BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Former Queensland centre Tony Currie believes the Maroons’ new-look backline has the speed, power and enthusiasm to secure victory over “privileged” NSW in next week’s State of Origin decider.
Origin heads to Sydney on July 9 with the series tied at 1-1, after Queensland grabbed a 26-24 win in Perth.
The Maroons have made a number of changes after Kayn Ponga’s injury, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow shifted from the centres to fullback, Brisbane outside back Gehamat Shibasaki selected to make his Origin debut and Titans prop Mo Fotuiaka dropped, with Canberra’s Josh Papalii recalled.
Currie, who played 12 times for Queensland between 1984 and 1989, is predicting a win for Billy Slater’s men.
“My gut feel is Queensland will out-enthuse NSW and take a handy lead again with NSW trying to play catch up,” he told rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads.
“Queensland will never ever again take short dropouts.”
The selection of Shibasaki has shocked many, with the centre playing Queensland Cup last season for Townsville and beginning this year on a train and trial deal at the Broncos.
But Currie, who also represented the Kangaroos and won premierships with the Bulldogs and Brisbane, feels the 26-year-old debutant will shine in Game III.
“As usual the southerners are favourites like they were in Perth,” he said.
“The Hammer is the fullback I would have picked even if Ponga was available. We need outright speed and he provides it.
“Shibasaki has been a revelation at the Broncos. He has the power to negate the three-quarter line of the Blues.
“It’s a fairytale story and we’ve been there many times. Billy knows the score and I’m sure his game plan will be hold them in the forwards and let our backline unleash.
“This is why Papalii has been reinvigorated. The Blues suffer from privilege. Just because Captain Cook landed at Botany Bay, they think they’re superior.
“All the other states hate them, including PNG and NZ.”
Ex-NSW prop Aaron Woods ignited a media storm before Game II in Perth when he labelled Queensland coach Slater a “grub” on his radio show.
Currie said: “I think they [the comments] were taken out of context. Billy did tread a fine line in a few things in the game but it’s not an issue with the old brigade.”