Game 2 hasn’t even kicked off yet, but after Queensland’s limp performance in Game 1, the rugby league world is asking a previously unthinkable question:
Should we replace the Maroons in Game 3 if they lose again?
It may be harsh, and it’s no disrespect to the Maroons, who boast a strong history and have their share of dominance in the rivalry. But NSW are bringing the big moments, and Queensland, well… with the squad they’ve named, we could be in for some more post-match apologies and excuses.
So to save the spectacle and give us a real contest, I’ve compiled a list of replacements for Queensland in game 3.
Some have real potential, while others, not so much, but I guarantee you they’d all provide much better viewing than watching another Cherry-Evans cutout ball to no one.
New Zealand Kiwis B-Team
I would say run the Kiwis’ top team out there, but that would be a touch unfair. A national team up against a State team is probably a bit far-fetched, but let’s say we run out somewhat of a B side.
There’s plenty of depth there to create a competitive squad led by some young, exciting talent. You’d probably still want James Fisher-Harris out there as captain, and when you look at how Erin Clarke, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Phoenix Crossland are playing. I reckon a young Kiwis side would give the Blues a good run for their money.
Get SJ involved in the coaching regime as well, and they could sweep the Blues.
Pacific Island Punishers
I thought about just doing the PNG Kumuls side to take on the Blues as they’d probably have more heart than the Maroons. But then I got scrolling through the Pacific Championship squads from last year and decided to form the Avengers of the Pacific.
A squad formed with a mix of Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, PNG and the Cook Islands almost looks unbeatable.
From Tonga, you’ve got Addin Fonua-Blake, Keaon Koloamatangi and Haumole Olakau’atu as just a couple of your forwards.
On the back of a massive forward pack, the Punishers would be elite on the edges and cause the Blues some serious trouble.
The Big V
The Big V is back. We’ll sort of.
The Victorian side would probably be made up of mostly the Melbourne Storm who would claim half of their players as ‘honorary Victorians’ like Jahrome Hughes and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
Throw in a couple of AFL players and bang, you’ve got a rugby league squad.
It may not be a hugely competitive game, but with Craig Bellamy as coach, you never know, they may just pull a rabbit out of the hat to beat the Blues.
Queensland Cup All-Stars
This one isn’t even for banter; this is serious. If the Maroons go down in Game 2, bring in the Queensland Cup All-Stars.
These are blokes that are grinding week in, week out, working proper jobs on the side, and still turning up to footy with purpose. With nothing to lose and everything to prove, this sounds like what Origin DNA is all about.
They’d treat the Origin jersey like it’s gold. With several fringe NRL guys, we’d see some hard hits and strong runs, unlike the current side, who are limping through the motions, half-injured and inconsistent.
A blowout is bad TV, and if we’re watching Origin, we want to feel something. Everyone loves an underdog story, and what an underdog story this could be.
Australian Barbarians
You could make such a good squad with some of the players left out of the two Origin sides.
It’s Rugby League’s version of Rugby Union’s Barbarians side. Instead of a dead rubber Game 3, bring in the Barbars.
How about the Bulldogs’ halve pairing of Lachie Galvin and Matt Burton (because he won’t get on for the Blues anyway). But if you’re being picky about Burton, then you can throw in the form player, Luke Metcalf.
Along with Greg Marzhew, Bradman Best and Josh Addo-Carr, this team is scoring plenty of points.
A packed-out Accor Stadium after the Blues retain the shield, playing against the Barbarians. Now that’s a game you won’t want to miss.
Wigan Warriors
If the first two games of State of Origin are one-sided, then the third game should be between the winners and the Wigan Warriors.
Wigan have enough mongrel, structure, and big-match DNA to give the Blues a proper contest. When talking Super League, Wigan are easy to hate and have their fair share of niggly players.
When it comes to Origin, you need a villain story, someone for the opposing team and fans to get stuck into. With Wigan, that’s exactly what you get, but Blues fans would have to be prepared, because the Wigan fans will be giving it back twofold.
Philadelphia Eagles
We’ve seen a few cross-code athletes have their chances in the NFL, but what if we gave some of them the chance at an Origin game?
Que the Philadelphia Eagles to Sydney for Game 3.
Reigning Super Bowl champs, athletes all over the field and an Aussie connection through Jordan Mailata, born in Bankstown, Sydney.
Saquon Barkley from the back fence hurdling Isaah Yeo, AJ Brown competing with Zac Lomax on the edge and then the battle of the playmakers, Jalen Hurts vs Nathan Cleary.
The explosive power at Accor Stadium in Game 3 would be through the roof!
Check out our best bets for Game 2.