Maroons plan to get Gal
CANDID Queensland veteran Justin Hodges concedes changes might need to be made to the Maroons team for State of Origin II.
But the wily centre reckons Queensland’s approach will remain the same – target NSW captain Paul Gallen.
Hodges will be one of the first picked for Game Two in Brisbane on June 26 after a standout performance in Queensland’s 14- 6 loss in Sydney.
However, Hodges believes the selectors might face some tough calls as they try to counter a dominant NSW pack – albeit without suspended prop James Tamou.
‘‘Obviously there might be a few changes there. We were a little bit off the pace,’’ Hodges said.
‘‘We are always slow starters in Game One. But that’s up to (coach) Mal (Meninga) and the selectors.’’
Hodges agreed a new-look pack might be required but the same old gameplan would be adopted – get Gallen.
And the Maroons veteran said the Blues hardman was in Queensland’s sights even before he ruffled feathers by punching Nate Myles in Origin I.
‘‘Gal is always a target. He is their best player and the one who gets them forward,’’ he said.
‘‘If you take his spirit away . . . you are almost going to win the game – he’s a big factor for them.’’
Asked about Gallen’s claims that Myles used aggressive tactics including leading with the head in tackles, Hodges said: ‘‘Nate’s got a pretty big head.
‘‘Maybe he just can’t get it out of the way. That’s just the way he tackles, I guess.’’
But Hodges added: ‘‘What happened on the field is between Nate and Gal – we will just have to wait for Origin II, I guess.’’
After David Shillington’s quiet Origin I, Canberra wrecking ball Josh Papalii, recovering Brisbane prop Ben Hannant, Gold Coast giant David Taylor and Sydney Roosters’ Martin Kennedy have been linked to a Game Two call-up.
Hodges said Hannant might be just what the Maroons need for Game Two.
Hodges gave the impression Papalii was more a longterm Origin prospect.
‘‘Whenever he gets his shot, I am sure he will take it.’’