't pick Karmichael Hunt as Queensland five-eighth, but he reckons Hunt will be surrounded by so much talent there is a good chance the Maroons will get away with playing him there in State of Origin I.
The Queensland team for the game against NSW at ANZ Stadium on May 21 won't be named until 2pm today, but sources last night revealed there would be several shocks - headed by the preference of the selectors and coach Mal Meninga for Hunt over Scott Prince at five-eighth. Hunt's move to pivot means the battle for the fullback job is over, with Australian No.1 Billy Slater taking the Queensland job as well.
PJ Marsh has bobbed up to snatch the utility bench spot, covering hooker, halfback and five-eighth, and Nate Myles is set to start at prop. Word leaked over the weekend that Brisbane fullback Hunt was under consideration for the five-eighth spot vacated by Darren Lockyer. But it was still widely thought that, when it came to the crunch, Titans halfback Prince would be named at No.6.
Prince has been the form player in the NRL this season, but hasn't been able to knock Thurston out of either the Queensland or Australian halfback jobs. Hunt's coach at Brisbane, Wayne Bennett, said on Sunday he didn't believe the Queensland selectors would be "that silly" to pick Hunt at five-eighth. Well, Benny, you can think again.
Titans managing director Michael Searle was last night resigned to Prince missing out, since there had been no notification from the Queensland Rugby League of his inclusion. Players have to be informed ahead of the team being announced so they can gather in Brisbane today.
"It's pretty clear Scott has missed out," Searle said. "I think the only people who will be happy about that will be the six NSW forwards, who won't have to try to find a way to stop him when he goes on his probing runs."
Lewis, who made his reputation by dominating Origin as the Queensland five-eighth for more than a decade, said he was surprised that Hunt was going to be picked in that position.
"I expected to see Prince chosen there," Lewis said. "I would have picked Prince. I don't know whether the selectors think two halfbacks doesn't make a good halves combination, but Scott looks like he would be comfortable in either role to me."
But, Lewis added, the fact Hunt would be surrounded by so many dynamic players in the star-studded Maroons side - which will include Thurston, Greg Inglis, Slater and Justin Hodges in the backs and Cam Smith, Sam Thaiday and Carl Webb in the forwards - would make the transition a lot easier for him.
"It would have been handy had he played a couple of games at five-eighth recently," Lewis said. "But he is going to have plenty of talent both inside and outside of him, so if he plays it the right way, it probably won't be that hard a job for him.
"I would expect his role would be to try to be creative and set up the talent around him, but if he gets the chance to run, he should still try to make the most of it."
Another former Queensland five-eighth - Ben Ikin - applauded Hunt's selection, saying: "If you've got Prince and Thurston both out there, you've got two smaller guys who are going to be targets for the big NSW forwards to run at all night."

QUEENSLAND - PROBABLE TEAM

1 Billy Slater (Melbourne), 2 Greg Inglis (Melbourne) 3 Israel Folau (Melbourne), 4 Justin Hodges (Brisbane), 5 Brent Tate (Warriors), 6 Karmichael Hunt (Brisbane), 7 Johnathan Thurston (Nth Q'land), 8 Petero Civoniceva (Penrith), 9 Cam Smith (Melbourne), 10 Nate Myles (Roosters), 11 Sam Thaiday (Brisbane), 12 Carl Webb (North Queensland), 13 Dallas Johnson (Melbourne).
Interchange: PJ Marsh (Brisbane), Michael Crocker (Melbourne) Ben Hannant (Brisbane), Jacob Lillyman (North Queensland).

State of Origin draws eliminated

GOLDEN point approval ... the Australian Rugby League Board has moved to play golden point extra time in this year's State of Oriign matches if scores are deadlocked after 80 minutes. / The Courier-Mail

GOLDEN point extra time will be played in any deadlocked matches in this year's State of Origin - and play will go on until points are scored. The Australian Rugby League Board made the announcement on Monday afternoon, May 12.
The 2002 series was drawn one match apiece with one drawn, allowing 2001 champion Queensland to keep the Shield.

Read the full ABC article

[Retread]

Prince in exile as selectors go with Hunt, Marsh
Karl Dekroo and Steve Ricketts

THE unkindest cut of all will be delivered to the door of Queensland's heartbreak kid today, with Scott Prince to be overlooked for the Maroons side for next week's State of Origin opener in Sydney. In the ultimate snub to the in-form Titans skipper, Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt will be named at five-eighth, replacing the injured Darren Lockyer.
Melbourne's Billy Slater will be the fullback, while in a major surprise Broncos hooker P. J. Marsh is set to win an Origin recall despite having played just two games and 63 minutes off the interchange bench in the past six weeks.
Marsh last played Origin in the first game of the 2003 series before a neck injury threatened his career, but Maroons selectors believe he is the man to fill the utility role left open by Shaun Berrigan's move to English Super League.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett is among those to call for Prince's inclusion after Lockyer was ruled out following knee surgery on Sunday.
Lockyer confirmed yesterday he would be sidelined for four to six weeks.
But despite the popular vote being in Prince's corner, Queensland selectors remain concerned that he would not be able to work in tandem with halfback Johnathan Thurston.
Chairman of selectors Des Morris last night refused to speculate on the make-up of the team but said the Maroons were well placed to cover Lockyer's absence.
"Two or three years ago we might have been in trouble, but fortunately we have moved on since then and have a number of players who have stepped up to the next level," Morris said.
"The most important thing in this team is to have players who complement each other."
Titans managing director Michael Searle said he would be staggered if Prince was overlooked.
"Surely the only ones that would be happy with a move like that would be New South Wales," he said.
Brisbane prop Ben Hannant will be handed his first Origin jumper despite a facial injury sustained on the weekend..
He may even be pushed into the starting front row alongside Petero Civoniceva.
Morris said he had no concerns over the fitness of Hannant or Roosters forward Nate Myles (ankle).
"We had positive medical reports," he said.
Cowboys back-rower Jacob Lillyman has won the battle for the final forward spot on the interchange, with his high workrate getting him across the line.

