State of Origin State of Origin Series XVIII Launch

[Kennedy Parker]

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Allies Captain - damicky
The Allies Captain for Series XVIII will be the Captain of the West Coast Wonders THE CHEESE damicky. Damicky burst onto the scene winning the EKA Medal in Season 32 and then following up with the Mobbenfuhrer Medal in Season 33 and a top 20 finish in the Beez Trophy in Season 34 in a blistering start to his Qooty career. After bouncing around a few clubs in his first season, he has settled into the captaincy at the West Coast Wonders, leading them to a successful campaign to date in Season 35 with a top 2 finish, putting the Wonders in a strong position to make an impact in finals.

Allies Vice-Captain - Dingster
Damicky's handpicked deputy will be one of the most experienced stars in the league - the SFA's most handsome man, Dingster. Dingster's pedigree does not need to be explained, he is Hall of Fame league legend with 7 top 20 finishes in the Beez Trophy, four All-SFA selections, a Frankston Rover Award and Fred Medal along with playing in 2 premierships - one of which where he was captain. A very experienced State of Origin campaigner, he will bring experience to the Allies leadership.

Allies Captains Interview​

KP: Congratulations damicky on being chosen as the captain of the Allies State of Origin team for Series XVIII. This is only your second series and you are relatively new to the league. From your perspective, what does it mean to be a State of Origin captain and what does the State of Origin concept mean to you?

Dam: Thanks, KP

I have only been in the Sweet FA for 4 Seasons ... BUT I have achieved more than most 10+ Season Players

It is a great privilege to be named Captain of The Allies in only my second State of Origin Series

The SOO concept gives us an opportunity to banter with Club opponents & against Club teammates ... after a disappointing Series XVII on & off the field, I am looking forward to restoring pride in The Allies jersey

KP: You have chosen Dingster as your vice-captain for this series. How have you come to that decision and what do you expect Ding to bring to the table over the course of this series?

Dam: I actually asked Dingster to be my Co-Captain ... he chose to be my Vice Captain

Ding will share the knowledge & experience that he has acquired over his highly decorated qareer ... I can also blame him if things don't go to plan

KP: Dingster this is yet another in a long list of origin campaigns for you. For the benefit of those entering their first State of Origin series, can you share a personal State of Origin highlight?

Ding: Putting BRAB and Ant Bear in the same team. It's what the fans wanted.

KP: Now there has been a lot of talk about a Queensland breakaway team prior to this series - a movement started by a Victorian who's played for South Australia the last 3 years - which obviously is not eventuating this year. What will you two be doing to get everybody to buy-in to the Allies and play as a unit?

Dam: There is a lot of QLD-NSW rivalry with the other SOO Series also being played ... we will remind The Allies Players that our real enemies are TheInjuryFactory & The Western Australians

Ding: When you look at the make up of the team and history of many of us experienced qootiers having played together, it will happen naturally. Look at the last few seasons and the Allies have been active in all the match threads and superior in quality. We're that good.

KP: In terms of Qooty, taking a look at the talent available for the Allies, who are you two most looking forward to teaming up with that you would not usually play alongside? Who are the key players you expect to power the Allies to our first series victory since the stone ages?

Dam: Apart from my VC, Strigoi , The Filth Wizard & GWS Goose would be right up there

U2tigers has been talking a big game leading in to this Series ... The Wonders' brothers HARPSichord & MayTheNorthBeWithU will add some passion to our Squad

Ding: Looking forward to team up with a couple of my North brothers HARPSichord and MayTheNorthBeWithU and of course enjoying some quality time with Mrs Turbo.

I reckon The Filth Wizard is ready to tear the series apart and U2tigers looks set for a big series.

KP: From an opposition point of view, who is the biggest obstacle standing between us and the State of Origin title?

Dam: It is not who, it is what:

#VICBIAS is our biggest threat, led by NaturalDisaster & manangatang

Ding: WA. Lots of quality there. They deserve to be second.

KP: And finally, explain for everybody in the SFA, why is the Allies team superior to all the other states?

Dam: The Allies are superior because we are more than just a state (or part of a state)

We represent 3 states, 2 territories & the rest of the universe!

Ding: You summed it up in one of the match threads, maybe against SA? The Allies are stacked with some of the most decorated players in all of Sweet. It really should be a fait accompli.

