‘Bring it on’: Maroons forwards reject underdog tag
QUEENSLAND’S young gun forwards have hit back at suggestions they are in line for an Origin mauling and insist they can stand up to the all-star Blues pack in Adelaide next week.
The Maroons are set to blood five new forwards at Adelaide Oval next Wednesday as part of nine Queensland debutants.
Melbourne premiership-winner Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Souths hitman Jaydn Su’A, Titans workhorse Moeaki Fotuaika and Roosters giant Lindsay Collins will join hooker Jake Friend as Queensland’s fresh faces in the forwards.
They will be tasked with shutting down the likes of NSW stars Payne Haas, Jake Trbojevic and Tyson Frizell as the Blues gun for a third straight series win.
The Maroons will head into the series as rank underdogs, but Collins refused to accept Queensland was the outsider and couldn’t match the Blues.
“I haven’t given it much thought about us being underdogs,” he said.
“We’ve got a solid squad here with lots of talent and hard workers. I don’t buy into the underdog mentality. It’s anyone’s game.
“It’s definitely a dream to represent the state. I haven’t got there yet so I won’t count my chickens, but I’m excited and keen to rip in at training.”
The Queensland team to run out under coach Wayne Bennett is expected to be one of the least experienced in Origin’s 40-year history.
But the majority of the players, in particular the debutants, are coming into the series on the back of strong NRL club form.
Su’A, 23, has been a revelation in the back-row for the Rabbitohs this year and said he was ready to take the next step.
“I’ve been an underdog at Souths all year,” he said.
“Hopefully I can get the opportunity to run out with these boys and show people what we’re all about as a forward pack.
“I can’t wait to run out alongside some of these young guys and I can’t wait to play alongside Josh Papalii too.”
With 15 Origin appearances, Papalii will be Queensland's most experienced player.