[Retread]

Forwards must hold their own for Maroons
Gorden Tallis

ON the verge of the Origin opener there are two major questions that are likely to decide the series:• Does Queensland have the forward pack that can go the necessary minutes to give its brilliant backline time and space to carve up the Blues?
• Does NSW have a halfback capable of directing it to victory?
I'll tackle the Queensland question first and I have to admit I have some concerns.
There is no doubt all the Queensland forwards selected today are outstanding players. They are tough and rugged, but under the 10-man interchange rule can they keep going for 80 minutes in a game played at Origin intensity?
Sam Thaiday and Ben Hannant have made huge improvements in that department this season with the Broncos, but Thaiday has limited Origin experience and Hannant will be on debut.
It will be a big challenge for them to try to fill the boots of a warrior like Steve Price.
Petero Civoniceva will definitely get the job done and Dallas Johnson and Michael Crocker have proven big motors.
Off the bench Nate Myles has impressed in his previous Origin efforts, as have Jacob Lillyman and Carl Webb. Lillyman is likely to get the nod for the last forward's spot on the bench, even though he has missed the past two NRL matches for the Cowboys through suspension.
The fact no one else has jumped out of the ground to take Lillyman's place is a worry for Queensland in terms of depth.
NSW is likely to have the luxury of leaving Nathan Hindmarsh, Andrew Ryan, Luke O'Donnell and Anthony Watmough out of its side.
Blues back-rowers Anthony Laffranchi, Ryan Hoffman and Anthony Tupou are all big-minute players suited by the new interchange rule.
If the Queensland forwards can hold their own, I have no doubt the backline will ensure the Maroons wrap up a third successive series – even without Darren Lockyer at the helm.
If the rumours are right and Scott Prince misses out, it will just go to show how fortunate Queensland is in terms of playmakers.
The Blues could only wish to have one of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk or Prince to call upon. Instead they are likely to gamble with Kurt Gidley in the No. 7 jersey.
I am a huge fan of Gidley as a player and he is the best utility in the NRL. I can't fathom why you would take him out of that bench role and pitch him into the role of on-field general.
As a Queenslander I would be more concerned if NSW left Gidley on the bench and put in a young gun such as Peter Wallace, Jarrod Mullen or Mitchell Pearce to run the show.

[Retread]

NSW Team to be named today
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Greg Bird
7. Peter Wallace
8. Brett White
9. Danny Buderus
10. Ben Cross
11. Ryan Hoffman
12. Willie Mason
13. Paul Gallen
Interchange
14. Anthony Laffranchi
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Craig Fitzgibbon
17. Ben Hornby

[Retread]

Maroons see red over new rules
By Paul Kent


Not happy ... Queensland boss Ross Livermore. Photograph: Glenn Barnes / The Daily Telegraph

ANGRY Queensland boss Ross Livermore has accused NSW coach Craig Bellamy of dirty pool after rule changes benefiting the Blues were implemented yesterday. A fired-up Livermore described the change as "bulls..." before accusing NSW officials of allowing Bellamy to run their league.
The change centres around the reduction of interchanges allowed, with NSW pushing for 10 as it is in the NRL and Queensland preferring 12.
Livermore believes the changes are part of a conspiracy to disadvantage series favourites Queensland.
And he believes NSW officials conspired with Bellamy to choose the rule that best suits the Blues.
"I spoke to a NSW director at the Test the other night and he was speaking of 12," Livermore said.
"I don't know what has happened in between but they're not counting straight. They're grouping up.
"They told me that the large majority want to have 10 interchanges and not 12, well, that's bulls...
"Craig Bellamy is running the league as well as his own team now."
The difference in interchanges is critical because forwards can be forced to play an extra 15 to 20 minutes a game, putting extra stress on their performance.
Bellamy is expected to implement a gameplan that will increase the tempo of the game, adding even further stress to the big Queensland pack.
NSW general manager Geoff Carr dismissed Livermore's tirade but said he understood his concerns.
"Ross would be keen for more interchanges because he has got a couple of forwards that it has been widely considered would need a spell," Carr said.
Last Friday's Test, played under international rules, allowed 12 interchanges. The NRL moved down from 12 to 10 this season.
The added minutes have significantly changed the game's nature.
Livermore believes Origin's increased pace makes it natural to allow extra interchanges.
"We are just saying that in the interests of the players, their clubs, and the game it should be 12 players," he said.
"NSW could get a bloke knocked out in the first minute like Dallas Johnson was last year.
"Bellamy would be looking to have 12 interchanges then and rightly so.
"It's bloody difficult for three other players to be carrying the can, it's not as though they're running around at snail's pace."
Origin has traditionally followed NRL rules when differences to the international rulebook have arisen.
Given their added significance for this year's series, the rule changes were rushed into place in time for this morning's selections.
It is believed the Blues will pick a team capable of an up-tempo game in a bid to wear Queensland down and hopefully flatten their natural advantage in talent, narrowing the gap between the sides.
The Maroons, naturally, wanted to maintain their advantage by allowing two more interchanges over the 80 minutes.
"It's all bulls...," Livermore said, once again. "If you have got a Blue jersey on you all stick together, like the Maroons.
"There's no love lost."

