Queensland look set to play the loyalty card once again for State of Origin II, placing doubt on Josh Papalii’s call-up and anticipated clash with NSW captain Paul Gallen.
Maroons chairman of selectors Des Morris said the Queensland pack outmuscled by NSW in Sydney should be given a chance to redeem themselves in game two in Brisbane on June 26.
But Morris did not believe that would include a “square up” with Gallen, who helped spark NSW’s 14-6 Origin I win by belting Queensland forward Nate Myles.
“I would be surprised if we did (get square with Gallen),” Morris told AAP on Wednesday.
“We haven’t got a good record – I think we are 3-1 with players being sent off in Origin over the years.
“And it’s not part of the game these days.
“I think it was a one-off and Nate took the punishment that night.
“People were calling it a fight, it wasn’t a fight. He (Myles) wasn’t the one fighting.
“I don’t see a Queensland get square. We need to win the game – that’s the main goal.”
Only three people have been sent off in Origin – Maroons Craig Greenhill (1996 game two) and Gorden Tallis (2000 game one) were marched before NSW’s Trent Waterhouse (2009 game three).
Still Papalii, 19th man for Origin I, had been tipped to push for inclusion in a much-anticipated re-match with Gallen in game two.
Papalii – all 182cm, 108kg of him – famously battered Gallen out of a Canberra-Cronulla NRL finals game last season.
Gallen was not impressed, calling one of Canberra enforcer Papalii’s hits a “dog shot”.
The likes of fellow forwards Martin Kennedy, Josh McGuire, the recovering Ben Hannant and David Taylor were also set to be considered by Maroons selectors before their squad was finalised on Tuesday.
But Morris wasn’t so sure.
“We certainly started slow and that was our biggest downfall,’ he said.
“But those same guys should be given the opportunity not to let it happen two games in a row.
“We can’t put too much on the players – NSW were just too good.”
Morris admitted Queensland missed Hannant in the series opener but doubted whether the Broncos forward would be given until the last minute to prove his fitness for game two after battling a calf tear for the past month.
“No one is ever out of it, but him being out for four weeks makes it difficult – that’s an issue for us,” Morris said of Hannant.
“He certainly could have made a difference (in game one). We started slow and Ben might have given us that lift when he came on.
“But in saying that I am not too disappointed by our performance.
“There won’t be any panic.”