Maroons still on big Sam’s radar
Broncos veteran Sam Thaiday insists his Origin days are not over and has pledged to put pressure on Queensland coach Kevin Walters to revive his Maroons career.
Thaiday will launch what shapes as his final season in the NRL tonight when he captains the Broncos in a trial against the Titans in Toowoomba.
It is Thaiday’s first chance to make an Origin statement to Walters, who has returned to the Broncos this season and will be Brisbane’s caretaker coach at Clive Berghofer Stadium.
Walters made one of the toughest calls of his coaching career last season when he axed the 279-game NRL veteran after the first game of the series, leaving the shattered stalwart just one match shy of Queensland’s iconic 30-match Statesmen’s Club.
The off-contract Thaiday turns 33 in June and in the eyes of many, his illustrious Origin career is over, but the premiership-winning Bronco is determined to force Walters’ hand.
Asked if he had given up on resurrecting his Queensland career, Thaiday said: “There is always a hope.
“That’s all I can do. I can only play well for the Broncos and that’s how I will get selected (for Queensland).
“I have to make them pick me. If I don’t play good footy, I won’t be there and if I do, well ... I give myself a chance.”
Thaiday’s redefined role at the Broncos this season could help his Origin cause. He will start at prop tonight, with Broncos coach Wayne Bennett keen to shift Thaiday from the edges to a middle-forward role, keeping Brisbane tight around the rucks.
The Maroons’ front-row stocks are a concern after the retirement of Nate Myles and the axing of Jacob Lillyman.
Thaiday, able to cover second row and prop, may yet be a handy bench option for Queensland, especially in the event of an injury crisis this season.