[Retread]

Geyer tips Cowboys O'Donnell to miss out on Origin berth
ANTONY STEWART

LEGENDARY New South Wales hardman Mark Geyer says Luke O'Donnell's brave return from injury on Saturday won't be enough to earn him an Origin call-up today.
The back-rower made an earlier than expected return from hip surgery in the Cowboys' 24-18 loss to Cronulla in a desperate attempt to attract the attention of Blues selectors.
But while O'Donnell got through unscathed and scored an a stunning try late in the game, Geyer said it would not be enough ahead of this morning's team announcement.
North Queensland's disappointing form may also work against him, said the one-time premiership winner with Penrith.
"State of Origin is one of the quickest games you could ever play and if you have got any cobwebs in the body they are quickly found out," Geyer said.
"I would like to see him get back and have a couple of good weeks with the Cowboys and get a bit of that winning culture back in his system.
"Because there is nothing worse than going into Origin camp when you are not that confident and at the moment the Cowboys are on a bit of a low."
Geyer said O'Donnell's surgery to repair a hip impingement after round six was terrible luck for the 27-year-old as he otherwise would have been the first forward picked for the Blues.
Instead, O'Donnell's two-game absence meant he had fallen behind Gold Coast Titan Anthony Laffranchi and Melbourne's Ryan Hoffman in the `pecking order'.
"I think Laffranchi and Hoffman have probably beaten him to the punch," Geyer said.
"O'Donnell is probably a bit down in the pecking order as far as form second-rowers go, although he has been there and done it before.
"(I would) definitely look at him for the second game.
"There's no way he's out of the mix and I think (selectors) would have even tossed his name up for this one, but it would have been a consensus that he did not have enough game time under his belt."
Geyer said O'Donnell was not the only name from the Cowboys that NSW selectors might be considering in the Blues' forward stocks, with Ray Cashmere earning a mention. The big prop has been among North Queensland's most consistent players in a poor start to the season and he earned a call-up for the NSW City versus Country game recently.
"He wouldn't look out of place, put it that way," he said.
"Again, he is probably a little bit down the pecking order but I am a bit of a fan of big Ray and I think he is maturing well, he probably hasn't reached his peak yet."
Cowboys Johnathan Thurston and Carl Webb are considered certainties for Queensland selection with back-rower Jacob Lillyman an outside chance.

[Retread]

BUDERUS TO LEAD BLUES IN GAME ONE, KITE OMITTED
Tuesday 13 May 2008 10:19
by Matthew O'Neill

Danny Buderus will lead New South Wales in his 5th successive State of Origin series this year after being named as hooker and captain with the most notable omission being Manly and Australia prop Brent Kite.

NSW Coach Craig Bellamy and the selectors preferred Melbourne prop Brett White and Newcastle prop Ben Cross before Kite, who played for Australia against New Zealand last Friday night.

Newcastle and Australian utility Kurt Gidley wasn't considered for selection after sustaining a fractured cheekbone last night in the Knights 18-4 loss against the Storm.

Brisbane halfback Peter Wallace has won the halfback position ahead of Parramatta's Brett Finch, Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen, Manly's Matt Orford and incumbent NSW halfback Brett Kimmorley. Wallace has been in sensational form for the Broncos this season after leaving Penrith in bitter circumstances last year and will make his debut for NSW.

Melbourne winger Anthony Quinn will make his State of Origin debut along with Cross and Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi.

Sydney Roosters pivot Braith Anasta has missed out on selection despite his good form for the Roosters this year. Anasta has struggled to make the adjustment from Club to Representative football in the past and the selectors have opted to use Greg Bird at five-eighth instead of lock.

Craig Fitzgibbon makes a return to Origin football after a three-year absence.

New South Wales State of Origin Team:

1 Brett Stewart (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
2 Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
3 Mark Gasnier (St George Illawarra Dragons)
4 Matt Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons)
5 Anthony Quinn (Melbourne Storm)
6 Greg Bird (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks)
7 Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos)
8 Brett White (Melbourne Storm)
9 Danny Buderus, captain (Newcastle Knights)
10 Ben Cross (Newcastle Knights)
11 Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm)
12 Willie Mason (Sydney Roosters)
13 Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks)

Subs:
14 Anthony Laffranchi (Gold Coast Titans)
15 Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
16 Craig Fitzgibbon (Sydney Roosters)
17 Ben Hornby (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Coach: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm)

[Retread]

Congrats to Charlie, Thurston and Lillyman on selection for Qld

Maroons Team For Origin One



QRL Chairman John McDonald today announced the XXXX Maroons team to play New South Wales in the opening match of the Harvey Norman State of Origin Series in Sydney.
The Maroons team includes two debutants – Israel Folau (Storm) and Ben Hannant (Broncos).
Cameron Smith is the new captain.
The opening match of series is at ANZ Stadium on May 21.


