Ignatius Park top of Maroons class
VALENTINE Holmes, Coen Hess and I have all been part of Confraternity Shield winning teams for Ignatius Park. Now we’re Queensland teammates.
It’s a bit surreal to think three guys from the same Townsville school will be wearing maroon on the game’s biggest stage on Wednesday as we try to keep the series alive in Sydney.
Valentine and Hessy are a couple of years younger than me but I remember one day after training I watched them beat St Brendan’s Yeppoon in the Confraternity Shield final.
Hessy was always bigger than the other kids and maybe not as chilled out as he is now, but he’s always had that really good backrower’s frame, wide shoulders and tall and skilful with a good offload.
And Valentine has always been blessed with natural speed which has helped him develop into one of the best young players in the game.
Hessy signed with the Cowboys basically straight out of school and Val took a different path at Cronulla, but they’ve both made it to the top.
The Cowboys contingent in Origin camp will get together on Saturday night to watch our clash with Melbourne.
We’ve spiced things up with the Storm boys by having a bet where the loser will have to buy brekkie the next day.
It’s a shame so many players are unavailable for both sides due to Origin duty but I’m confident the players that come in will get the job done.
I’m especially happy to see young half Kyle Laybutt get his opportunity after a false start or two previously this year.
The fact myself and JT aren’t there will probably help him have the confidence to take ownership of the side like he does with the Townsville Blackhawks. He doesn’t have to worry about second guessing himself or overcalling a more experienced player. If he sees an opportunity he can demand the ball, and that’s when he plays his best footy.
As far as Origin is concerned, having to win on enemy soil to keep the series alive is something I haven’t experienced in my career.
We have to win, but we don’t want that to overtake our thoughts or our preparation and what we have to do to turn the tables on the Blues.