- Aug 25, 2011
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TiF: Congratulations Tarkyn_24 on once again being selected to captain your State of Origin side, you must be thrilled. How important to you is the State of Origin concept for the Sweet FA?
Tarks: As always, it is a huge honour to represent your state and I'm humbled to have been chosen to captain the side. I think State of Origin provides an important point of difference in the SFA - we all really enjoy the home and away competition but it can get a bit stale interacting with and against the same people all the time. State of Origin provides an opportunity to freshen up, familiarise yourself with others that you may not otherwise get to know as well and also to lock horns with your teammates. The fact that it is based on a non-fictional factor, being the state to which you feel the strongest affinity, is also helpful as it reduces the fantasy facet of the entire competition and grounds it in reality.
TiF: You’ve selected Ljp86 and TheInjuryFactory as your vice captains for the series, how did that come about? and what do you think they’ll bring to the side and to your leadership group?
Tarks: Western Australia has never lacked influence on the State of Origin competition and there are a number of players that have represented us in leadership positions before. More than any other state, I believe we could be capably led by any number of players. I've selected the two players that I have as vice captains because I believe that these two are most closely intertwined with State of Origin, and as a group we are a nod to the past, present and future of the competition. Ljp86 has been a staunch supporter of the SOO concept from the start and has previously led WA with great success, and provides a fantastic sounding board for me. TheInjuryFactory represents the new blood of the competition, and has shown an abundant willingness to push the state and it's players to excel. I'm very comfortable with working with both of these players in the upcoming series.
TiF: Despite finishing the top scoring team of the tournament, WA went winless in the most recent Series XIV, in a series you would probably rather forget. Yet overall, you are still well and truly in the hunt to be #firsttofour with both the Allies and WA sitting on 3 series wins apiece. What’s the number one thing you’ll be looking to get right for this series?
Tarks: The results of the last series were disappointing and not reflective of how our players approached the carnival. A greater emphasis this season will be placed on getting selection right and ensuring that those most engaged with the concept are the ones given greatest opportunity. I think a marginal shift will bring about an emphatic change in our fortunes, so I'll be looking to get the extra few percent out of each player whether it be on or off the field.
TiF: Who do you see playing off in the decider this series?
Tarks: I think this year we'll see a resumption of the two dominant footballing states being reflected in results. We'll be there on the final day of competition giving our best account of ourselves against Vic Metro.
TiF: Which side are you most wary of heading into the series?
Tarks: It would be remiss of me to say that there's any side I wouldn't be wary of. We produced at a high standard last carnival and walked away without a win. Every side on it's day is a threat and we'll be treating each game on it's merits. We have a hunger to atone for our last series.
TiF: You’ve been a big supporter of the concept throughout your career, what’s the most enjoyable thing about SFA State of Origin that keeps you coming back?
Tarks: It's the chance to engage with all the posters that you otherwise wouldn't have an opportunity to. I'm very settled at the Demons personally but am very excited about the prospect of playing alongside different faces and getting out of the routine that can develop. There are behemoths of WA footy that have provided many laughs over the journey, and plenty of fresh blood to come in and bring their own style of banter and engagement going forward.
TiF: Cheers Tarks, looking forward to hoisting the cup with you mate