XXXX Maroons Queensland Team v NSW Blues

1. Billy Slater - Storm
2. Brent Tate - Warriors
3. Greg Inglis - Storm
4. Justin Hodges - Broncos
5. Israel Folau - Storm
6. Karmichael Hunt - Broncos
7. Johnathan Thurston - Cowboys
8. Carl Webb - Cowboys
9. Cameron Smith (c) - Storm
10. Petero Civoniceva - Panthers
11. Michael Crocker - Storm
12. Sam Thaiday - Broncos
13. Dallas Johnson - Storm
14. Peter J Marsh - Broncos
15. Ben Hannant - Broncos
16. Nate Myles - Roosters
17. Jacob Lillyman - Cowboys

[Ged]

Originally Posted by Ged

I'm pretty keen to not see a thurston prince combo. I have a feeling it could go shithouse.

My feeling in early april has been replicated from the selectors. Still lolworthy mf?

[Retread]

HUNT NAMED AS 5/8, SMITH TO CAPTAIN QUEENSLAND
Tuesday 13 May 2008 14:16
by Matthew O'Neill

Brisbane fullback Karmichael Hunt has been named at five-eighth in the absence of captain Darren Lockyer with Australian captain Cam Smith to captain the Maroons for the first time.

The selection of Hunt at five-eighth enables to fit the very inform Billy Slater at fullback, who won the Australian custodian position last week ahead of Hunt and NSW's Brett Stewart. The omission of Scott Prince is bound to create controversy with both Prince and Johnathan Thurston both enjoying plenty of experience in the No.6 position, which would have enabled both players to have slotted nicely into the squad.

Greg Inglis has been selected in the centres and Brent Tate has been named on the wing.

Israel Folau and Ben Hannant will make their State of Origin debuts. Folau has already played two Tests for Australia.

The omission of Prince in the absence of Lockyer is the only controversy and even the selection of PJ Marsh on the bench ahead of Prince after five years out of the Origin arena is also controversial in itself. Marsh these days is only a specialist dummy half and doesn't add much variety to the bench unless Smith is forced off with injury.

Queensland's backline holds the edge, but it remains to be seen if their pack can hold out the Blues forwards with mainstay Steve Price unavailable due to injury. Price has been a tower of strength for Queensland in the last two years and his durability will be sorely missed.

What has Prince ever done wrong except be in form and put the Titans on the Rugby League map?

1. Billy Slater (Melbourne Storm)
2. Brent Tate (New Zealand Warriors)
3. Greg Inglis (Melbourne Storm)
4. Justin Hodges (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Israel Folau (Melbourne Storm)
6. Karmichael Hunt (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
8. Petero Civoniceva (Penrith Panthers)
9. Cam Smith, captain (Melbourne Storm)
10. Carl Webb (North Queensland Cowboys)
11. Michael Crocker (Melbourne Storm)
12. Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Dallas Johnson (Melbourne Storm)

Subs:
14. PJ Marsh (Brisbane Broncos)
15. Ben Hannant (Brisbane Broncos)
16. Nate Myles (Sydney Roosters)
17. Jacob Lillyman (North Queensland Cowboys)

Coach: Mal Meninga

[Retread]

Four named for Queensland

Three players from the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys have been named in the Queensland side for next Wednesday's first State of Origin.
Cowboys Captain Johnathan Thurston, Carl Webb and Jacob Lillyman have all been selected to play for Queensland at ANZ Stadium.
There is a fourth selection from the Club: Cowboys Strength and Conditioning Coach Steve Hooper has been selected as one of the trainers for Queensland for the 2008 Origin Series.
Queensland and New South Wales will do battle on Wednesday 21 May at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Full team:
1 Billy Slater
2 Brent Tate
3 Greg Inglis
4 Justin Hodges
5 Israel Folau
6 Karmichael Hunt
7 Johnathan Thurston
8 Carl Webb
9 Cameron Smith ©
10 Petero Civoniceva
11 Michael Crocker
12 Sam Thaiday
13 Dallas Johnson
14 Peter J Marsh
15 Ben Hannant
16 Nate Myles
17 Jacob Lillyman

[Retread]

Thurston Holds All The Aces



With Glenn Lazarus

PETER Wallace has been playing really well for Brisbane this year and he deserves his opportunity with the Blues.

He’s obviously learnt quite a deal from playing inside Darren Lockyer at the Broncos. Hopefully from a NSW perspective he can play a bit like Locky!

The Blues will need him to because if there is one area we’re outpointed in it is the halves. Wallace is going to have to play a major role if NSW are going to win the opening match next Wednesday.

Picking Wallace also means the Blues have a halfback making his debut. No matter what they say or do to him during the week in the Blues camp, they certainly can’t prepare him for what he’s about to experience.

Origin is just something you have to experience to know what it’s all about. No one can tell you how it’s going to feel or how intense it is.

That’s a worry, but I like the NSW bench which is very strong, especially as Ben Hornby can play fullback, halfback and five-eighth.

The Blues don’t have a genuine front-rower on the bench but that’s probably the sign of the times.

Only a few years ago, you often had three props on the bench so you kept the go-forward going.

But times have changed and obviously Craig Bellamy wants to play it that way by bringing on some workhorses.

They’re all lean, mobile and fast … all things I wasn’t!

***

SCOTT Prince is obviously unlucky after missing Queensland selection. But in saying that, the move obviously allows the Maroons to have both Karmichael Hunt and Billy Slater in the side.

The other big thing is Johnathan Thurston is very good at running the show. If you had the two playmakers there, they may have got in each other’s road a bit.

Thurston will be left to run the show and with a formidable backline, the Queenslanders will be very hard to beat.

NSW supporters will be hoping Wallace and Greg Bird can match, or at least come near, the performances Thurston and Hunt are likely to produce.

If not, Queensland will win on the back of Thurston’s organisational play and kicking game.

