Queensland rugby league icon Darren Lockyer has shared insights about the challenges the Maroons’ selection panel faced following a turbulent weekend of injuries. Typically, the selectors finalise their squad after the completion of the round, but a series of last-minute injuries complicated matters this time around.
Murray Taulagi from the Cowboys and Tom Gilbert from the Dolphins were set to play but suffered injuries during Round 11, rendering them unavailable. Additionally, Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo also faced injury concerns after a wrist issue in his team’s recent loss against the Dragons, leaving his status uncertain.
The selection committee, including Lockyer, Gene Miles, and Billy Slater, had to navigate these difficulties as they prepared for the team announcement. Ultimately, the Maroons declared three debutants for the upcoming clash: Robert Toia, Trent Loiero, and Beau Fermor, along with including other uncapped players in the extended squad.
In a discussion on Wide World of Sports’ ‘QLDER’, Lockyer detailed the frenzied selection process, emphasising the need to first consider player unavailability due to injuries before finalising the team. He mentioned the importance of having contingency plans in place, noting that any injury leads to opportunities for other players.
Lockyer expressed disappointment over Taulagi’s and Gilbert’s injuries, stating that both were likely inclusions for the Maroons’ squad. Gilbert’s situation is particularly disheartening, as he has been plagued by injuries since the last series, and is now projected to face a lengthy recovery with a torn pectoral muscle, sidelining him for around three months. Meanwhile, Taulagi could also miss several weeks due to a calf injury.
Conversely, Cobbo’s wrist injury is less severe, as he has been cleared of fractures, with a likelihood of returning in Round 13. Despite the setbacks, Lockyer reinforced the notion that injuries often create opportunities for other players, allowing them to step up on a significant stage like the State of Origin series.
This selection saga underscores the unpredictable nature of the game and the constant need for adaptability within the teams as they approach critical matches.