Queensland selectors to earn their money - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Queensland selectors to earn their money

By Wayne Heming 04/07/2009 11:12:51 AM Comments (0)

After two of the quickest selection meetings in Origin history Queensland selectors will earn their money picking the side for the third game.

Chairman Des Morris and co-selectors Gene Miles and Alan Smith have had more trouble deciding what to have in their sandwiches than who'll wear the Maroon jumper for the first two games with Queensland's team virtually picking itself both times.

But with injuries to props Petero Civoniceva (toe) and Ben Hannant and to winger Israel Folau (ankle) they'll actually have to compare notes next Tuesday and make some decisions before finalising the 17-man squad charged with closing off a history-making season with Queensland's first 3-0 whitewash since 1995.

Civoniceva and Hannant are both out of the equation while scans over the weekend on Folau's injured right ankle are expected to confirm his unavailability.

The front-row alternatives, once a major concern for Queensland, are well covered with North Queensland pair Matt Scott and Carl Webb, who have both played Origin, Canberra giant David Shillington, Dragons enforcer Neville Costigan and even Brisbane's Dave Taylor who threw his name in the hat with a cracking game against the Warriors on Friday night, all in the running.

"Dave's been discussed at several meetings and obviously he was in our emerging squad so he is under consideration along with several other players," said Morris.

With Justin Hodges back in action and firing instantly, Folau's injury could be covered by moving Willie Tonga, who played well in the centres in Origin II, onto the wing.

"We'll have a look this weekend and see who performs and who doesn't but we've got several options," Morris told AAP.

Morris said a clean sweep was important to the players with an Australian touring team to be picked at the end of the season.

"Obviously a clean sweep would make it a bit more euphoric for these blokes and put the icing on the series," he said.

"It would also help our blokes when they pick an Australian team at the end of the season.

Australia had an all-Queensland backline in its last Test for the first time in 85 years and a 3-0 scoreline would make it difficult for NSW to break up that Maroon domination.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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