Thurston has got a wonderful kicking game and he’ll be able to launch some cross field kicks in the direction of some wonderful jumpers and big tall guys.

It’s going to be a wonderful series but I think Thurston is going to be the Blues’ biggest worry.

[Retread]

Our awesome foursome
© The Cairns Post


Proud moments: Far North stars Dallas Johnson and Nate Myles.

Origin bound: Justin Hodges.

Ambassador: Billy Slater.

THE Far North's reputation as an outstanding rugby league nursery was enhanced yesterday with four of Queensland's 17-man State of Origin team coming from the region.

Billy Slater, Justin Hodges, Dallas Johnson and Nate Myles won selection yesterday to play New South Wales in the opening Origin clash in Sydney next Wednesday.
Innisfail junior Slater’s outstanding form demanded his Queensland recall after he last played for the Maroons in 2005.
Slater, who made his Test debut last week, won the fullback spot ahead of Karmichael Hunt, with The Cairns Post rugby league columnist Greg Dowling saying Slater’s "weight of runs" through the NRL season had forced the selectors’ hands.

Southern suburbs junior Myles, Kangaroos’ Justin Hodges and Herberton’s Johnson retained spots they held in Queensland’s series-winning squads in 2006 and 2007.

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Webb's Origin warning: Blues beware
ANTONY STEWART

A BIT CHILLY ... Cowboys and Queensland enforcer Carl Webb at the Maroons medicals yesterday


COWBOYS and Queensland enforcer Carl Webb says the Maroons are well and truly focused on recreating a State dynasty not seen in almost 20 years.
Not since the great teams of 1987-89 have Queensland thoroughly dominated State of Origin football by claiming three consecutive series over arch-rivals New South Wales.
But after Queensland took out consecutive inter-state battles in 2006 and 2007, they have a chance to become just the third Maroons team to achieve the remarkable feat. And, in a rarity since the three-game series format was created in 1982, Queensland are favourites to do it with the bookmakers.
Prop forward Webb, who was called up to make his 12th Origin appearance yesterday, said the chance to make history would not be lost on him or the rest of the team.
"I am only guessing right now but that will be one of the main focuses in this camp," he said from the Townsville Airport yesterday morning.
"We've had a fair bit of dominance there, now the pressure is on now just to hold it."
The 27-year-old Mount Isa product was selected in a 17-man Queensland squad along with fellow Cowboys, halfback Johnathan Thurston and back-rower Jacob Lillyman.
All three have played at least some part in the past two series and the trio agreed that being a part of three straight triumphs would be a life-long memory.
Richmond product Lillyman said the achievement, if accomplished, would be even sweeter given Queensland rugby league had just about been written off not that long ago.
"A couple of years back people were saying Origin footy was dead because they didn't think Queensland could match it with the Blues," he said.
"Now we have won a couple of series and the shoe is sort of on the other foot.
"I don't know whether Queensland have done it before (won three straight) ... so to be part of something really special would be something I wouldn't forget in a hurry. But I am thinking it will be a very, very torrid encounter this year."
As man regularly described as being `made' for Origin footy, Webb will no doubt be looking to stamp his mark on NSW and help set the platform for the `dynasty' attempt.
And after he made his Test debut for Australia just last week, he reckons he will head into the series feeling as confident as ever.
Webb also expects the series, starting in Sydney on May 21, to be as fiery as ever.
But, for the moment, he won't be adding any fuel to the pre-game fire with any outrageous comments about battering the Blues.
"All I can say is that I have got a job at hand and I will go out and execute it as well as I can – the same frame of mind I take into most games," Webb said.
As expected, Cowboys back-rower Luke O'Donnell was overlooked for NSW selection after only making his return from a hip injury on Saturday night.

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Thurston looking to dominate the Blues
ANTONY STEWART

BE GENTLE WITH ME ... Cowboys and Queensland State of Origin halfback Johnathan Thurston goes through his medical checks as the Maroons gathered in Brisbane yesterday ahead of next week's clash with New South Wales


QUEENSLAND halfback Johnathan Thurston has sent an ominous warning to New South Wales ahead of this year's State of Origin series, declaring `I want to be more dominant'.
While already renowned for his ability to win a game off his own bat, Thurston said the pressure was on him to up his contribution in the absence of Darren Lockyer.
Incumbent captain Lockyer will miss at least the first game of the series in Sydney next week with a knee injury, handing the captaincy to Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith.
However it will also shift Thurston up in the Maroons' leadership ranks, possibly into a vice-captaincy role.
As a halfback the 25-year-old, who has been the Cowboys' skipper since 2007, is hardly unaccustomed to barking orders and leading from the front anyway.
But Thurston believes that in Lockyer's absence he needs to step his dominance levels in Origin football up a few gears.
"It's something I am looking forward to," Thurston said of his leadership challenges before heading to Brisbane yesterday morning.
"With Locky not being there I am going to have to step up and be more dominant and (it's a chance to) be able to see how good you really are.
"With Locky not being there me and Smithy led the Aussie side around fairly well (in last Friday's Test) and Smithy's a great leader so I will look to follow in those footsteps."
Next Wednesday's clash at ANZ Stadium will be the first time in nine Origin appearances for the Maroons that Thurston will not have Lockyer by his side in the halves.
Together they have enjoyed incredible success, guiding the Maroons to two series wins in three attempts and a near faultless record in the Test arena.
But that partnership will be broken when Thurston joins forces with Broncos fullback-cum-five-eighth Karmichael Hunt in Origin I.
His Cowboys and Queensland teammate Carl Webb had no doubt Thurston would rise to the occasion and was confident the Thurston-Hunt partnership would be a success.
"He's shown it in the past, he's been dominant at that level and he knows what it's all about in those big games and I'm sure it'll be no different," he said.
"We have JT and Karmichael Hunt in the halves so there is plenty of experience there and I'm sure they're up to the task."
Another Queensland call-up from the Cowboys, Jacob Lillyman, also said he expected Thurston to relish the added responsibility.
"I wouldn't say he's played second fiddle to Lockyer but Lockyer has probably been a bit more dominant in the past, but it is going to be Johnno's job this year to step up and he's more than capable of doing so," he said.
"He does it week in, week out with the Cowboys and he just thrives on the big occasions."

