We're only a few hours away from the series opener and one of the major talking points in the build-up to this year's series is the change in Kevin Walters. Last year, Walters appeared to be taking part in a popularity contest, saying all the right things without coming across as confident. In fact Kevie appeared frazzled heading into Game I with Smith's shock retirement and the late withdrawel of Billy Slater.
This year Kevie has declared war on the guys down south and it didn't take long for the media to uncover where all this bravado was coming from. Kevie had sought counsel from the man they call the coach whisperer, Bradley Charles Stubbs, a motivational speaker who has worked with Michael Maguire, Michael Cheika, Graham Arnold and Trent Robinson. Stubbs' mantra of 'win, win, win, done, done, done' has been a source of ridicule but it has livened up the promotion of the game that was feeling like a repeat of last years. It was Brad Fittler's Baby Blues taking on a Queensland side learning to live without having a team of immortals. It wasn't thrilling so to see Kev come out and make a bold declaration has put everyone on alert.
The changes didn't stop there. A lot of those past immortals have now made their way into the coaching squad with Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston and Justin Hodges all assuming roles as assistants. Queensland also left their base at Sanctuary Cove and moved to the W Brisbane Luxury Hotel in the heart of the CBD. They've trained predominately at the Souths Logan Magpies home ground at Davies Park and have made a point of honouring the history of QRL.
This year's jersey was inspired by the 1919 Queensland side and during the Captain's Run they wore a special print of the jersey.
1919 Queensland
2019 Queensland
The Maroons specifically learned about Duncan Thompson and his story about serving in both World War 1 and World War 2 and his playing career where he played for Ipswich, Wests Newcastle, North Sydney and Toowoomba.
Former Queensland Captain and lovable pest Allan Langer had his statue unveiled ahead of Game I.
Alfie paid tribute to his 'biggest supporter' his late father, Harry Langer. Alf threw his support behind Queensland Captain Daly Cherry-Evans and the new faces in the squad.
Finally coach Kevin Walters made no secret about his plans for tonight's clash. It was all about that left-hand side combination, particularly Kalyn Ponga.
Ponga holds the key for the Maroons and if he's able to replicate the form he has shown at Newcastle in the Origin arena, he will give Queensland every chance.
We're less than five hours away, let the games begin.
