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Maroons, Knights legend Hagan wary of wounded Blues

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Even though Queensland holds the upper hand in the 2022 State of Origin series, Newcastle-based Maroons’ legend Michael Hagan is wary of the threat NSW poses this weekend.

The Cane Toads upset the Cockroaches 16-10 in Sydney, setting up a fascinating showdown for Sunday’s clash at Optus Stadium in Perth.

Adding further intrigue is the fact Blues mentor Brad Fittler made seven changes to his losing squad.

And, that’s a cause for concern for Hagan, who represented Queensland on five occasions (1988-89) and coached them six times (2004-05).

“The Maroons are in the box seat a little bit,” he said.

“But, when you’re desperate and you need to win, it makes it a slightly different scenario.

“So, I think, NSW selectors have picked a side they believe can square the series.

“I actually feel they might be a chance of doing that, too.

“Then a decider in Brisbane for game three would be fantastic.

“The Blues didn’t play at their best in the opener.

“However, there wasn’t much in it when it’s all said and done.

“They’ll give themselves a chance on Sunday, for sure.”

Hagan played 111 matches for the Knights and a further 72 for the Canterbury Bulldogs during an illustrious career.

The 57-year-old captured two premierships with the Bulldogs in 1985 and 1988.

He then went on to oversee Newcastle to another title in 2001, as coach, finishing on 154 matches between 2001 and 2006 at the Hunter club, with a 54% winning strike rate.

The Knights’ Hall of Famer admitted he had plenty of faith in new Queensland boss Billy Slater.

“He has really good knowledge around the game and what Origin means,” Hagan told the Newcastle Weekly.

“You can see he’s got that real passion for the jumper.

“Billy was like that as a player back in 2004.

“He had such a wonderful career for 30-plus appearances.

“Also, he knows what it’s all about and he’s got the right sort of guys around the team.

“It has that Queensland feeling about it again.

“As a former Maroon, it’s been good to watch.”

Newcastle Knights legend Michael Hagan with Frank Barrett at Cypress Lakes on Thursday. Photo: Rod Thompson

Hagan was keen to help his mate Richard Jones OAM during the week as the Queensland team captain for the Origin Legends Golf Day and Dinner at Cypress Lakes.

The event doubled as a fundraiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (WRHS).

“It’s been such an important organisation for Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and beyond that now,” he said.

“I’ve known Jonesy 30 years or more.

“It’s always good to support him, the WRHS team and be involved – today’s a great opportunity to do that financially, too.

“I’m proud to be a part of the day.

“And, I believe, everyone gets behind the service exceptionally well.

“That’s actually part of the Newcastle community’s DNA.

“It [the Cockroaches and Cane Toads Cup] was a concept floated around in 2021.

“It’s clever and, hopefully, it will continue for many years to come.

“The event also sits really well on the calendar with a stand-alone State of Origin match on the Sunday.

“The fact that Queensland is 1-0 up in the series probably helps me as well [today].

“I think I copped a fair bit in 2021 because the Maroons were beaten in the first outing by about 50.

“But, it’s not over yet.”

Ampol Men’s State of Origin

Sunday 26 June, 7.50pm at Optus Stadium

  • NSW: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters), Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers), Brian To’o (Penrith Panthers), Cameron Murray (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Parramatta Eels), Damien Cook (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters), Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers),  Jake Trbojevic (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Jarome Luai (Penrith Panthers), Jordan McLean (North Queensland Cowboys), Joseph Suaalii (Sydney Roosters), Junior Paulo (Parramatta Eels), Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers), Matt Burton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers), Nicho Hynes (Cronulla Sharks), Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos), Siosifa Talakai (Cronulla Sharks), Stephen Crichton (Penrith Panthers), Victor Radley (Sydney Roosters)
  • QLD: Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane Broncos), Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys), Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights), Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys), Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm), Daly Cherry-Evans, (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Kurt Capewell (Brisbane Broncos), Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm), Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans), Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm), Jai Arrow (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane Broncos), Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Thomas Flegler (Brisbane Broncos), Beau Fermor (Gold Coast Titans), Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos), Reece Walsh (Warriors)

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