 

[Kennedy Parker]

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Graphics thanks to TheInjuryFactory
Vic Metro Captain - NaturalDisaster
The Vic Metro captain for State of Origin Series XVIII is former administrator NaturalDisaster. He is a recipient of the Frankston Rover Award, a 5-time All-SFA player who has finished in the top 20 of the Beez Trophy on 7 occasions and formerly captained the Fighting Furies to a grand final appearance. ND has also led Vic Metro to success in a previous State of Origin campaign, being the Vic Metro captain in the Series XV where Metro won. ND is truly an exponent of the 'best of the best' and is one of the most respected players in the SFA.

Vic Metro Vice-Captain - okeydoke7
NaturalDisaster has selected the legendary goalkicker and also another former administrator Okeydoke7. A Hall of Famer, Okey is one of the most prominent personalities in the league. Wherever he goes, an audience will follow, be it his adoring fans or most ardent detractors. His quest (and failure) to score 1000 goals in Season 35 was one of the biggest stories of the season. He is a Fred Medal winner, a 5-time All-SFA, a former administrator who overhauled the simming process, committee structure, pioneered the concept of charity games and a passionate advocate for State of Origin, okey will be a valuable asset for the Vic Metro origin campaign.

Vic Metro Captains Interview


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KP: Congratulations NaturalDisaster on being once again selected as the captain of the Vic Metro State of Origin team for Series XVIII, obviously this is a series that you have had a fair bit to do with. You've been a previous winning captain for Vic Metro in State of Origin, what is the significance of State of Origin to the SFA in your opinion?

ND: Significance of SoO is keeping a continued level of engagement during the off season so that interest doesn't wane. Not only this, but to get the chance to play with posters you would not usually post with.

It also provides extra oppurtunities for mediocre captains like myself to win flags

KP: The man you have handpicked as your vice-captain is just like you a former administrator, he's also kicked a few Qooty goals over the years - okeydoke7. How did you reach that decision and what do you expect Okey to bring to the table ahead of this campaign?

ND: I was in two minds for this decision. Do I go a younger, but inexperienced face like James Colorado (Likely a future Metro captain) or do I go an older, wiser (lol) experienced face?

I thought it was a bit harsh to throw someone only in their first series to the wolves like that, so I thought it was better to have a more experienced campaigner as my 2IC.

We all know Okey has a massive ego and I expect he will use this to energise the group and intimidate the opposition into submission.

KP: Okey congratulations on being selected as VC of the Vic Metro side. State of Origin is something that you are very passionate about, for the benefit of those going into their first series, could you explain what you most enjoy about the concept of the series?

OK: State of Origin is an opportunity to join forces with posters you’ve never played with and to play against some of your loyal teammates.

At its best, State of Origin is the best against the best. When the league buys in, it’s the best representatives in this competition putting on a show.

The banter is different too - location based banter comes into it and the different mix throws up some interesting match threads.

And of course, it keeps us going during the off-season!

KP: Is there any truth to ruours that you are campaigning behind the scenes to have any State of Origin goals you kick in this series added to your SFA career total so you get to 1000 goals as soon as possible?

OK: Those ruours started back when I was furious at how the last game played out. The Swamprats hierarchy have a lot to answer for - it was a chaotic and ridiculous scene.

But no, I’ll happily kick my 1000th in round 1. State of Origin should stand alone, which gives me the chance to celebrate my 1000th State of Origin goal in Season 249.

KP: Now onto Qooty, the Vic Metro side are viewed as underdogs going into this series. Somebody I know who shall remain nameless, let's call them "The White Possum" has labelled you 'a rag tag collection of geriatrics, failures, perennial losers and flogs captained by a walking meme'. What do the two of you say to the doubters of your Vic Metro side?

ND: Didn't we just win a series? Or was that the series before? * me, I'm turning into ClarkeM. I'm guessing this person is one of those who thinks only the most elite posters should be allowed to participate in SFA.

OK: I’d just tell them to get stuffed.

KP: Powerful response... which players are for Metro are you most looking forward to teaming up with, that you normally would not get the chance to play alongside?

ND: I quote enjoyed playing with posters such as PhenomenalV1, Proper Gander and cooney last time around, so it will be good to get that chance again.

