QLD Maroons 2024

[ALX25]

In pictures: Final session in Queensland before Game II

The Queensland Maroons have completed their final session at the Gold Coast ahead of heading to Melbourne for State of Origin Game II. Photos: Scott Davis/QRL

www.qrl.com.au

 

[ALX25]

Is Cobbo injured?

Looked fine at Broncos training. Apparent personal issue the likely main reason.

 

[ALX25]

In pictures: Captain's run ahead of Game II

The final preparations for State of Origin Game II in Melbourne are done after Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater ran his side - Queensland's side - through captain's run at the MCG. Photos: Erick Lucero/QRL

www.qrl.com.au

 

[ALX25]

That first half is up there with our states worst performances.

 

[Big Pete]

New South Wales 38 def. Queensland 18 (Jeremiah Nanai, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi tries; Valentine Holmes 3/3 goals)

1-1

The Maroons were blown completely blown off the park as the Blues laid on 34 points in a scintellating half of football.

From a Maroons perspective, the signs were there early. Hunt's service out of dummy half was clunky and the kicking game from both him and Cherry-Evans failed to apply any pressure. Meanwhile Moses had the ball on a string by comparison and the Blues were able to earn that early ascendency.

Once Martin burst through that gap between Dearden and Su'A you got the sense it was going to be a long night.

As expected possession swung at half-time, but the Blues were always in firm control. It appeared they valued big hits moreso than scoring points and they were able to coast on their 34 point lead to finish with that scoreline.

It'll be interesting to see what happens in the wash-up. The Maroons were out-played in every facet and the only time they looked likely was when they played towards or off the back of the Hammer. Walsh by comparison looked very rusty and struggled to get himself into the game.

I'd expect to see some calls for Fifita but will it stop there?

 

[ALX25]

Need to find some mongrel from somewhere.

 

[Big Pete]

Need to find some mongrel from somewhere.

Arrow shapes as their only option, if his shoulder is right.

Otherwise without Flegler, Gilbert & Fa'asuamaleaui the cupboard is pretty bare.

 

[some11]

Need to find some mongrel from somewhere.

Depth stinks this year

 

[ALX25]

Depth stinks this year

Forwards/Hooker Depth
Jensen
Walters
Piakura
Mahoney
Mann
Horsburgh
Kerr
Plath
Fermor
D.Fifita
Lawton
Welch
Loiero
Luki
Hopgood*
Arrow
F.Molo

 

[ALX25]

Maroons centre Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is unlikely to be available for the Dolphins on Sunday and in doubt for Game Three after suffering an AC shoulder injury on Wednesday.

See: https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/01/01/nrl-casualty-ward-latest-injury-news-return-dates-and-details/

 

[ALX25]

Injury Update: J'maine Hopgood

The Parramatta Eels can provide the following update on J'maine Hopgood.

www.parraeels.com.au

 

[ALX25]

Injury Update: Hammer cleared for Origin III

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow will be fit for the Origin decider in Brisbane after scans revealed a minor AC joint injury.

www.dolphinsnrl.com.au

 

[Rising from the Ashes]

Slater needs to put whatever it is he has against Fifita and pick his best edge backrower.. I'd actually do wholesale changes.

- Drop Walsh put Hammer at fullback, Walsh isn't up to it imo
- Drop Holmes for Gagai to sure up the defence and Cobbo on the other centre
- Drop Deardon, he offers nothing and bring in Ezra
- Drop Su'A for David Fifita
- Drop Gapewell and Kafusi old legs that offer northing

 

[MRN]

Coates looks gone. Maybe Cobbo in at centre and push Holmes out to wing. Gagai in the convo I suppose, especially if they look to play Cobbo off the bench again.

 

[MRN]

Forwards/Hooker Depth
Mahoney

I know Billy won't drop Grant, because he has the potential for big play but his form has been dog shit. Even in Game 1. And Mahoney would bring some niggle and pest to our game that just might get under some opposition skin.

 

[ALX25]

Arrow shapes as their only option, if his shoulder is right.

Otherwise without Flegler, Gilbert & Fa'asuamaleaui the cupboard is pretty bare.

Arrow confirmed out now as well if this is correct.

See: https://www.zerotackle.com/three-nrl-players-ruled-out-for-the-season-211914/

 

[isaiah]

Cobbo on a wing, not centre. Only if he is over his mental distress or whatever. Otherwise, would love to see pure speed on a wing, from the titans.

 

[ALX25]

Ponga, Brimson named to return in boost for Maroons

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has emerged as a shock Maroons selection option for the July 17 Origin decider after being among a host of big names set to return this weekend.

www.nrl.com

 

[Woody90]

Ponga, Brimson named to return in boost for Maroons

Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga has emerged as a shock Maroons selection option for the July 17 Origin decider after being among a host of big names set to return this weekend.

www.nrl.com

Surely Slater wouldn’t pick him.

As a Knights fan I hope not anyway.

 

[MRN]

Surely Slater wouldn’t pick him.

As a Knights fan I hope not anyway.

I think if he's fit, he needs to be there. I honestly believe that before he got hurt, Slater was going to play him off the bench instead of Cobbo. With Cobbo most likely going straight to run on, I could see him going with that plan.