Queensland’s underdog State of Origin outfit will be powered by a coaching dream team with Mal Meninga set to join Wayne Bennett’s staff for next month’s series.
Australia coach Meninga was pipped for the Maroons job by Bennett when Kevin Walters was forced to relinquish the role after being appointed Brisbane NRL coach.
But Meninga’s follow-up offer of support has been accepted by Bennett, and the Australian Rugby League commission on Thursday conceded there were “exceptional circumstances” in approving the move.
With no Tests scheduled for this year, Meninga will temporarily step down from his national duties and forgo his Kangaroos salary to join Bennett, who he first worked with at Brisbane’s police academy more than 40 years ago.
The pair boast 14 series wins between them as Queensland coach, while the experienced Neil Henry – a key strategist behind Meninga’s nine series wins – has replaced Justin Hodges on Bennett’s staff.
Meninga’s arrival gives unprecedented coaching punch to a greenhorn squad out to defy an injury list that includes Kalyn Ponga, David Fifita, Michael Morgan and Moses Mbye, while Valentine Holmes is suspended for the November 4 series opener.
“Under normal circumstances you can’t be head coach of the Kangaroos and be involved in an Origin squad,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.
“But given there are no Test matches because of COVID we have granted Mal permission to assist Queensland.
“Mal is an Origin legend and his presence in the series will add an additional layer of excitement for our fans and players.”
Young Brisbane forward Patrick Carrigan believes he has the stomach for the Origin cauldron and is excited to rub shoulders again with his former Broncos coach Bennett.
“I play my footy pretty straight up and down, get through a bit of work and do my job that way,” he said.
“The opportunity to be in his (Bennett’s) presence and learn off him and other guys … when you walk into the sheds or training paddock with Wayne there you automatically get a vote of confidence.
“I’m excited to be here and learn. It’s a real privilege to even be in the same frame as a lot of the boys here.”
Carrigan was just two years old when Bennett blooded 10 debutants in a 2001 series Queensland won.
“”Growing up in Queensland, if you love rugby league you know what it’s all about,” Carrigan said.
“You back yourself a little bit, but it’s always cool to look back at the past (to channel the underdog mentality).
“There’s been a lot of players to step into this arena and do their job.”
