DIEHARD
16-12-06, 02:38 AM
Rogers no Origin certainty
Former Test rugby player Mat Rogers must make an immediate impact in his return to rugby league to have any chance of living his State of Origin dream.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga last night admitted Rogers had a massive challenge to again prove himself in the 13-man code after five seasons in rugby.
The 30-year-old represented the Maroons five times between 1999 and 2000 but will start next season well down the Origin pecking order.
Rogers is expected to soon ink a deal for 2007 with the Gold Coast Titans, with whom he is likely to play fullback.
But with Karmichael Hunt, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Matt Bowen and Rhys Wesser all quality No. 1s, Meninga said Rogers's best hopes of securing an Origin berth would be on the wings or in the centres.
Inglis, Brent Tate, Steve Bell, Adam Mogg and Wesser lined the flanks for Queensland during this year's winning series while Justin Hodges, Tate, Bell and Josh Hannay shared time in the centres.
Mogg has since moved to France but Bulldog Willie Tonga, Cowboy Ty Williams and Broncos Shaun Berrigan and Darius Boyd are other impressive three-quarter options.
Meninga refused to guarantee Rogers a path back to league's toughest arena, insisting it was up to the former Cronulla Sharks player to stake the most irresistible claim he could.
"I pick people on merit," Meninga said. "If they are performing, they will be considered.
"We've got depth all over the place, so it's going to be difficult for everyone.
"Everyone's a chance if they are playing well, but I'm not going to commit myself."
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Former Test rugby player Mat Rogers must make an immediate impact in his return to rugby league to have any chance of living his State of Origin dream.
Queensland coach Mal Meninga last night admitted Rogers had a massive challenge to again prove himself in the 13-man code after five seasons in rugby.
The 30-year-old represented the Maroons five times between 1999 and 2000 but will start next season well down the Origin pecking order.
Rogers is expected to soon ink a deal for 2007 with the Gold Coast Titans, with whom he is likely to play fullback.
But with Karmichael Hunt, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Matt Bowen and Rhys Wesser all quality No. 1s, Meninga said Rogers's best hopes of securing an Origin berth would be on the wings or in the centres.
Inglis, Brent Tate, Steve Bell, Adam Mogg and Wesser lined the flanks for Queensland during this year's winning series while Justin Hodges, Tate, Bell and Josh Hannay shared time in the centres.
Mogg has since moved to France but Bulldog Willie Tonga, Cowboy Ty Williams and Broncos Shaun Berrigan and Darius Boyd are other impressive three-quarter options.
Meninga refused to guarantee Rogers a path back to league's toughest arena, insisting it was up to the former Cronulla Sharks player to stake the most irresistible claim he could.
"I pick people on merit," Meninga said. "If they are performing, they will be considered.
"We've got depth all over the place, so it's going to be difficult for everyone.
"Everyone's a chance if they are playing well, but I'm not going to commit myself."
FOXSPORTS