Queenslanders can’t escape threat of the axe
MAROONS hierarchy have warned Queensland stars that heads could roll if they crash to a humiliating 3-0 series defeat in Origin III.
Queensland selector Darren Lockyer said Origin jumpers were on the line tomorrow night as the Maroons fight to avert their first Blue-rinse in 18 years. History shows Origin series sweeps lead to carnage at the selection table.
The last time Queensland lost 3-0 – in 2000 – the Maroons swept a broom through their setup, sacking 12 players, plus coach Mark Murray, whose successor Wayne Bennett presided over a new era the following season.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has overseen a regeneration of the side over the past 12 months and shown he was not afraid to wield the axe in the pursuit of success.
As many as 10 Queensland players are playing for their futures tomorrow night, including Will Chambers, Corey Oates, Daly Cherry-Evans, Andrew McCullough, Gavin Cooper, Felise Kaufusi, Jarrod Wallace, Coen Hess, Ben Hunt and Tim Glasby.
Lockyer, a survivor of the 2000 squad that was embarrassed by the Blues, says performances tomorrow night will be remembered next season.
“It’s important the Queensland players realise they are playing for their spots,” he said.
“I know the next series is 12 months away but what you do with the jersey always resonates with the coach. Some guys will want to show pride in their performance (in Origin III) not only for their families but for their positions in the team as well.”