New boys set to do us proud

NO Johnathan Thurston. No Cameron Smith. No Cooper Cronk. No Billy Slater. No hope. At least that is the opinion of bookmakers and anyone south of the border.

Queensland had prepared to go into this year’s State of Origin series without Thurston, Smith and Cronk after they announced their withdrawals from representative footy.

Thurston and Cronk did so last year, and although Smith left it until this season there was plenty of time for Queensland to come up with a plan to cover their losses.

However, Slater’s late withdrawal from tonight’s 2018 series opener because of injury, severely disrupted preparations.

This was compounded yesterday when Dane Gagai was ruled doubtful after suffering a hand injury.

The tension eased slightly last night when it was decided he would be fit to play tonight.

The already weakened Queensland side found itself in more trouble with these late disruptions, forcing several team changes at the 11th hour.

As Queenslanders though, we know not to panic.

We have found ourselves in a backs- tothe- wall situation plenty of times before.

On almost every occasion the famous Queensland spirit has seen us rise to overcome the challenge.

As former premier Anna Bligh once famously said: “We are Queenslanders; we’re the people that they breed tough north of the border. We’re the ones that they knock down and we get up again.”

The predicament Queensland finds itself in sets the stage for another victory of epic proportions, which would add to the state’s incredible Origin folklore.

Without Thurston, Smith, Cronk and Slater the door has been opened for another breed of Origin heroes to make their mark on rugby league’s toughest arena. Be afraid, New South Wales. Go Queensland!