Given the recent injuries to Billy Slater and Will Chambers that have caused some headaches for new Queensland coach Kevin Walters you do realise how blessed we were to be part of a dynasty with so many great players who remained relatively injury free.
I don't know that I'd go as far as saying I'm feeling sorry for Kevvie because even though he is without a couple of his star players there are a number of other quality players ready to fill that void.
He may have jokingly asked whether I was available for Game One but if I was Kevvie this is the backline I would take in to the first game against the Blues on June 1 in Sydney.
Fullback: Greg Inglis
There are already going to be a few changes to the backline and having 'GI' at the back gives you so many more options. Even though every time he has played for Queensland at left centre he's been one of our best players I just think by allowing him to play fullback it gives you that bit of x-factor that you need in Origin. We all know what he can do when he wants to play and giving him the opportunity to pop up on both sides of the field, especially in Origin, I think he's the right choice for fullback.
Wingers: Darius Boyd and Corey Oates
Only GI has scored more tries than 'Darbs' in the history of Origin so he is one winger and for the other wing I'd go with Corey Oates. Twelve months ago I couldn't have imagined 'Oatesy' playing for Queensland at this stage of his career. He was always a guy with a lot of ability but he probably doesn't have that self-belief just yet. Having Wayne Bennett as his coach for the last two years has given him that self-belief that he can be a great winger, even though he's not a winger. Over the last couple of months I have seen him grow as a kid and he's looking after himself a lot better off the field. He's a big, strong thing but he just doesn't know how good he can be. I think he's ready.
Centres: Dane Gagai and Justin O'Neill
This is where it gets tricky. I'd have Dane Gagai as one centre and Justin O'Neill from the Cowboys as the other. Along with Willie Chambers I'd put Dane's Origin debut last year as one of the best I've ever seen. To come in and dominate the way they did was sensational. I know he's playing fullback for the Knights at the moment but once you get into that camp around all those great players club footy doesn't really count for much because everyone wants to do the jersey proud. 'Juzzy' came into camp as cover for 'Darbs' in 2013 and Mal Meninga obviously brought him in so he could see how the system worked and to get familiar with everyone. He plays with 'JT' and Matty Scott and 'Morgo' and all those guys so he will be a good fit with his combination with all those guys.
Halves: Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk
No matter how many changes there are outside them the fact that 'JT' and 'Coops' will both be there will settle things for the team. For myself when I was there, having Coops inside was great because he was such a good talker and he's full of energy. It does take a while to get those combinations but that's what the camp is all about, preparing yourself and working hard as a unit. Having those core players around, with 'Smithy' as your captain and GI at the back any guys who get selected will come in and do their job well.
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Once again the NRL will commemorate Anzac Day with special ceremonies at all eight games this weekend and as a player it is one of the greatest occasions of the year.
I was fortunate to run out on Anzac Day a few times and I got to run out as captain last year and the emotions that run through your body when you hear the Last Post and the national anthems are quite incredible.
You think about all those men and women who made sacrifices for the freedom and peace that we have today and for that 80 or 90 minutes that you're out there you want to really put on a good show for them and show them how thankful you are.
I spoke to Wayne about the sacrifices these guys made and the courage they had to go into the field of battle is something that, if I'm being honest, I don't think I could ever do.
I haven't missed playing yet but these are the days that give you goosebumps and if you can't get up for these games you can't get up for any game.
It's an unbelievable game to play in.
