‘Few tears': Journeyman to debut
Jensen (calf) and Arthars (rib) will miss Friday night's clash, while veteran Ben Hunt is likely to return next week as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
It's a blow for the Broncos who were already without Origin stars Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh and Gehamat Shibasaki for next week's decider, but Maguire is confident his forward pack can get the job done.
Ben Talty will make his debut off the bench after starting the year playing with North Sydney in the NSW Cup, while journeyman Delouise Hoeter will start his first game since 2023. Ben Talty will make his Broncos debut just weeks after he made the move to Brisbane. NRL Photos Credit: The Courier-Mail
'Ben Talty has come in here about a month ago and put his head down, and he's going to be on the bench,' Maguire said.
'He reminded me about how special rugby league is. I was able to sit with him yesterday and talk about how he is going to debut.
'The big fella had a few tears and gave me a big squeeze. It gave me a real sense of what it really means to play NRL.
'He has been trying for a long time, so it just goes to show how special it is what our game brings.
'For 'Della' (Hoeter), he has been out for 12 months, so it's another great story.'
Maguire backed Shibasaki to handle the pressure on his Origin debut, with the backline changes opening the door for Cobbo to return to the Broncos side for the first time since round 13. Selwyn Cobbo is back in the Broncos side just a week after he signed with the Dolphins. NRL photos Credit: Supplied
Cobbo was dropped to reserve grade and has subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins after the Broncos were unable to offer him enough money to entice him to stay.
Maguire didn't want to comment on Cobbo's looming departure and backed him to take his opportunity at fullback.
'I'm not going to go into that. I stood here at the same thing last week talking about the same story. Selwyn is now focused on playing,' he said.
'We talk about players and how it's hard to keep everyone. That's what we're working through.
'Selly is working through this year and we've got a great opportunity with where we are at the moment. The competition is well and truly alive.
'Selly has been good over the past month.
'As much as you talk about turbulent, we've worked through things and Selly is really focused on playing with his teammates.
'He's in good form at the moment and trained really well just then, so he's ready to go.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'Throw our arms around him': Maroons lift for Munster
Queensland are set to lift for grief-stricken captain Cameron Munster with support and a performance to be proud of in the State of Origin decider. The death of Munster's father Steven has saddened the playing group, who are also inspired by their captain's braveheart decision to play on Wednesday night after spending time with his family. Munster left Maroons camp on Sunday morning to grieve and support his family, but is expected to rejoin the team, possibly as early as Tuesday's captain's run in Sydney. Munster's Melbourne and Maroons teammate, hooker Harry Grant, grew up in the 30-year-old's home town of Rockhampton and knows the family well. He said Munster's dad would be proud of his decision to play. "When you think about it, Cameron Munster captaining Queensland brings so much pride to his whole family, and Stevie-boy would love to see him out there in the maroon captaining his state," Grant said. "I think it is very brave the way he is handling the situation. We have to respect the way he is handling it and give him that time and space ... and then flick the mindset to Queensland Maroons, Origin and what is around the corner. "The best way we can support him is throwing our arms around him and ultimately ... with our performance and our preparation. "It shows the strength of character of Cam and who he is, and more importantly how much the Maroons mean to him and his family.'' He said Munster's loss also provided perspective on life itself, and while Origin means so much to so many, ultimately it is just a game. "It hits everyone hard, as we are all aware. You don't know what is around the corner, so you have got to be nice and present, and take in the moments you have," Grant said. "(Munster has) a beautiful family and I've had plenty of moments and plenty of experiences with the family over the years. What we can control is our performance, and that's the best way to pay our respects to the family. "It's a real reminder that this is just a game, and as much as we love it there is more to life than rugby league. At the end of the day sometimes rugby league is people's lives as well." As for when Munster would return to camp, Grant said that was up to him. "If he can make it back, and him and his family have made that decision and Cam's OK to travel south, then he'll make captain's run," he said. "We've got training late Tuesday arvo, which gives him every chance to spend as much time with the family as he can." Former Maroons captain Cameron Smith knew Steve Munster well and said he would support his son leading the team in Sydney. "I can understand why he'd be going through so much grief at the moment with the loss of not only his dad but someone that was a huge supporter of his footy career, of his life to date and what he's achieved in his life," Smith said. "I knew Cam Munster's father, Steve; he was a wonderful man. I met him many, many times with my time at the Melbourne Storm. "I think the thing that he would love is for Cam to go out and do what he loves doing, and that's playing rugby league, pulling on the maroon jersey and leading his side the way we know he can lead, like he did in game two." Queensland are set to lift for grief-stricken captain Cameron Munster with support and a performance to be proud of in the State of Origin decider. The death of Munster's father Steven has saddened the playing group, who are also inspired by their captain's braveheart decision to play on Wednesday night after spending time with his family. Munster left Maroons camp on Sunday morning to grieve and support his family, but is expected to rejoin the team, possibly as early as Tuesday's captain's run in Sydney. Munster's Melbourne and Maroons teammate, hooker Harry Grant, grew up in the 30-year-old's home town of Rockhampton and knows the family well. He said Munster's dad would be proud of his decision to play. "When you think about it, Cameron Munster captaining Queensland brings so much pride to his whole family, and Stevie-boy would love to see him out there in the maroon captaining his state," Grant said. "I think it is very brave the way he is handling the situation. We have to respect