By Nick Wright
As the Maroons battle an injury crisis, Dolphins captain Jesse Bromwich has thrown a shock bolter into the mix to bolster Queensland’s diminishing forward stocks.
Resigned to being without enforcers Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Tom Gilbert to season-ending ACL ruptures, mystery surrounds whether State of Origin Queensland coach Billy Slater will be able to call on the likes of Jai Arrow, Thomas Flegler, Felise Kaufusi and Corey Horsburgh.
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is helped from the field.Credit: Getty
But as Bromwich prepares to become the first player in NRL history to start 300 games at prop, he has endorsed Josh Kerr as a man capable of resurrecting Queensland’s crusade.
Kerr was on the cusp of an Origin debut in 2020, named 18th man by Wayne Bennett, and an off-season transformation has culminated in his most fruitful campaign, which could put him in a head-to-head battle with Parramatta lock J’maine Hopgood for a spot.
The 28-year-old has made 109 running metres off the bench – the first time in a seven-year career he has surpassed the three-figure milestone – while his 1.6 tackle busts an outing was also a personal best.
Bromwich believed Kerr’s mindset would reap rewards should he make the June 5 Origin series opener.
Queensland Maroons injury concerns
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui [ACL, season]
- Tom Gilbert [ACL, season]
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow [hamstring, round 11-13]
- Jai Arrow [shoulder, TBC]
- Thomas Flegler [shoulder, TBC]
- Corey Horsburgh [groin, round 11]
- Coen Hess [ACL, season]
- Murray Taulagi [hamstring, TBC]
- Felise Kaufusi [hamstring, TBC]
- Heilum Luki [ankle, round 9]
“Last year he was playing at 120-something kilos, but he turned up to preseason at 114 kilograms … from day one he meant business,” Bromwich said, as the 50-day series countdown launched in Melbourne.
“He plays his best when he just keeps it simple and just runs straight and hard, getting us quick play the balls, and he’s been doing that.
“I think coming off the bench you’ve got a role to try and change the speed of the game and stamp your mark on the game … [and] I’d love to see Kerry’s name get thrown in there.
“I know he’ll be able to handle it, you just look at the Indigenous v Maori games he’s played in, and he’s been one of the best players on the park.”
Josh Kerr for the Dolphins has been impressive off the bench.Credit: NRL Photos
Slater also needs backline answers, with a hamstring injury ruling out Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow for up to six weeks.
The Dolphins fullback cemented himself as a regular in the Maroons’ centres, scoring five tries in four appearances and forging an impenetrable defensive edge with winger Murray Taulagi – who has also suffered a hamstring concern.
But Selwyn Cobbo’s shift infield from the Broncos’ wing could present his chance to return to the fold, after he scored twice, ran for 200m and made eight tackle busts against the Dolphins – his sixth outing in the No.4 jersey.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow walks down the tunnel after leaving the field for the Dolphins injured against the Brisbane Broncos.Credit: NRL Photos
After being picked for Game I last year, the 21-year-old injured his hip and his place taken by Xavier Coates. Knights veteran Dane Gagai also looms as a contender for Tabuai-Fidow’s jumper.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters has declared it was “pretty exciting where Selwyn can get to” as a centre, but Cobbo said he felt assured in his new role and would be ready to answer a Maroons’ SOS.
“It has been pretty challenging, but I am having fun there as well. I know the expectation that comes with it and have confidence in what I do now,” Cobbo said.
Selwyn Cobbo has the chance to break back into the Maroons’ fold after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s injury.Credit: Getty
“I guess defensive-wise [it has been the biggest challenge]. It was pretty tough at the start trying to handle what it is like being an NRL player, but I am pretty used to it now.
“My head is with the Broncos now but if I get the call-up I will play my part in Origin.”