The wait for Queensland State of Origin selection does not look like ending any time soon for Ash Graham despite being the NRL’s leading try-scorer.
Yet the unassuming North Queensland Cowboys winger can’t stop smiling.
Graham is the NRL’s form winger thanks to his league-high 13 season tries.
After years spent knocking on the Origin door, Graham’s never ending faith appeared set to be rewarded.
Especially after Maroons coach Mal Meninga told Rugby League Week ahead of the Origin I announcement that Graham’s “time has come”.
But history shows his Cowboys teammate Brent Tate not only got the vacant Queensland winger job, he stole the show in the 18-10 win over NSW.
Not that Graham is complaining.
Indeed Graham was cheering loudest when Tate capped a remarkable comeback from three knee reconstructions to shine in his first Origin since 2008.
Even if it meant Graham’s Origin exile continued.
“We are pretty good mates. Obviously with all the injuries he has had, for him to get back into that arena and perform like that I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Graham said at the Cowboys’ Gold Coast camp.
Graham certainly isn’t one to spruik his Origin claims off the field.
He even tried to play down his try-scoring exploits ahead of Friday night’s NRL clash with Gold Coast at Skilled Park.
“I am starting to get a few (tries) but I am finishing off what guys inside of me are creating,” he said.
“JT (Johnathan Thurston) and Matt Bowen have pretty much thrown the last ball for most of those.
“And the footy that we are playing at the moment, we pose threats all over the field.”
His try-scoring prowess has not been questioned but his defence certainly will be against a Titans outfit boasting the hulking Jamal Idris and speedster Kevin Gordon.
“Kevin is quick, strong and playing some good footy. And Idris is an intimidating player – they will be a bit of a handful to bring down,” Graham said.
The Cowboys flew directly to the tourist strip on Monday after their disappointing last round loss to Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.
Cowboys coach Neil Henry has concentrated on defence in the countdown to the Titans clash after Wests Tigers props Aaron Woods and Keith Galloway combined for 375m last round.
And memories of their horrific ball control in their season-opening 18-0 loss to the Titans ensured kicking and catching coach – ex-Brisbane Lions ruckman Jamie Charman – has been utilised this week.