OK: I love teaming up with ClarkeM. Oh wait a minute.

No, I’m looking forward to playing with James Colorado who I’ve enjoyed from afar and teaming up closely with NaturalDisaster

KP: Finally, for the both of you give us a personal highlight from State of Origin, this could be a Qooty moment or a memorable interaction in a match thread.

ND: The time I made manangatang melt stands out to me, even better than whatever series we won the flag.

OK: I’ve enjoyed captaining the club in past seasons. It should be the best of the best, and the chance to lead my peers as we join forces is pretty special.

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[Kennedy Parker]

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South Australia Captain - sausageroll
Captaining the modern State of Origin powerhouse - South Australia in Series XVIII is the recently inducted Hall of Fame rookie sausageroll. A 500+ gamer and 6-time All-SFA, sausageroll is an incredibly decorated and admired figure the league having played in 3 premierships and recently starred in two successful State of Origin series for South Australia since the concept's return in 2019. The CV of sausageroll is extraordinary considering he is a rookie with no experience and captaining South Australia will no doubt help the cause in winning that elusive EKA Medal.

South Australia Vice-Captain - por_please_ya
Sausageroll has selected East Side co-captain por_please_ya to be his deputy for South Australia in Series XVIII. Por_please_ya is a star of the league with 4 All-SFA selections and has been a fixture in the South Australian juggernaut that has made all four State of Origin grand finals since the concept's return in 2019, with two title wins. She is elite in many vocations including minecraft, werewolf and Qooty which has made her a key player in maintaining SA's Origin dominance.

South Australia Captains Interview


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KP: Congratulations sausageroll on being selected as the captain of the South Australian State of Origin team for Series XVIII. An obvious choice for someone recently inducted Hall of Fame despite being a rookie with no experience. A lot of expectation on your shoulders taking over a South Australia state side that has played in every grand final since we brought back the series. The concept has had a long, storied history, in your view, how significant is the State of Origin series to the landscape of the SFA?

SR: I've always enjoyed the State of Origin series. It gives you a chance to play alongside people that are usually your opposition.
I also grew up at a time where state games were played regularly in real life leagues thaat were more relevant prior to the creation of the SFA. I stil have a long sleeved wool SA guernsey with #2 on it.

KP: You have selected por_please_ya as your vice-captain for South Australia. Tell us how you came to that choice and what do you expect porps to bring to the table.

SR: There were a few players on the SA list who would be great choices as captains and vice captains of the team but to be honest, porps just felt like the right choice from the start.
She's a popular member of the SFA and has leadership experience. I'm hoping she'll bring a bit of energy to the team and play a part in generating activity within the squad and go on to captain the SA side in the future.

KP: Porps congratulations on being the vice-captain of the South Australia State of Origin side. You've taken on the co-captaincy at the Phoenix for the first time this season and now you are the VC of South Australia which is clearly quite a rapid rise. What does it mean to you to be able to play a part in leading such an elite group of players into a State of Origin campaign?

PO: Thanks KP, it's an honour to be leading alongside sausageroll for the SA team this season. We have been business partners for a couple of years with the Sausageroll Bakery in Sweet, so it only makes sense to be Qooty partners as well. It means a lot to be representing my home-state; we're going to bring a lot of energy and passion and most importantly, frog cakes, Farmers Union Iced Coffee, and FruChocs.

KP: South Australia under the previous leadership of spookism has been an extremely successful outfit in recent years, competed in four grand finals for two wins. What do you two put such consistent success down to and who are the key players that will be important in taking you guys to the ultimate success once again?

SR: I think there were a couple of good captains over that period, but spookism was probably my favourite SA captain of all I've played under.

SA has always been the most under-rated state and has always proven the doubters wrong. This season will be no different and we're determined to continue to continue the level of success that's been achieced in recent times.

PO: Spook's inspired leadership certainly helped, and not letting those Mexicans over the border get to us. I think players like MP_ and croweater 41 will be absolutely critical to our success again this SoO season.

KP: On that note, who are some of the players that you rarely get to team up with, that you are most looking forward to lining up alongside?

SR: In Season 35 I supported whoever was playing against the Demons throughout the entire season so technically I had the opportunity to team up with all of my fellow South Australians at least once over the past few months.
It's been a while since I played alongside sante though so I'm looking forward to that.

