Keebra kids in the mix
From Keebra Park to Origin mix for rising NRL teens
BRONCOS teen freak David Fifita will rocket into the frame for a shock State of Origin debut with a blockbusting performance against the Roosters tonight at Suncorp Stadium.
Queensland selector Darren Lockyer confirmed the 19year-old has been discussed as a bench bolter as the Maroons explore their interchange options following an injury marred build-up to Origin I at Suncorp Stadium on June 5.
With 19-year-old Payne Haas in the sights of Blues coach Brad Fittler, it could deliver a remarkable rise for the Keebra Park pair.
Incumbent Queensland halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (ankle) is racing the clock, while the loss of hookers Andrew McCullough (knee) and Jake Friend (biceps) has forced Queensland to consider their utility options if Ben Hunt wears the No.9 jumper.
That brings Fifita into the equation. The rookie backrower has played just 20 NRL games, but Maroons powerbrokers believe Fifita’s powerful running and 107kg frame would be a handy weapon off the interchange bench.
The former Australian Schoolboys sensation scored a try in Brisbane’s 26-10 defeat of the Manly Sea Eagles last round and will move a step closer to a maiden Maroons jersey if he fires against the star-studded Chooks.
“David Fifita is in the mix,” Lockyer said. “The utility position is one area we need to have a close look at.
“As a selection panel, Queensland like the utility player to be able to cover the back row or the centres and a guy like David Fifita can do that.
“He has speed and size and is playing some good football.”
Former Queensland lock Billy Moore believes Fifita, the first NRL player born in the 2000s to break into first grade, would relish a Maroons debut.
“Fifita will play Origin one day and it’s not beyond him this year,” Moore said.
“I regard David Fifita as a combination of Gorden Tallis and Justin Hodges.
“He has the power and brutality of Tallis with the athletic ability of a powerful outside back like Hodges.
“It’s only a matter of time before he’s a genuine superstar in the NRL and Origin arenas.”
In preseason Fifita said: “My next goal is to put that Maroons jersey on ... hopefully the opportunity will come.”
Meanwhile Haas, despite being in the Blues’ mix, will not eat or drink from dawn to sunset during Ramadan, which he started on May 5.
With only a small amount of food in his belly and a sip of water or Powerade before tonight’s 7.50pm kick-off, Haas will tackle the Roosters during the gruelling religious period.