50 SPORT SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14 2020 Welch back, in a good Granted fiery debut headspace has TRAVIS MEYN, PETER BADEL the mix to debut in place of centre with to re- and give ability,” Welch said. shrugged off concerns about winger Phillip Sami, who had turn to the wing, edging out the Maroons some spark “If he gets his opportunity, I his latest concussion battle as DALLY M Rookie of the Year a horror performance in Allan. around the ruck. am sure he will do a great job the prop declared Harry Grant will be thrust into Queensland’s Game 2 loss. Prop Christian Welch will Grant, 22, was one of the and complement Jake really himself a certain starter for the an Origin decider debut after While Bennett has named return from concussion, with NRL’s emerging stars in 2020. well. He’s already one of the Origin decider on Wednesday Wayne Bennett wielded the Corey Allan on the wing, the reverting to the On loan to the Wests Ti- premier hookers in the comp night. axe on the misfiring Maroons. NT News understands the bench and Titans forward gers from Melbourne, he led in my eyes and brings a bit of The Maroons sorely missed Grant will play his first Ori- South rookie will drop Moeaki Fotuaika dropping the Dally M Medal counting spark and creativity.” Welch’s hard-running in their gin game for Queensland off out of the 17 if Lee overcomes out of the 17. early in the season and man- Hunt – Queensland’s play- 34-10 loss to NSW in Origin II the bench in Wednesday’s se- a calf strain. Five-eighth Cameron aged 15 games to prove he is er of the year just 12 months after the Storm premiership- ries decider against NSW at Lee will have a fitness test Munster was on light duties at one of the game’s brightest ago – conceded he was in the winner suffered a head knock Suncorp Stadium after Ben- tomorrow and should he get yesterday’s training session as young hookers. firing line after his below-par in their epic series-opening nett dropped utility . the green light from Maroons he returns from concussion. “I saw Harry as captain of defensive effort in Origin II. win in Adelaide. Melbourne premiership- medicos, the Storm giant will The elevation of Grant will our under-20s and he’s always “It was a very tough night,” NSW rival winner is also in make his Origin debut at right ease the load on starting had that natural leadership Hunt said. has been ruled out for the se- ries after his own concussion setback in Origin I, but Welch insists he is in no danger of missing Game 3, saying he took the safety-first option to guarantee his fitness for the MAROONS Suncorp decider. “I’m really glad to be back to be playing in the decider,” Welch said. “It was tough to sit BREAK out the second game but I tried to take a long-term view and I feel it was the right thing to do. DROUGHT “I came up in the defensive line and hit my head on ’s hip trying to tackle him. I recovered pretty well that night, but when the inci- dent happened, I initially struggled and couldn’t sit up properly and was off balance. “I got a little knock in the grand final and I also got a knock in round seven, so I was mindful of my history. “I passed all the concussion tests for Origin II, but I didn’t want to rush things. “I’m 100 per cent fine. All my friends and family are from so hopefully I can do them proud.” In the lead-up to the Origin The Blues’ Millie Boyle fends off Shannon Mato during the women's at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images decider, Welch has received more recognition, named in CHRIS HONNERY second-half surge to defeat New and first win under the new women’s unanswered tries in the space of 14 the NRL and South Wales 24-18. State of Origin banner. minutes when they came out of the Players Association’s Aca- AFTER four years of misery, There was nothing haunting about Led by inspirational captain Ali sheds for the second half which all but demic Team of the Year. Queensland has finally claimed the this Friday the 13th performance. Brigginshaw and try-scoring machine sealed the game. The 26-year-old already women’s State of Origin shield. It was brutal. It was fast. It was Tamika Upton, Queensland took The Blues hit back late in the game holds a Bachelor of Commerce In front of a vocal, sold-out crowd exciting. advantage of a tiring NSW defence with three unconverted tries of their degree and is midway through of 4833 people at Sunshine Coast The women held nothing back in late in the game. own but it wasn’t enough to steal the a Master of Business at the Stadium, the Maroons pulled off a what was Queensland’s highest score The Maroons scored three win away from the Maroons. University of NSW.

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