PO: Looking forward to being on the same team with the likes of Pugsley, philreich and dogs105, and of course the magnificent GreyCrow.

KP: Finally, for the both of you, give us a personal highlight from the State of Origin series in years gone by.

SR: Personally, the gighlight was spookism playing me at full forward in a season where we won the State of Origin. I've never really had that opportunity in the past and ended up leading the goal kicking i the minor rounds and won the BOG medal in the grand final.
I probably kicked more goals in that State of Origin series than okeydoke7 did in the whole of Season 35

PO: Definitely the first SoO I participated in where we won the GF. It was absolutely epic! I'll never forget holding the trophy aloft my head with my teammates. The memories of that day have never left me, including the parmi I had at the pub after the game - it was the best ever!

 

[Kennedy Parker]

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Vic Country Captain - manangatang
The Vic Country Captain for Series XVIII is the Mount Buller Demons Captain and Demons Hall of Famer, manangatang. This man has done it all and has leadership pedigree that is matched by few. He is an All-SFA captain, premiership captain, Beez Trophy winner with 6 All-SFA selections as well as playing in two premierships for the Demons. He is currently the General Manager of Qooty Operations. An extraordinary player who will no doubt be a capable leader for the Counts.

Vic Country Vice-Captain - Pie 4 Life
Manangatang's chosen vice-captain is Dragons FFC legend and Hall of Famer Pie 4 Life. Few in the league have the qualifications that P4L has, a veteran who has played over 500 games, he's played in 3 premierships and been part and parcel of State of Origin since its inception as he was the inaugural Origin-winning captain who led a combined Victoria team to victory in the first ever origin series. He has experience and insights that few others would be able to provide as Vic Country aim to win their first title since Series VIII.

Vic Country Captains Interview​

KP: Congratulations manangatang on being selected as the captain of the Vic Country State of Origin team for Series XVIII. It is another feather in the cap for your extraordinary career. For the benefit of those who are playing in their first ever State of Origin series, could you explain what State of Origin means to you?

MT: For me, it's a thoroughly enjoyable Sweet F.A. tradition to put aside club alignments and petty rivalries and come together to share a bond over what brings us all together.

A mutual hatred of Vic Metro.

KP: You have handpicked Hall of Fame legend Pie 4 Life as your Vic Country Vice-Captain. How did you reach that decision and what do you expect P4L to bring to the table ahead of this campaign?

MT: Quite simply, Pie 4 Life shared my vision of a Vic Country team that is no longer run by the heavy and incredibly draconian hand of ClarkeM .

I also think that Pie 4 Life will help get under the skin of people like Tarks when we have the misfortune of competing against him.

Of course there's the part where he's a league legend and tremendous leader in his own right, but that's probably less important here.

KP: Pie 4 Life congratulations on being selected as VC of the Counts. You've been in the league for a long time and been a part of many iterations of State of Origin. In your view, how important is the concept to the SFA?

P4L: Thanks KP, it was an honour for manangatang to give me the VC band. I've been representing Victoria for so long it was back when there was no Metro and Country - in fact I captained the Vics to a win prior to probably 95% of the current league coming into play. I love State of Origin and for all the seasons I've been active I've always put my hand up because donning the 'Big V' is a massive thing and certainly something I don't take lightly.

KP: Now moving onto Qooty, question for both of you since we brought back State of Origin 4 years ago. Vic Country has competed in the grand final once but never gotten to the ultimate glory. Who are the key players for the Counts that are going to make Series XVIII the one where you go all the way?

MT: For us, the ultimate glory is the enemies we make along the way!

But to address your question around our key players, I find that ant555 always leaves his best Qooty for these sorts of battles. I always like to see Mobbs take a premium spot and dominate.

And of course we have DERO , who I expect great things of during this series.

P4L: We've got a pretty experienced team, so I feel like we're always going to be competitive. Guys like Mobbs who is just about the only player who's been playing longer than me, mang of course, our former skipper ClarkeM and Broken.

KP: On that note, who are some of the players that you most look forward to teaming up with, that you rarely have the opportunity to in the SFA season?

MT: Look; the whole squad is - frankly - busted. In a good way. So 'all of them' would be my answer here.

