Sam Thaiday, an esteemed former Queensland State of Origin player, is advocating for Tom Chester, a promising talent from the North Queensland Cowboys, to be included in the upcoming State of Origin squad. Thaiday, who boasts an impressive history with the Maroons — participating in 29 matches and contributing to eight consecutive series victories — expressed his thoughts on the Wide World of Sports show, QLDER, this week.
Thaiday highlighted Chester’s recent performances, especially against the Broncos, citing, "I think Tom Chester will be involved…He has been playing really well as a centre." While current incumbents like Robert Toia and Gehamat Shibasaki have been solid options, Thaiday believes Chester’s exceptional form makes him a strong contender.
Chester, once heralded as a future star, has had his journey marred by significant injuries, including two ACL ruptures that limited his playtime. However, he appears to have turned a corner, securing a centre position and showcasing his skills effectively this season. In just five games, he has achieved impressive statistics, such as four line breaks, two tries, and an average of 184 run metres per match, all while solidifying his defensive capabilities with 80 tackles and only nine missed.
The current lack of depth in the centre position for Queensland could work in Chester’s favour, as emerging talents are always sought after. Nine News reporter Adam Jackson mentioned, "That’s an area we don’t have a lot of depth in,” which could lead selectors to consider Chester seriously as they build the squad.
Notably, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is expected to secure one centre position, but the second spot remains contested, with Toia being the leading choice following a successful debut. Other players in the running include Shibasaki, AJ Brimson, and Jaxon Purdue. Additionally, Chester’s versatility could potentially earn him a spot on the six-man bench if he maintains his performance levels in upcoming matches.
The State of Origin series is set to commence on Wednesday, May 27, at Accor Stadium, a date eagerly awaited by players and fans alike as they anticipate the fierce competition ahead.