Gus Gould takes aim at Queensland forwards suggests the cupboards are bare particularly in the front row suggesting the future looks bleak.
I think its nothing new for Queensland the depth in the forwards has struggled at times to match NSW. These things go in stages. The dominance of NSW from 90 – 96 was in the forward pack. Queensland couldn’t compete with NSW in terms of strength, power, and mobility.
Gould suggested on his Podcast the Cowboys are the only QLD team doing development. He has accused Wayne Bennett scrapping development and more focused on a quick fix for a premiership, and the Titans have been slack in development as well.
There is part of his article the whole article is in the link.
"Queensland's unprecedented success can be put down to the extraordinary talents of a group of champion footballers, not restricted to, but certainly dominated by the likes of Smith, Thurston, Cronk, Slater, Greg Inglis, Corey Parker, Matt Scott, Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday.
The problem is that Queensland soon faces the very real possibility of none of these players being available for Origin football, as early as next year.
They have all done their duty. Nothing lasts forever. Even if they lose this year’s series, nothing can ever diminish their wonderful achievements.
However, I believe they have all had their time. This should be the last series for all of them.
The big question is, who takes their place?
What will State of Origin look like in season 2018 when all these great Queenslanders are gone?
As I scan down the list of players eligible for Queensland selection, names like Darius Boyd, Dane Gagai, Ben Hunt, Andrew McCulloch, Anthony Milford, Tautau Moga, Corey Oates, Valentine Holmes, Ricky Leutele, Ashley Taylor, Daly Cherry-Evans, Cameron Munster, Jake Granville, Michael Morgan, Corey Norman, Will Chambers, Jake Friend, Chris Grevsmuhl, Matt Gillett, Josh Maguire, Dylan Napa, Coen Hess and Josh Papalii, all stand out as being a part of Queensland’s Origin future.
It’s a highly talented group, but where are the future front row forwards? In fact, other than the hooker position, there is nowhere near enough depth in all the forward positions. Especially when we see that the forward pack for the NSW team will be their strength for the next few years.
In summary then…
I don’t think the experienced Queensland legends still playing now can carry this Queensland team to victory in 2017. They might. They are great players, but I highly doubt they will. I think this NSW team is too good for them.
I don't think any of these great players should be expected to go around in Origin football again next season. They have served their time. Queensland needs to move on.
My major point is that Queensland needs to get very busy developing its representative forward packs of the future. I see real problems for the Maroons in this area.
Who is responsible for this project?
The future of Origin football may depend on it."
Read more at
http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/06/07/...am-about-enter-world-pain#bsRVPl9kIBWuptDk.99
