WALTERS: THIS IS WAR Queensland coach fires first salvo ahead of critical Origin campaign

Campagnolo creates his opportunity

RUGBY LEAGUE A PUMPED-UP Kevin Walters has lit the fuse for an explosive Origin series by declaring, “This is war” and insisting, “We will win Game One” in an extraordinary salvo at NSW and his rival coach Brad Fittler.

Walters had to fight back tears yesterday as the emotion-charged Queensland coach set the scene for a spicy 2019 campaign by rubbishing suggestions the Blues will canter to a second consecutive series win.

In a passionate opening-day call-to-arms to launch Queensland’s series, Walters sent a powerful message to his Maroons stars with the most animated press conference of his coaching career.

As revealed by the Cairns Post, the Maroons named three debutants – Moses Mbye, Joe Ofahengaue and David Fifita – and Walters has drawn the battlelines in a fresh feud for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.

“I’m ready, we are ready – this is war,” Walters said.

“This Queensland team is going to be so well prepared for this match.”

There was a feeling Walters was a bit flat before Origin I last year and his body language was detected at the time by Queensland Rugby League chiefs who held internal discussions.

But yesterday, the Queensland coach left no doubts about his commitment to the Queensland cause and his determination to instil faith in his new wave of Maroons stars.

This is a critical series for Walters, who is off-contract at the end of 2020.

A veteran of 20 Origin matches himself, Walters kicked off his Queensland coaching career with two consecutive series wins, but the Maroons dynasty came crashing down last year when NSW won 2-1.

Walters scoffed at suggestions NSW will storm the Suncorp fortress in Game One.

“We’ve picked a great side, I’m really excited about the team we have picked,” he said.

“They will show everyone how good they are at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.”

Picture: ALIX SWEENEY www.cairnspost.com.au NORTHERN Pride staff may have another key weapon in their arsenal after Jack Campagnolo’s head-turning stint at dummyhalf in the side’s history-making Queensland Cup loss on Saturday. Campagnolo was moved to a utility role off the bench after Cowboys-contracted centre Enari Tuala made his return from injury in the Pride’s 30-14 loss to Tweed. The Tully Tigers product’s injection almost proved a masterstroke for a side desperate to break its losing streak. It was the kind of performance that made coach Ty Williams sit up and take notice. “I thought when young Campagnolo came on, it changed the game,” Williams said. Williams will today name his team who will travel to Langlands Park to face Easts Tigers as they look to avoid a 10th straight loss. He is expected to make at least one change to the side which fell at Vico Oval last week, with one of Cowboys duo Tuala and Javid Bowen expected to be recalled to the NRL side to cover for Justin O’Neill, who suffered a ruptured spleen in the win against Canberra. Halfback Jake Clifford may also be recalled for the Cowboys with North Queensland captain Michael Morgan away for Origin. MORE LEAGUE ON PAGE 36 TAKE THE CHANCE: Cairns rep player Jack Campagnolo showed he could spark Northern Pride’s attack in the side’s loss to Tweed.