the way he is handling it and give him that time and space ... and then flick the mindset to Queensland Maroons, Origin and what is around the corner. "The best way we can support him is throwing our arms around him and ultimately ... with our performance and our preparation. "It shows the strength of character of Cam and who he is, and more importantly how much the Maroons mean to him and his family.'' He said Munster's loss also provided perspective on life itself, and while Origin means so much to so many, ultimately it is just a game. "It hits everyone hard, as we are all aware. You don't know what is around the corner, so you have got to be nice and present, and take in the moments you have," Grant said. "(Munster has) a beautiful family and I've had plenty of moments and plenty of experiences with the family over the years. What we can control is our performance, and that's the best way to pay our respects to the family. "It's a real reminder that this is just a game, and as much as we love it there is more to life than rugby league. At the end of the day sometimes rugby league is people's lives as well." As for when Munster would return to camp, Grant said that was up to him. "If he can make it back, and him and his family have made that decision and Cam's OK to travel south, then he'll make captain's run," he said. "We've got training late Tuesday arvo, which gives him every chance to spend as much time with the family as he can." Former Maroons captain Cameron Smith knew Steve Munster well and said he would support his son leading the team in Sydney. "I can understand why he'd be going through so much grief at the moment with the loss of not only his dad but someone that was a huge supporter of his footy career, of his life to date and what he's achieved in his life," Smith said. "I knew Cam Munster's father, Steve; he was a wonderful man. I met him many, many times with my time at the Melbourne Storm. "I think the thing that he would love is for Cam to go out and do what he loves doing, and that's playing rugby league, pulling on the maroon jersey and leading his side the way we know he can lead, like he did in game two." Queensland are set to lift for grief-stricken captain Cameron Munster with support and a performance to be proud of in the State of Origin decider. The death of Munster's father Steven has saddened the playing group, who are also inspired by their captain's braveheart decision to play on Wednesday night after spending time with his family. Munster left Maroons camp on Sunday morning to grieve and support his family, but is expected to rejoin the team, possibly as early as Tuesday's captain's run in Sydney. Munster's Melbourne and Maroons teammate, hooker Harry Grant, grew up in the 30-year-old's home town of Rockhampton and knows the family well. He said Munster's dad would be proud of his decision to play. "When you think about it, Cameron Munster captaining Queensland brings so much pride to his whole family, and Stevie-boy would love to see him out there in the maroon captaining his state," Grant said. "I think it is very brave the way he is handling the situation. We have to respect the way he is handling it and give him that time and space ... and then flick the mindset to Queensland Maroons, Origin and what is around the corner. "The best way we can support him is throwing our arms around him and ultimately ... with our performance and our preparation. "It shows the strength of character of Cam and who he is, and more importantly how much the Maroons mean to him and his family.'' He said Munster's loss also provided perspective on life itself, and while Origin means so much to so many, ultimately it is just a game. "It hits everyone hard, as we are all aware. You don't know what is around the corner, so you have got to be nice and present, and take in the moments you have," Grant said. "(Munster has) a beautiful family and I've had plenty of moments and plenty of experiences with the family over the years. What we can control is our performance, and that's the best way to pay our respects to the family. "It's a real reminder that this is just a game, and as much as we love it there is more to life than rugby league. At the end of the day sometimes rugby league is people's lives as well." As for when Munster would return to camp, Grant said that was up to him. "If he can make it back, and him and his family have made that decision and Cam's OK to travel south, then he'll make captain's run," he said. "We've got training late Tuesday arvo, which gives him every chance to spend as much time with the family as he can." Former Maroons captain Cameron Smith knew Steve Munster well and said he would support his son leading the team in Sydney. "I can understand why he'd be going through so much grief at the moment with the loss of not only his dad but someone that was a huge supporter of his footy career, of his life to date and what he's achieved in his life," Smith said. "I knew Cam Munster's father, Steve; he was a wonderful man. I met him many, many times with my time at the Melbourne Storm. "I think the thing that he would love is for Cam to go out and do what he loves doing, and that's playing rugby league, pulling on the maroon jersey and leading his side the way we know he can lead, like he did in game two."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Rival's ultimate praise for fairytale Origin debutant
Stephen Crichton has paid shock Queensland debutant Gehamat Shibasaki the ultimate compliment, claiming his opposite man for the State of Origin decider has been the NRL's best centre this year. It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night. With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022. But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April. Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19. "He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said. "Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason." Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night. Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot. Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland. But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW. "I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said. "It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason. "He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there." Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17. The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider. The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling. "I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young. Stephen Crichton has paid shock Queensland debutant Gehamat Shibasaki the ultimate compliment, claiming his opposite man for the State of Origin decider has been the NRL's best centre this year. It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night. With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022. But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April. Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19. "He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said. "Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason." Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night. Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot. Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland. But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW. "I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said. "It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason. "He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there." Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17. The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider. The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling. "I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young. Stephen Crichton has paid shock Queensland debutant Gehamat Shibasaki the ultimate compliment, claiming his opposite man for the State of Origin decider has been the NRL's best centre this year. It's why Crichton insists Shibasaki will not be underestimated by NSW, who are set to make the call on Brian To'o's troublesome knee after a crucial training session on Monday night. With Kalyn Ponga injured and the series on the line, Queensland coach Billy Slater raised eyebrows picking journeyman Shibasaki at left centre and pushing Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to fullback for Origin III on to a breakout season at Brisbane, Shibasaki had floated across four clubs and played 30 games since his 2018 debut, and even left the NRL for a Japanese rugby stint in 2022. But the 26-year-old's Origin selection did not shock Canterbury captain Crichton, who lined up against him when Brisbane handed the Bulldogs a 42-18 hiding in April. Shibasaki crossed for one of the Broncos' seven four-pointers that night and is the NRL's equal-third most-prolific tryscorer heading into round 19. "He's been the top form centre right now in the year so he deserves his opportunity," Crichton said. "Although probably some people don't know him, he's there for a reason." Even so, Crichton concedes it will be a lofty task for Shibasaki to help the Maroons snatch the Origin shield come Wednesday night. Shibasaki lines up against a star-studded Blues backline that features South Sydney champion Latrell Mitchell in the other centre spot. Himself a surprise selection for game one, rookie Robert Toia joins Shibasaki in a much less seasoned centre pairing for Queensland. But Crichton insists there'll be no complacency from NSW. "I don't take any game lightly. You never know when it's going to be your last time in the jersey," Crichton said. "It's probably a big ask (for Shibasaki), but he's in the team for a reason. "He's done a lot of things right, especially in the position of centre, (there's) a lot of decision making out there." Uncapped winger Jacob Kiraz is on standby to come in for Blues gun To'o, who has been managing a knee injury since Penrith's defeat of Canterbury in round 17. The Blues have been confident all week that To'o and Payne Haas (back) would overcome their fitness issues to play in the decider. The pair completed light training on Saturday as planned but Monday night's full contact session will be telling. "I assume they'll do a bit more today and be good to go Wednesday," said Blues forward Hudson Young.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
NRL legend's words of wisdom for Hawks in flag hunt
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.": Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.": Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell's search for an edge has led to him leaning on rugby league legend Cameron Smith for some words of wisdom as the AFL finals race heats up. A not-so-secret weapon at Mitchell's disposal, Hawks fan Smith addressed the club's leadership and wider playing groups in Melbourne on Monday. The former Queensland and Kangaroos hooker spoke about mental resilience and playing in important fixtures, in particular his State of Origin experiences. The session came as fifth-placed Hawthorn (11-5) gear up for a tough interstate assignment against fellow finals contenders Fremantle (10-6) on Saturday night. "(We spoke about) handling pressure, handling big games and big moments in big games," Smith said. "How to get the best out of yourself as an individual and as a group, timing your run for big games and big finals. "The Hawkies are in a great spot at the moment. "They're probably not playing their best football at the moment, but they're slowly building towards what can be a very positive end of the season." Smith, who retired five years ago, grew close to Hawthorn during his celebrated NRL career with Melbourne Storm. The former Maroons captain was wound up by Hawks veteran Luke Breust, a NSW Riverina product, who donned a Blues jersey for Monday's session ahead of the Origin series decider. But Smith found an ally in Mabior Chol and exchanged Queensland and Hawthorn jerseys with the Brisbane-raised forward. "It's always great to have one of the GOATs of NRL come down," Chol said. "For him to be here, I feel like as a playing group we've learnt so much about his mindset and how he deals with big games. "I wasn't too sure what Breusty was thinking wearing a NSW shirt, but it's great." Chol agreed with Smith's assessment that Hawthorn haven't yet hit top gear this season, despite a four-match winning streak putting them firmly in top-two calculations. "We're not really playing our best footy yet, but we are building," Chol said. "We want to time our run perfect so when finals do come around we hit that up and running. "We're so lucky to have Sam (Mitchell), and he does understand as a playing group we have a lot of things to work towards." Former Richmond and Gold Coast forward Chol has found a home at Hawthorn over the past two seasons. The 28-year-old has kicked 30 goals in 15 games this season and finally feels at home in brown and gold, relishing working alongside premiership hero Jack Gunston and forwards coach Adrian Hickmott. "I've had really good coaches in the past, but I feel like I'm probably a bit more mature than what I was back in my time at Richmond and Gold Coast," Chol said. "I feel like I've narrowed a lot of what my best footy looks like. "I've been working very closely with my forwards coach 'Hicks' and I feel like he's getting the best out of me. "I'm just very grateful to be in a position where I'm playing some really good footy.":
