1-13 was as expected. Before the season started, Chambers would had to have been considered a long shot of retaining his spot but after the retirement of GI, the Maroons were left with little option. I don't think it bodes well for the Maroons, but beggers can't be choosers.
The bench is interesting. Mbye is the biggest head-scratcher considering how inconsistent he's been this year for the Tigers. I just imagine the Maroons were desperate for a utility and Mbye has been a part of the set-up for so long, they figured it was now or never for him. Personally, I would have gone with Granville 9, Hunt 14 but even that's far from ideal. I've also seen Milford touted as a possible utility but for mine he's a 6 or not in the side.
After the injury to Welch, Ofahengaue was the next cab off the rank. I think it's a good reward for Big Joe O who was on the outer at Brisbane in 2017 but got his career back on track and found himself with a Queensland jersey. I read a lot into his Player's Player award at the Broncos Presentations last year and thought it was a real testament to the quality of football he was playing. His early exit in the 2018 finals was a sure sign the Broncos were in for a long afternoon.
It feels like David Fifita has been lost in all the hype surrounding Payne Haas, but I can't get over how well he's playing for somebody his age. He's fallen victim to playing behind two edge forwards who are highly regarded at the club, but there's been a few moments through out the season to show he can handle himself at the highest levels. His 20 minute stint against the Roosters in particular had to come under serious consideration and I thought that performance sealed his spot. It's a fairly incredible feat to play Under 18s Origin one year than the real thing the next. Fifita is going to have a long career at Origin and it's going to be fun watching him go up against Haas.
While all the surprises and noteworthiness is on the bench, make no mistake about it, the spine will hold the key for the Maroons. Ponga, Munster, Cherry-Evans and Hunt, the Maroons have had better but there's plenty of talent among that lot.
