NRL
15 hours ago
Corey Parker names his Queensland Game I squad
By Charles Goodsir
The NRL competition heads to Brisbane for Magic Round but for many players, it’s their final audition for State of Origin ahead of selection announcements on Monday morning.
SEN’s Corey Parker, who played 19 State of Origin matches for Queensland, has selected his team including a six player bench and three reserve players.
“I know that I am going to cop a lot of heat for this list,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“You have to remember that we did win the series last year.”
Corey Parker’s Queensland Game I Squad
- Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins)
- Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
- Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane Broncos)
- Valentine Holmes (St George Illawarra Dragons)
“I can hear people screaming at me already. Valentine hasn’t had the strongest start to the year. He’s been playing in the centres (for the Dragons) but I think he’s a winger.”
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
- Tanah Boyd (The Warriors)
“He’ll get the start at halfback because Queensland have enough class. They need someone to execute a game plan and play a role.
“Kick the ball well and make his tackles.”
- Reuben Cotter (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)
“He needs to rip and tear. Plain and simple.”
- Heilum Luki (North Queensland Cowboys)
“I’ve got Luki on debut in the back row. I think he’s been terrific.”
- Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (The Dolphins)
“The form back-rower of the competition.”
- Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos)
Interchange
- Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
“You can use him wherever you want.”
- Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters)
- Kobe Hetherington (Manly Sea Eagles)
“He’s doing wonderful things for Manly. He is tailor-made for Origin.”
- Max Plath (The Dolphins)
- Jaxon Purdue (North Queensland Cowboys)
“Purdue can fill an array of positions.”
- Tom Gilbert (The Dolphins)
Reserves
- Ethan Bullemor (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Thomas Flegler (The Dolphins)
- Selwyn Cobbo (The Dolphins)
Queensland will begin their title defence in Sydney on May 27 at Accor Stadium.