I enjoy seeing Tigerturbulance roll out his particular set of skills. I love watching GotTheGoodes from a distance. I thrive on seeing what Pickitt can deliver. I positively swell at even the thought of Elton Johns Wig shoving his fist into the ball against the Metros.

Even just the thought of it is a bit much for me really.

P4L: I think for me croweater 41 and Tigerturbulance are two who are always good value. I don't have a lot of Dragons teammates at the Counts, but Knifey Spoony is one who I always enjoy donning the same jumper with. Then those I've already named above. I think I've seen we'll bring in some fresh faces looking at the sign-up thread and that will be nice. Hopefully the rookies all sign up too.

KP: Now let's take a look at the other state teams. Who do you see as your biggest rivals in this series and the state that is the biggest obstacle between you and the title?

MT: Any team that is captained by NaturalDisaster is a team to laugh at, so I'd classify them neither as rivals nor obstacles.

Perhaps the South Australians? I don't know, but playing against sausageroll all season has been rough for my team's SIM results, so I guess that's going to be what we're up against when we play them.

P4L: I know the obvious one is Vic Metro, but the team I always love to beat is Western Australia. It dates back to the fact that Ljp86 is on the side and obviously having played over 500 SFA games together, it's always fun to play against each other. Chuck in serial_thrilla who I respect highly as a former Dragons captain and then players like Tarkyn_24 and omgfridge who I always have good banter with, and beating those Sandgropers is the pinnacle for me.

KP: Finally, from each of you, how about a personal highlight from your experience in State of Origin?

MT: I remember the time when we played at my HOME home ground - the Manangatang Recreation Reserve . Cheryse at the canteen ran out of Rivett's Pies that day, such was the flurry of excitement and the crowd numbers that day.

They're still talking about it now.

P4L: Definitely the first State of Origin where I captained the team to a victory. Though my heart will always be with Vic Country, to have that memory is something I'll never forget. I'm sure we'll have a more recent similar memory soon though. Up the Counts!

 

[Kennedy Parker]

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Western Australia Co-Captains - TheInjuryFactory and Tarkyn_24
Co-Skippering the Western Australian team for State of Origin Series XVIII will be the pair of TheInjuryFactory and Tarkyn_24 who are continuing on from their championship winning success in Series XVII.

TheInjuryFactory has been one of the most passionate advocates for the State of Origin concept since its revival in 2019 and a deserving captain of Western Australia, accumulating one of the most impressive CVs of anyone since he's been here since Season 26. He has been selected in the All-SFA team on 5 occasions, won the Beez Trophy twice, won the Frankston Rover Award, won the Mobbenfuhrer Medal and co-captained Western Australia to a winning series last year in partnership with Tarkyn_24.

Tarkyn_24 is a Hall of Fame Immortal, a legendary goalkicker being the only player to have scored more than 1000 goals to date. He has won the Fred Medal three times, the TFLUA-Tiger Award twice and the Frankston Rover Award once to go with 7 All-SFA selections and 4 premierships. He has been the Western Australia Origin captain since it was revived in 2019 and together with TIF made WA the most successful state in Origin history by leading the team to a fourth State of Origin title in Series XVII.

Western Australia Captains Interview
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KP: Congratulations Tarkyn_24 and TheInjuryFactory on once again leading the defending champions of State of Origin Western Australia out for Series XVIII. State of Origin is a tournament that you are both very passionate about, it's one with a lot of history dating back to the earliest seasons of the SFA. For newer players who are perhaps heading into their first series, what does the concept of State of Origin mean to you?

TIF: Thanks KP. I think Tarks & I would have been quite happy to remain champions in perpetuity, but we're thrilled to be back to defend our crown in Series XVIII.

I still remember my first series and the anticipation of stepping into a much vaunted WA set up with some of the league's absolute greats at the helm. It's probably become more commonplace than it was when I first started but as someone staunchly embedded at my club, it was an enticing prospect to mix it with some of the oppo players I'd admired and it's fair to say that it delivered.

It's a fantastic opportunity to form bonds with foes, play out of your normal position and rub shoulders with players from across the league and those that have been involved since the very birth of the concept.

T24: State of Origin represents the best true opportunity for us to all enjoy representative qootball and the chance to play alongside those that you might spend your career otherwise pitting your head against. For me, it’s a competition that I take seriously and to captain WA is an honour that ranks alongside my club achievements.

