Granty
22-05-2006, 12:59 AM
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19212300-5003409,00.html
Maroons' talent runs deep
Steve Ricketts
May 22, 2006
QUEENSLAND skipper Darren Lockyer believes Queensland has the depth of talent to be a force in State of Origin rugby league whatever the result of Wednesday night's 2006 series opener against NSW at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
Lockyer admitted yesterday to concerns about the quality of the 2006 side after Mick Crocker, Billy Slater, Ben Ross, Matt Sing and Paul Bowman were ruled out through suspension, injury or retirement.
"I thought if another couple of players went down we could be in trouble," Lockyer said. "And even now if we get a couple of injuries our depth could be tested.
"But I think our depth now is a lot better than it was a couple of years ago and that's probably indicated by the team we can field this week.
"At the start of the year I probably wouldn't have predicted Sam Thaiday would play Origin but we all know what he's been doing off the bench for the Broncos and it would be good to have Sammy doing the same stuff for Queensland."
When Lockyer made his debut for Queensland at fullback in 1998 the Queensland team contained 12 internationals and went on to win the series 2-1.
This Queensland team has seven internationals compared with 14 in the NSW side but Lockyer does not think the Maroons will be overawed.
"The first things that jumped out at me when I saw the make-up of the side were the combinations," he said.
"Matty Bowen and Johnathan Thurston obviously have a great understanding from the Cowboys and Justin Hodges and I know each other's games from the Broncos.
"I like the balance of the pack as well as having a couple of workhorses in David Stagg and Dallas Johnson and someone like Carl Webb who can make an impact off the bench. Staggy has worked the house down and he's deserved his spot."
Lockyer also was impressed by teenage winger Greg Inglis.
"He's exciting and for his age he shows a lot of maturity on the field," Lockyer said. "He doesn't make mistakes, he's strong and he can handle whatever they throw his way.
"It's a very talented backline when you think about blokes like Greg, Matty Bowen and JT (Thurston)."
Maroons' talent runs deep
Steve Ricketts
May 22, 2006
QUEENSLAND skipper Darren Lockyer believes Queensland has the depth of talent to be a force in State of Origin rugby league whatever the result of Wednesday night's 2006 series opener against NSW at Sydney's Telstra Stadium.
Lockyer admitted yesterday to concerns about the quality of the 2006 side after Mick Crocker, Billy Slater, Ben Ross, Matt Sing and Paul Bowman were ruled out through suspension, injury or retirement.
"I thought if another couple of players went down we could be in trouble," Lockyer said. "And even now if we get a couple of injuries our depth could be tested.
"But I think our depth now is a lot better than it was a couple of years ago and that's probably indicated by the team we can field this week.
"At the start of the year I probably wouldn't have predicted Sam Thaiday would play Origin but we all know what he's been doing off the bench for the Broncos and it would be good to have Sammy doing the same stuff for Queensland."
When Lockyer made his debut for Queensland at fullback in 1998 the Queensland team contained 12 internationals and went on to win the series 2-1.
This Queensland team has seven internationals compared with 14 in the NSW side but Lockyer does not think the Maroons will be overawed.
"The first things that jumped out at me when I saw the make-up of the side were the combinations," he said.
"Matty Bowen and Johnathan Thurston obviously have a great understanding from the Cowboys and Justin Hodges and I know each other's games from the Broncos.
"I like the balance of the pack as well as having a couple of workhorses in David Stagg and Dallas Johnson and someone like Carl Webb who can make an impact off the bench. Staggy has worked the house down and he's deserved his spot."
Lockyer also was impressed by teenage winger Greg Inglis.
"He's exciting and for his age he shows a lot of maturity on the field," Lockyer said. "He doesn't make mistakes, he's strong and he can handle whatever they throw his way.
"It's a very talented backline when you think about blokes like Greg, Matty Bowen and JT (Thurston)."