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Lillyman surprised by Origin selection
ANTONY STEWART

THERE were 17 excited players who headed into Queensland's Origin camp in Brisbane yesterday, but no one sported a grin bigger than Cowboy Jacob Lillyman.
The back-rower had all but resigned himself to missing the opening match of the series after suspension had ruled him out of North Queensland's past two NRL clashes.
So when Cowboys general manager of football Dean Lance told Lillyman the news as he left training on Monday, he said he could barely believe his ears.
"To tell the truth I had sort of given up hope," he said before leaving Townsville.
"I knew not playing the last two games would probably hurt me but, in the end, it's worked out all right.
"I'm thinking they (selectors) have probably stayed pretty loyal which is great for me because I ended up getting a start – I am just really, really happy to be selected."
The 24-year-old Lillyman said it was now up to him to repay the faith on May 21.
"The selectors have shown faith in me and when people show faith in you you don't want to let them down," he said. "I'll be doing everything in my power to not let that happen."
Lillyman has played three Origins for Queensland since making his debut in 2006 and is yet to play in a losing team.
However the Richmond Tigers junior believes he has not played to his full potential in any of his representative appearances to date.
It is something he is desperate to change.
"I would like to, without making too many brash statements, I would like to have maybe a bit more of an impact," Lillyman said.
"It's a massive game and I am over the moon to be a part of it."

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Slater tipped to ruffle Blues
© The Cairns Post

Back at No. 1: Billy Slater prepares for Queensland's team photo during the State of Origin camp yesterday.

QUEENSLAND rugby league captain Cameron Smith believes fullback Billy Slater now possesses the all-round skills and composure under pressure to blitz New South Wales in Wednesday's State of Origin series opener.

Smith, 24, said his Melbourne teammate had developed into the complete package since he was axed after Origin II in 2005.
"He was pretty shattered when he got dropped in 2005," Smith said.
"I guess it played on his mind a little bit in 2006 and last year where he was probably trying to do too much to get back into the rep scene.
"He’s a more all-round player now and he’s got a bit of a cooler head where before he used to try for the big plays and win matches off his own bat.’’
The Innisfail product said he now treasured the Maroons jersey even more after his long road back to the representative arena.
"I think I’ve earned it a little bit more now. I’d only been playing for 18 months in first grade when I was picked last time," he said.
Slater admitted he found it tough coping with the shame of being punted in 2005.
"It’s been three years since I’ve played Origin football so hopefully I’ve learnt a lot out of that and I can take those lessons into this game,’’ he said.

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The extremes of Origin selection
By Martin Gibbes

IT'S interesting to note the different approaches taken by Queensland and New South Wales selectors when choosing State of Origin teams in recent years.
While Queensland have dutifully, and ultimately successfully, stuck by a core of players since 2005, New South Wales have consistently gone to the other extreme.
And with Craig Bellamy taking charge for the first time this year, the Blues have again wielded the axe as they search for a consistent winning formula and their first series victory since 2005.
Nine players are gone from the side that toppled the Maroons 18-4 at Suncorp Stadium in game three last year. Only five players actually remain from the team that lost game one 25-18. Queensland, on the other hand, has retained 10.
The lesson is that repetition breeds consistency. Just look at last year. Queensland took the series 2-1 only using 21 players. NSW, on the other hand, used 31 players.
And with so little usually separating these two teams (the last seven series have either finished 2-1 or 1-1 with a draw thrown in), it's the little things like this that can make the difference.
The Maroons blood their players young and stick with them through thick and thin. The Mal Meninga era is a prime example. Queensland don't make decisions based on one below-standard performance.
In the 28 years of Origin history, there have only been six 3-0 whitewashes, and the last was way back in 2000 when NSW, under Wayne Pearce, were ruthlessly dominant. You have to go back a further five years to find a Queensland 3-0 success, but, interestingly, novice Queensland coach Paul Vautin made only one player change to his squad during that entire series.
The Meninga era began in 2006. NSW have only six players – Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Paul Gallen, Willie Mason, Danny Buderus and Ben Hornby - remaining. Queensland, on the other hand, have 11.
One of the Blues' greatest areas of flux has been the half-five eighth combination. Last year Jarrod Mullen, Brett Kimmorley, Braith Anasta and Greg Bird all played at some stage. In 2006 you could add Andrew Johns and Trent Barrett to the mix.
Like Mullen last year, the Blues have gone with a young, unproven half-back in Peter Wallace for game one. It will be interesting to see how long they stick with the Wallace-Bird combination if game one doesn't go according to plan.
But it's also understandable that Bellamy wants to bring in the players he thinks will adapt best to his style. After all, the Maroons are not only currently favourites, but also have an awesome backline that, even without Darren Lockyer, is potentially one of the strongest to compete at this level.

