The Queensland Rugby League's successful QAS program will undergo a transformation next year, with the revamping of the junior development squad and an expansion of the existing Emerging Origin Squad.
The Queensland State of Origin Emerging Squad (formerly referred to as the senior Emerging Squad) will grow from 14 to 18 players in 2015; while the Emerging Maroons Squad will take the place of the Junior Emerging Squad.
Consisting of a mix of eligible Under 20 players, recent NYC graduates and players with both second-tier (Intrust Super Cup) and NRL experience – this new squad represents a broadening of the talent that can be found in Queensland and will provide yet another pathway opportunity for players.
Blake Leary (Manly Sea Eagles), Shaun Nona (Melbourne Storm), Javid Bowen and Patrick Kaufusi (both North Queensland Cowboys) were all part the NRL State Championship winning Northern Pride team this year; while Storm / Easts duo Cameron Munster and Hymel Hunt both played for the Tigers in the loss to the Pride in the Queensland final.
Having performed consistently for a number of seasons as part of the North Queensland Cowboys back row; Gavin Cooper has been given his first opportunity to take part in the Queensland State of Origin Emerging Squad helmed by QAS rugby league director Wayne Bennett and current XXXX Maroons coach Mal Meninga.
He will be joined by fellow debutants Tim Glasby (Melbourne / Easts), Corey Thompson (Bulldogs), Tautau Moga (Cowboys), Brisbane halfback and new Kangaroo Ben Hunt and NRL grand final winning Rabbitoh Dave Tyrrell as the new faces in the senior program.
Both training camps will take place at the Queensland Academy of Sport in January next year.
Queensland State of Origin Emerging Squad 2015 (QAS – January 9-11)
Gavin Cooper – North Queensland Cowboys
Dale Copley – Brisbane Broncos
Jake Friend – Sydney Roosters
Dane Gagai – Newcastle Knights
Tim Glasby – Melbourne Storm / Easts Tigers
Valentine Holmes – Cronulla Sharks
Ben Hunt – Brisbane Broncos
Brenton Lawrence – Manly Sea Eagles
Edrick Lee – Canberra Raiders
Josh McGuire – Brisbane Broncos
Anthony Milford – Brisbane Broncos
Tautau Moga – North Queensland Cowboys
Michael Morgan – North Queensland Cowboys
Dylan Napa – Sydney Roosters
James Segeyaro – Penrith Panthers
Korbin Sims – Newcastle Knights
Corey Thompson – Canterbury Bulldogs
David Tyrrell – South Sydney Rabbitohs
Emerging Maroons Squad 2015 (QAS – January 15-18)
Jai Arrow – Brisbane Broncos
Luke Bateman – Canberra Raiders
Jordan Drew – Brisbane Broncos
Jayden Nikorima – Brisbane Broncos
Joe Ofahengaue – Brisbane Broncos
Marion Seve – Wests Tigers
Coen Hess – North Queensland Cowboys
Brenko Lee – Canberra Raiders
Ashley Taylor – Brisbane Broncos
Lindsay Collins – Brisbane Broncos
Patrick Kaufusi – North Queensland Cowboys / Northern Pride
Nene MacDonald – Sydney Roosters
Lloyd Perrett – Canterbury Bulldogs
Kierran Moseley – Gold Coast Titans
Cameron Munster – Melbourne Storm / Easts Tigers
Corey Oates – Brisbane Broncos
Brendan Elliot – Sydney Roosters
Patrick Mago – Canberra Raiders
Kane Elgey – Gold Coast Titans
Kyle Feldt – North Queensland Cowboys / Northern Pride
Ethan Lowe – North Queensland Cowboys / Northern Pride
Shaun Nona – Melbourne Storm
Javid Bowen – North Queensland Cowboys / Northern Pride
Hymel Hunt – Melbourne Storm / Easts Tigers
Sam Hoare – North Queensland Cowboys / Mackay Cutters
Blake Leary – Manly Sea Eagles
