Defiant Walters says Norman ready to fire
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Maroons coach Kevin Walters is adamant the aggression and enthusiasm of new fullback Cameron Munster and debutant Corey Norman can carry Queensland to Origin glory even without veteran back-rower Matt Gillett.
"We're ready to go – don't worry", Walters said, with his usual brand of confidence heading into Wednesday night’s clash at ANZ Stadium.
The Queensland fans and hierarchy might feel a little shaky after Gillett was ruled out on Tuesday but Walters is confident Ethan Lowe or Dylan Napa can step up.
"Certainly do," Walters said, when asked if he had the make-up of his team already in mind, knowing that from last Friday when Gillett hurt his groin, he might not play.
"That's what we do in our preparation. You always have Plan B in place."
Shifting the focus off his forwards and onto his new spine, Walters was glowing about Munster and Norman's new lease of life in their new jerseys.
Walters rules Gillett out
"He's strong and athletic – very aggressive type of player as well," Walters said of Queensland, Storm and Australian No.6 Munster.
"Cameron has been screaming out for an opportunity in the fullback position, whether it be in the NRL or particularly with Origin. So that excites me that he's looking forward to the opportunity that’s been presented to him.
"From a balance point of view for the team, it's great to have him at fullback because it brings in Corey Norman, who again is another one who has been waiting for this opportunity at this level to show everyone his skills.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
"He's slotted in beautifully in the No.6 jumper with his talk, with his communication, and just with his general drive around the team."
No prizes for guessing that NSW will pepper him with high balls.
"Well he's a backyard player that you pick in your team straight up, because he's a football player," Walters said.
"He just loves competing. I know the work he's done this week – and he's done some extras around his training to manage the workload of a fullback. He's fine; he's ready to go; and I'm really excited for him."
And they aren't the only personnel shifts Walters might make to try to answer critics after the Maroons humiliating 38-6 game two loss in Perth.
DCE: One game won't define me
Wests Tigers skipper Moses Mbye has been training regularly at left centre, with Michael Morgan coming off the interchange bench.
"That's an option we've looked at all week. 'Morgo' is such a valuable asset to the side – he's very flexible in where he can play – so we're always looking at little areas to get some benefit for the maroons. That could be an area we could find some benefit."
Walters said he had seen far greater intensity from his players this week at training.
"They're hurting from game two ... and the only way to get rid of that hurt is to give a performance that they’re capable of on Wednesday night," he said.
And there's always statistics to help Queensland. They have won the last two Origin deciders held in Sydney and from the last five games played at ANZ Stadium since 2015, Queensland has won three.
"We don't have any demons here. I've been here and won premierships and been here and won Origins, and a lot of the players sitting in there have as well," Walters said.
"We'll play the Origin in the desert – it doesn't matter."
Of course Walters' position – if Queensland lose a second straight series – might come under scrutiny even though he is signed on until 2020.
"Every Origin is a test for coaches, for staff, for players and this one is no different. We’re very thrilled and excited to come to Sydney and be part of a decider. We expect our guys to get out there and make Queenslanders proud," he said.
"I love Queensland, I love coaching Queensland. I'm just really looking forward to tomorrow night ... we've spoken all Origin about the trust and belief these players have in each other."