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Johnathan Thurston thirsts for State of Origin greatness
Dan Koch

COMING from the mouth of anyone but Johnathan Thurston, it would sound ridiculous to suggest he has anything left to prove.
In only five years, Thurston has not just emerged as one of the dominant figures in the game today. Rather, he has established himself as the dominant figure.
From Thurston's perspective, however, next Wednesday night will be the first time he truly has the chance to measure himself against some of the greats of State of Origin.
Game one of this year's series will be the first time the excitement machine from Toowoomba pulls on a Maroons jumper without Lockyer standing next to him.
It will Thurston's chance to be the man who holds the key to the contest in his hands.
For years it was a mantle Wally Lewis carried with distinction. Laurie Daley, Allan Langer, Andrew Johns and Lockyer have been others that opponents knew they must contain to be any hope of staying in the contest.
Now that responsibility falls to Thurston.
The Queensland selectors' stunning omission of Scott Prince means Thurston is the one player in either halves pairing capable of turning the tide in his team's favour.
And he is desperate to prove he is worthy of the title bestowed on those champions who have preceded him.
"Locky isn't always going to be around and I would certainly like to think I can step up in this situation and really take charge of the team and do what is necessary to get us the win," Thurston said.
"It's a big challenge. It's huge actually. He is such a big presence and has been such a key figure in every Origin I have played.
"He's the bloke you turn to when things aren't going so good. He is the one who has been there to put on the match-winning plays.
"The past couple of series he has been the one who has scored the crucial try because he puts himself in the right place at the right time over and over again.
"He leads by example and that's what I want to do."
Thurston got his first taste of life at the top without Lockyer in last Friday night's Centenary Test and succeeded.
"It's a new challenge not having Locky there and I really like to think if there is a challenge in front of me I can step-up to it," Thurston said.
"That is a big test for me.
"It was different without him there last week and it will be the same again for game one here.
"(Queensland coach) Mal (Meninga) and the selectors made it clear they want me to take charge out there, so now it is up to me to get the job done for them." Of course, he had more than a little help that night from a pretty handy support cast, most of whom will again be by his side at ANZ Stadium next week.
On paper the backline of Thurston, Karmichael Hunt, Justin Hodges, Brent Tate, Greg Inglis, Israel Folau and Billy Slater looms as one of the most talented to have played
Origin football.
Thurston will still have Lockyer on hand for advice. The Broncos captain turned up at Queensland training yesterday and spent the session working closely with Meninga.
And Thurston has promised to soak up any advice Lockyer can offer.
"I guess the biggest thing is the way he keeps cool under pressure and takes the right option at the right time," Thurston said.
"It is something I have worked on."
Meanwhile, Prince yesterday spoke of his omission from the Queensland side.
"It's very disappointing," Prince said. "I was quietly confident I would get an opportunity. It still doesn't sit right with me.
"At the end of the day I have to move on and focus all my attention on the Gold Coast."

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North Queensland's Carl Webb.


Webb wants it all
Phil Lutton

Carl Webb wants more.
Being known as an enforcer isn't enough for the barrel-chested North Queensland prop these days. Nor is his reputation as an impact player, best used in withering bursts to inflict maximum damage in minimum time.
Even if the rest of us can't help but reminisce over "that try" in the 2001 Origin series, Webb stopped dining out on that years ago.
Even if the image of Webb - complete with a Maroon "Q" shaved into the side of his head - putting a choke hold on Luke Bailey still evokes emotive memories, the 27-year-old has consigned that to the history books.
Webb is on a new quest for respectability - among his peers, his fans and his critics.
Few NRL players divide opinion like the man suiting up in the Queensland front row next Wednesday night. Opinions on Webb are as diverse as the square inches of colourful ink that ensconce his tree-trunk arms.
To some, he's a pure enigma, brimming with ability but rarely able to tap into a deep well of talent. To others, he's a wrecking ball that can turn a match on a dime.
For those like former Test prop Greg Dowling, the man they call Charlie has promised much and delivered little. That opinion, voiced in a newspaper column earlier in the year, earned Dowling a verbal lashing over the phone from Webb, who says that "99.8 per cent" of the time, the critics don't get under his skin.
But few would gaze on Webb's career with a view that he is a hard-working, consistent campaigner who turns out every week to toil his fingers to the bone.
It's precisely that perception that Webb is hoping to alter, starting at ANZ Stadium next week.
In typical, straight-shooting style, he says it gives him "the *****" that people regard him as a flaky forward whose motor has two speeds - full throttle and idle.
"I think it gives every player the *****. You don't want to be known as that sort of person, as that sort of player at this level," Webb said.
"I'm sure that players like that don't get selected for representative honours. So people can say what they want to say. It doesn't bother me 99.8 per cent of the time.
"I like to prove myself to people like coaches and coaching staff. I want to play good football and I'd like to be known as a consistent player."
Judging by his efforts in 2008, Webb is on the right track to finding the consistency he craves. His signature aggression has never departed, but now it is coupled with a more grinding game - one that was strong enough for Australian selectors to bring him onto the bench for the Centenary Test against New Zealand.
He has played all nine games for the Cowboys this season and leads the side in hit-ups. The runs aren't just for show.
That extra effort has landed him fifth in the NRL in metres gained (1082m), while his average of 50 minutes per game compares favourably with many front-rowers around the league.
Despite the ever-present knockers whispering in the wings, Webb believes the only person he needs to impress is himself. As far as his competitors are concerned, his nomination as the toughest customer in the NRL in a recent Sun-Herald player poll is testament to the respect he commands on the paddock.
"You've got to cop it and move on with it. You get injuries and criticism. You've got the highlights too so with the good comes the bad," Webb said.
"I didn't start the year too well but I've lifted my game and I want to stay on the field all year and mostly prove to myself I can do it."

