Delivered a wake-up call by Cowboys coach Todd Payten following a poor performance in Round 1, Jeremiah Nanai worked hard to turn his form around and will next week line up for his ninth game for the Maroons.
The second rower return to the NRL in Round 3 after a spending a week with the Northern Pride in the Hostplus Cup and came off the bench, before earning his starting place back in Round 8, where he scored two tries as the Cowboys posted.
Queensland coach Billy Slater noticed his effort and has entrusted him to start against an impressive looking Blues forward pack featuring Angus Crichton and Liam Martin in the back row.
“What happened earlier in the year happened and I took it on the chin and I moved forward from it and worked my way back into the team and I did what I had to do for the team and what’s best for the team,” Nanai said.
“Fortunately, Billy’s been watching and I’m very grateful to be back in this team again.
“I always want to play for Queensland and you have got to earn it, like Billy has said.
“I have worked very hard and worked my way back to the team.
“Billy told me last year I had to work on a few things defensively and I took it on board and tried to put that in my game, and hopefully I keep progressing and improve for a bit more.”
With Pat Carrigan named at lock, Nanai’s partner in the second row will be his Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter, who has also had a less than ideal lead in to the match.
Suspended for the past two matches for a careless high tackle, next Wednesday’s Origin match at Suncorp Stadium will be his first game back since Round 9.
“Obviously not ideal (preparation), but I just got on with it,” Cotter said.
“I couldn’t do much about the suspension, but I’ve been training quite hard over the last couple of weeks and I’ve had top ups on the weekends when the boys have played.
“I’m feeling confident, I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”
With Pat Carrigan named at lock, Nanai’s partner in the second row will be his Cowboys co-captain Reuben Cotter, who has also had a less than ideal lead in to the match.
Suspended for the past two matches for a careless high tackle, next Wednesday’s Origin match at Suncorp Stadium will be his first game back since Round 9.
“Obviously not ideal (preparation), but I just got on with it,” Cotter said.
“I couldn’t do much about the suspension, but I’ve been training quite hard over the last couple of weeks and I’ve had top ups on the weekends when the boys have played.
“I’m feeling confident, I’m feeling fresh and ready to go.”
Cotter, who has historically been named prop, but has filled in with aplomb on the edge before, said he was excited for the challenge, with the message from Slater simply being to play his own game.
“Excited for the opportunity, very grateful for the opportunity,” Cotter said.
“I don’t mind where I play to be honest. Just very grateful to be able to wear the jersey.
“That’s what he always says… ‘bring your game, bring your best game, and focus on doing your job to the best of your ability’, so it’ll be the same sort of prep (for me).
“I’m excited about this squad, a few boys will hopefully get their debuts.
“Looking forward to seeing Trent [Loiero] get a start.
“He’s been with us at the back end of last year in a couple of camps so excited for him and good to have big Tino [Fa’asuamaleaui] back as well. Ready to go.”
Source: nrl.com