Queensland's rejuvenation will continue next year with Dale Copley and Dane Gagai well perched to play themselves into State of Origin jerseys.
In years past Queensland's backline has picked itself however with the retirement of Brent Tate and Darius Boyd recovering from a torn Achilles, opportunities have arisen for the state's next crop.
Will Chambers was impressive in game three this year when he filled in for Tate, after the North Queensland veteran tore his ACL, and the Melbourne centre will be in the selectors' minds again next year.
After breaking down at Broncos pre-season training a fortnight ago, Boyd was expressed his desire to return in time for Origin however his initial diagnosis was up to nine months of the sidelines.
Queensland assistant coach Michael Hagan, appearing at the Jack Newton Golf Classic in the Hunter Valley, said Copley and Gagai, who have been named as part of the Maroons emerging squad, will be followed closely in the opening rounds of the NRL.
"Mal has recognised that we're probably getting a few new guys, Brent Tate has now retired, he's been fantastic for over a decade ... In the outside backs Will Chambers was very good for Brent Tate on the right wing so he'll be in the mix," Hagan said.
"Dane Gagai will come into consideration on that left side and Copley from the Broncs is coming back from a shoulder so there's some talent there."
The Maroons have been installed as favourites to regain the Origin shield following the departure of Blues fullback Jarryd Hayne to pursue an NFL career.
Hagan said the Queenslanders would not be changing their template next year, despite NSW breaking their eight-year reign, and things could have gone differently with a little bit of luck.
"We didn't do a lot wrong and NSW were exceptionally good," he said.
"We copped five or six injuries which we haven't copped since I've been around (as Maroons assistant coach).
"That did make a difference - no Cooper (Cronk), no Corey Parker, no Matty Scott or Brent Tate in the second game. There were some major guys missing and we ended up out of shape."
Share
