HESS IS BEST

Napa inspires young bolter to do even more in Origin III

MAROONS bolter Coen Hess is riding high on confidence and will use Queensland hit-man Dylan Napa’s Origin II domination as inspiration for the decider.

Hess ran for a game-high 220m in North Queensland’s thrilling 14-12 win against Penrith on Saturday, less than 72 hours after his State of Origin debut.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his controversial Queensland selection, the 20-year-old Cowboys sensation said he would be better prepared for Game Three at Suncorp Stadium on July 12 having had a taste of the Origin arena. “I’ve had a bit of a feel of the game now,” Hess told the Cairns Post.

“I know how fast it is. I know all the plays and shapes now.

“I will be going into the camp a lot more confident. It’s all about confidence. The more you play the better you go.

“I thought I did everything I was asked to do.

“I would have liked to have had a bit more of an impact but I think I went out there and did the job Kevvie (coach Kevin Walters) wanted me to do.

“If I was lucky enough to get picked in Game Three I reckon I will be a lot more confident and know what to expect.” Hess doesn’t have to look far for inspiration.

Fiery red-head prop Napa had a mediocre Origin debut in Game One but exploded with a game-changing performance at ANZ Stadium.

Napa was instrumental in swinging momentum Queensland’s way with his hard-running and brutal defence in the second half.

Hess wasn’t injected into the game until midway through the second half but that short stint could do wonders for him in the decider.

“Naps would have felt a lot more confident in that second game having been in the system and knowing the plays,” Hess said.

“He was one of our better players. He took a lot of hard carries. He really had a big impact on the game.

“He’s a guy that I definitely look up to. Going forward, that’s the kind of impact I want to have on the game.”

Cowboys coach Paul Green warned Maroons selectors to tread carefully with Hess, who was selected after playing just 22 NRL games.

The Maroons couldn’t resist blooding him following his 10 tries to start the season and he was serviceable off the bench with three runs and 15 tackles.

Walters placed the youngster on a media ban in the leadup to the must-win clash and Hess said he benefitted from the low-key build-up.

“It was good, I didn’t have to worry about too much,” he said.

“Kevvie just really wanted me to focus on my job and make sure I had a good week and enjoyed it all. I didn’t have too many outside noises or pressure or anything like that.

“I was actually surprised with how calm I was. I thought I’d be very nervous but with that calibre of players around me it calmed my nerves.

“Kevvie stressed throughout the week that I didn’t have to do anything outside of my normal game that I play for the Cowboys.

“I felt confident and the nerves were really good.”