State of Origin 2022: Billy Slater backs Jeremiah Nanai to make Maroons history
David Fifita had played just 22 NRL games when he made his Maroons debut. Now a North Queensland rookie, just 13 games into his career could replace him.
Queensland coach Billy Slater has hailed the brilliance of Jeremiah Nanai and says the Cowboys rookie is in the mix to become the most inexperienced Maroons’ back-row debutant in Origin history.
The Cowboys’ stunning resurgence could lead to an Origin selection bonanza with the Fab Five of Nanai, Heilum Luki, Kyle Feldt, Reuben Cotter and Valentine Holmes in contention for Maroons jumpers for the series opener on June 8.
The ultimate bolter would be Nanai, who can enhance his claims for a Queensland debut with a barnstorming display on Sunday against Wests Tigers at Suncorp — the scene of his hat-trick heroics in the Cowboys’ 38-12 belting of Brisbane in Round 3.
With misfiring Titans star David Fifita (knee) racing the clock for Origin, Slater confirmed teenage sensation Nanai is a genuine consideration for a maiden Maroons jumper after his electric start to the 2022 premiership.
The 19-year-old has seven tries from nine games and has impressed with his cool head, skill and fast feet on the fringes, as evidenced by his quick stepping to score in last week’s 36-16 rout of the Knights.
Cowboys legend Matt Scott had played just 14 NRL games when he made his Queensland debut in 2006, while Fifita was 22 matches into his Broncos career when he was blooded by then Maroons coach Kevin Walters in 2019.
But Nanai, who plays his 14th top-grade game this week against the Tigers, would be Queensland’s most inexperienced back-rower if he gets the nod from Slater for Origin I at Homebush’s Accor Stadium.
“I am watching several Queensland players closely, not only the experienced guys but also some young guys who have jumped out of the ground and are making a noise for themselves,” Slater said.
“The two young back-rowers Nanai and Luki (aged 21) have been a breath of fresh air for Cowboys and Queensland fans.
“In terms of their age ... I believe you are ready when you consistently perform the actions that you want to see in an Origin player.
“Although Jeremiah is only 19 and has played about 13 games, he has been really exciting.
“He has brought some fresh energy to the right-hand side of the Cowboys. He loves chasing kicks and I see that as a great sign of someone wanting to be in the game and in the action.
“You don’t see many back-rowers chasing kicks like Jeremiah does.
“I don’t look at age, I look at actions. That will tell me if someone deserves an opportunity in Origin.
“Just because you are 28, it doesn’t mean you belong in the Origin team.
“I’m not concerned about Jeremiah’s lack of NRL games played.”
Nanai is not the only Cowboy on Slater’s radar.
Feldt debuted last season and is a frontline contender for a wing berth, while incumbent Maroon Holmes is set for a move infield to wear the Queensland No.3 jumper after his sizzling shift to centre at the Cowboys this season.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow impressed in his Maroons debut in last year’s decider, although ‘The Hammer’ is fighting to retain his Origin spot as he makes his way back from injury on the Cowboys bench.
Cotter, meanwhile, has emerged as North Queensland’s ironman and is tailor made for Origin with his workrate, averaging 125 metres per game and amassing 95 tackles in the past fortnight — including 54 against the Eels.
“There is a lot to like about the Cowboys and their improvement is good for Queensland’s Origin stocks,” Slater said.
“I like the fact Reuben Cotter has gone through adversity, he’s had a few knee reconstructions. He is one guy I have enjoyed watching over the past six weeks. He’s a Queenslander and I want our players playing consistent football with the type of physical and mental toughness that Reuben shows.
“Val has done a brilliant job in the centres. His leg speed makes him dangerous and he is playing well in a vibrant team.
“We haven’t had great depth in that centre position in recent years so Val is a real boost for us in that area.”
