Hess is Kev’s Origin answer
MAROONS coach Kevin Walters will preside over the biggest shake- up of Queensland’s pack in a decade, revealing plans to blood Cowboys duo Coen Hess and Ethan Lowe in this year’s State of Origin series.
Walters told News Corp Australia he will seek a meeting with Cowboys coach Paul Green to outline why Hess, the rookie 114kg wrecking ball, can handle an Origin debut.
And in another selection shock, the Maroons mentor is eyeing off Hess’s Cowboys colleague Lowe to fill the Queensland No. 13 void left by retired warhorse Corey Parker.
Green has appealed to the Queensland hierarchy to wait at least another 12 months before picking the 20- year- old Hess, who has played just 13 NRL games.
But Walters is keen to inject fresh blood into an ageing Maroons pack this season and estimates there are potentially five jumpers up for grabs – one set to be claimed by Hess.
Commentating for Fox Sports on Saturday night, Walters watched Hess destroy the Titans with a two- try rampage.
Asked yesterday if the Cowboys young gun is in line for an Origin debut this season, Walters was unequivocal.
“Yep, Coen is definitely on the list,” Walters said.
“I know ‘ Greeny’ is a bit concerned about ( Hess) not being ready and I respect that, so I’ll sit down and have some conversations with him. He knows Coen better than anyone.
“Coen is a big bugger and he’s hard to handle.
“If he continues to play the way he is, he is putting himself up for selection.”
Several spots in the Maroons’ pack are up for grabs with Nate Myles, Jacob Lillyman and Aidan Guerra under pressure to perform.
“I’ve also been impressed by Ethan Lowe playing in the No. 13 jumper,” Walters said.
“If you’re picked for Queensland, you have to own the jumper and those two guys ( Hess and Lowe) have the ability to do that.”
Veteran Maroons backrower Sam Thaiday insists Hess is ready for Origin.
“Why not? I was young,” said Thaiday, who debuted for the Broncos at 18.
“He’s been playing fantastic footy.
“We’re going to have to start blooding some young forwards – we’ve got an ageing pack in that Queensland team.
“He will be a great addition to that team. If they want to select him, I’m sure he will stand up and really do a job for Queensland.” some