Townsville Bulletin

SAM SLAMS DOOR ON ORIGIN

- PETER BADEL

SAM Thaiday is resigned to never playing State of Origin again as the Broncos enforcer prepares for a new role in his NRL swan song season.

After 14 years alternatin­g between the second and front rows, Thaiday will be installed as a starting prop in 2018 following the off- season decimation of the Broncos’ engine- room.

Chief enforcer Adam Blair has joined the Warriors, while rising prop Herman Ese’ese defected to the Knights, leaving Thaiday as the most seasoned option to spearhead Brisbane’s front row.

The 32- year- old’s return to Broncos training last week helped heal the wounds of a turbulent 2017 campaign. Thaiday was axed from the Queensland Origin side, a pain compounded by his omission from the Australian team that won the World Cup last Saturday night.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters insists Thaiday remains in his plans for next season, but with NRL retirement looming, Thaiday is content at the Broncos, convinced his decorated 29game Origin career is over.

“To be honest, the Origin door isn’t shut, but the hinges are a bit rusty,” Thaiday said.

“The door is going to be tough to open.

“If Origin comes it comes. Look, I’d love to play for Queensland again and it’s always an exciting time of the year, so if the opportunit­y comes, I’ll take it with two hands.

“But if not, that’s OK ... I’ll just be enjoying my time with the Broncos in my last season.”

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett would be the beneficiar­y of another Thaiday Origin snub. The Broncos need all the props they can get next season and Thaiday’s 279- game experience will be crucial during the annual representa­tive grind.

 ??  ?? CONTENT: Sam Thaiday is resigned to the likelihood that he has worn the Maroon jersey for the last time.
CONTENT: Sam Thaiday is resigned to the likelihood that he has worn the Maroon jersey for the last time.

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