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Loyal Lillyman loath to leave Cowboys
By Karl deKroo and Dean Ritchie

LOYALTY has delivered Jacob Lillyman another shot at State of Origin glory, but the rugged Cowboys back-rower admits the same trait has left him feeling a little uneasy after deserting his club side in its time of need.
Suspended from the past two rounds of the NRL, Lillyman said he had all but given up on making the Maroons side for Wednesday's Origin opener.
"I guess you are always hopeful of selection but after missing the past few weeks I was probably thinking I'd miss out," Lillyman said.
"But loyalty has always been a big part of what Queensland does and when people show loyalty, they do it because they believe in you.
"When people believe in you then you don't want to let them down and I don't want to let Queensland down."
Lillyman's punishing defence and fearless approach has made him a favourite of coach Mal Meninga, but he admits, as eager as he was to join the Maroons camp, he felt a little guilty fleeing Townsville with the Cowboys in the midst of a three-match losing streak.
"I do feel a bit bad for being in camp to be honest," Lillyman said.
"After being suspended for two weeks I was really looking forward to going out and giving my best for the Cowboys against Manly.
"We still have a really good side and hopefully we can get a win there. We thought we'd turned the corner a bit and then for whatever reason we were really flat against South Sydney and Cronulla."
The club was engulfed with further speculation over the tenure of coach Graham Murray on Monday after a series of large wagers suggested his sacking could be imminent.
Lillyman said he had every faith in Murray and his team to turn the Cowboys' fortunes around.
"I know the coaching staff is doing everything in their power to address things," Lillyman said.
"There are some clever men in charge, so hopefully we can get back on track this weekend."

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Maroons Enjoy Morning Tea



THE Queensland State of Origin team today met an excited group of young cancer survivors and fans in a massive show of support of the Cancer Council Queensland’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea.

After sharing a quick drink and bite to eat, the Queensland players staged a series of fun games with the thrilled group on the grassy surrounds of their Sanctuary Cove base.

For 15-year-old cancer survivor and huge Maroons fan James Oxenford, the morning’s activities made for an unforgettable experience.

James, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999 and has now been in remission for eight years, proudly donned a Maroons cap and mixed with players like Cameron Smith, Justin Hodges and Karmichael Hunt.

Maroons coach Mal Meninga, whose team is preparing for Wednesday night’s opening Origin match in Sydney, threw his support behind the Cancer Council Queensland initiative.

“We’re calling on all Queenslanders and Origin fans to get involved and hold a morning tea to raise funds and awareness of cancer,” Meninga said.

National events manager for the Cancer Council, Hayley Mill, said every bit of support counted in the fight against cancer.

“Community support will go a long way to helping us reach our $1.5 million fundraising target in Queensland,” she said.

“Funds raised from Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea go towards cancer research, patient support and prevention and early detection programs,” she said.

To find out more about hosting your own Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea anytime in May, visit www.biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.

Cancer Council Queensland is an independent, community-based charity and is not government funded. The achievements of Cancer Council Queensland are made possible by the generosity of Queenslanders.

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Blues forwards pack punch, says Webb
By Daniel Pace

QUEENSLAND enforcer Carl Webb expects New South Wales to put everything on the line to try and salvage some lost pride in the State of Origin series opener in Sydney.
The Blues are facing a third consecutive series defeat for the first time since 1989 when Queensland legends Wally Lewis, Allan Langer and Gene Miles helped carry their state to a period of dominance.
NSW have achieved the feat twice in Origin history, from 1992-94 and 2003-05.
"I'm sure New South Wales could field three competitive sides," said Test forward Webb.
"They're always going to put a quality team on the field and I think they've selected a really tough forward pack.
"They've got a lot of inspiration in the fact that they're a couple of series down and I remember when we were at that stage ... and the motivation that created.
"If they're coming in with that sort of mindset they're definitely going to be dangerous, other than the fact they're a quality team.
"It's a pride match for them.
"They're going to come out all guns blazing."
The Blues won last year's "dead rubber" but they haven't won a series since 2005 when champion halfback Andrew Johns called the shots after the Maroons had won the opening game in extra time.
Three years later it's Cronulla pair Greg Bird and Paul Gallen who are expected to bring the aggression and hard-hitting defence to rattle the Maroons.
Despite the inexperience of NSW props Brett White and Ben Cross, who have played just two Origins between them, Webb rates them the most dangerous in the Blues pack.
"Crossy, I've always rated him as a player," Webb said.
"He's got quite a workrate and he's a big man.
"He's got a real straight up and down game and he's very physical.
"Brent White is the same, he'll just keep running at you all day.
"Not to take away from anybody else but they're the guys I'm worried about the most.
"They're going to be a very physical presence on the field and I'm sure it's going to be a great contest."
Asked what qualities debutant Cross brought to the Blues, Melbourne teammate Michael Crocker didn't mince his words.
"A little bit of craziness," said the Maroons back-rower, who played the last of his seven Origins in 2005.
"He's perfect for Origin football.
"You know exactly what you're going to get from him.
"You know he's going to get the ball and run flat out at you and that he'll go flying into tackles trying to clean blokes up.
"I think he'll bring a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to the Blues."