Inglis installed as Queensland captain as Walters names Origin I side

By Deputy Chief EditorMay 28, 2018

170 2 minutes read

Maroons coach Kevin Walters believes Greg Inglis can make the team his own after the Rabbitohs centre was officially unveiled as Queenslands new Origin captain.

Chief selector Gene Miles would later confirm it was a two-horse race between Inglis and Billy Slater but the formers influence as a leader at South Sydney would tip the scales in his favour.

Queensland Maroons Coach Kevin Walters and new captain Greg Inglis.

Photo: Dan Peled

Inglis can be an immense force on the field and Walters hopes he can have the same impact as he steps into the enormous shoes left by Cameron Smith, whose shock retirement on the eve of the series left the Maroons searching for a new leader.

Walters said Inglis was highly emotional when asked to step up, backing him to lead a new-look Maroons outfit against a young, hungry Blues side under Brad Fittler at the MCG next week.

He said he Inglis was capable of leaving a physical mark on the game like Maroons icons Gene Miles and Mal Meninga, who guided Queensland into a golden era as coach.

“That was a really special moment for me and for Greg. He missed all of laast years series but you can see hes ready for the challenge. I think hes going to be an inspirational leader. I think you will see a team led very strongly by Greg Inglis,” Walters said.

“I could hear the excitement in his voice. Its a challenge hes really looking forward to. Weve got some great leaders and you need that around Origin time.

“Greg can influence a game physically, the way he carries the ball and defensively. Hes quite and imposing man, not disimilar to Mal or Geno. Cameron was a different style of captain, a wonderful captain. If he can get somewhere near that well be in wonderful hands.”

Queensland will feature three debutants in hooker Andrew McCullough, backrower Felise Kaufusi and bench forward Jai Arrow. Brisbanes Joe Ofahengaue will be the next cab off the rank and could feature in the series if the NSW pack gets the upper hand in game one.

Walters said leaving out Matt Scott and Darius Boyd was a difficult call but neither has been at their best this season, with Scott in particular still trying to hit top gear in his return from knee surgery.

“Its very disappointing for them not to be playing. Hes [Scott] been playing some good football but we think its in the best interests of the team to go without him," Walters said.

“It was very difficult. Hes been a great player for Queensland. Thats the hardest part of my job. But the flip side I get to ring some other guys and let them know they are in the team.”

Lessons have been learned from game one last year, when the Maroons gave some veteran forwards the chance to prove they could still cut it in the breakneck Origin arena. That didnt work out and that match had an influence on the decision to omit Boyd and Scott.

Ben Hunt has told selectors his corked leg will heal in time but he will be nursed through the first few training sessions. He will link with Cameron Munster in the halves, while Jarrod Wallace and Dylan Napa will have the heavy responsibility of leading the charge against the NSW pack.

Queensland State of Origin game one side