KP: You gents have obviously gone into this series with the co-captaincy model. You're the only state with multiple captains, why have you decided to go in this direction and what is the working relationship between you two in leading the WA state side?

TIF: The one thing that really stood out for me coming into the WA set up was just how revered the leadership group was, how serious they were about the prestige of representing WA and the history of the competition. I've been lucky enough to work my way into the WA leadership group over successive series since State of Origin's return, and it's genuinely been an honour to work with Ljp86 & Tarks over that time to continue our legacy as the most well run and successful state in the competition.

Last series Tarks elevated me to co-captain and together we broke through for an historic 4th championship for WA. To be able to share that has been one of the real highlights of my career and to me it just makes sense for us to continue unchanged.

T24: This is the second consecutive series we’ve gone with this model and it obviously works as we’re defending champions with our current leadership configuration. Personally, it was an opportunity to bring another capable leader into the fold and split duties, and also appeals to our respective tenure in the competition. Without a doubt I’m sure there are a number of newer members of the SFA that will have an appreciation for TIF’s substantial catalogue of wonderful work and will consider him more approachable. Conversely, there are a number of the old guard prevalent at WA that enjoy the ties with the old times, and my involvement as a leader in the concept also hopefully promotes further activity and engagement that might not have otherwise been bought in.

KP: Western Australia are now the most successful state in the history with four series titles, who are the key sandgropers most crucial in retaining the cup and ensuring you guys come home with a fifth title at the end of July?

TIF: We've been absolutely blessed with talent.

We've got a plethora of the league's biggest names over the past 10 seasons or so in JoshWoodenSpoon, Barrybran, Agent93 to name a few. We've also got a really strong contingent of the next generation of players in Tonga Bob, serial_thrilla, Chipmunk & BLUEALLTHRU who all have captaincy pedigree... and then we've got guys coming through like Greenery & Falconista who've got just the one series between them and I'm excited to see what they bring to the side, I think the future of WA is in very, very good hands.

T24: We’re a team of 20, a squad of more than they and we only bat as deep as our last player. We’ve often taken an approach of combining inclusion and collaboration and we always give everyone that’s active and showing enthusiasm for the concept a shot but our best contributors will generally be offered the more prevalent positions toward the end of the carnival as reward and recognition for their engagement.

KP: On that note, who are some of the players that you are most looking forward to teaming up with, that you normally do not get an opportunity to play alongside in a SFA season?

TIF: I really hope we see Biggie make a comeback for State of Origin, it's been a turbulent relationship with the Sweet FA in recent seasons but he's always put that aside for WA and I hope we see that again in Series XVIII.

I'm looking forward to mixing it with some of the new additions to the squad, Falconista is probably one that stands out as one of the real up and coming stars in the league, but I honestly just love getting around the whole WA squad. We've built up some great relationships over a number of series now and we always gel really well when we get together for another carnival.

T24: I always enjoy the old guard, so Ljp86 and boncer34 both represent reunions I’m excited about. I’m hopeful we can also coax League stalwart Biggie into pulling on the boots once again at the truest of his homes. I’m also excited to see the wares of BLUEALLTHRU , Tonga Bob and MWPP whilst JoshWoodenSpoon always contributes strongly.

KP: Now let's take a look at the other state teams. Who do you see as your biggest rivals in this series and biggest threat to your title defense?

TIF: It's hard to look past South Australia. Undoubtedly the most successful state in the competition since the series return in SXIV, runners up last series after winning their third series title in SXVI... they've really been a constant in the deciders over a long period of time now. They're undergoing some transition, but they'll definitely be one to watch.

The Allies are the dark horse for mine. They have a pretty formidable squad and look to have a bit of a new set up in place with some steady hands behind the scenes. If they can quell the disquiet from within their northern ranks and galvanise the rooms, they could surprise a few this series.

T24: South Australia, they tend to be the best of the opposition to engage in state relevant banter and they obviously pushed us in the final last season. I can’t stomach losing to sausageroll .

KP: To bring us home, what is your fondest memory in your experience playing in State of Origin?

TIF: Can't really look past winning Series XVII together. It's been an absolute pleasure to lead the state and I am very honoured to once again lead us out with Tarks.

T24: I’ll offer two - my first series was great fun as the dominant players in the SFA at the time were predominantly West Australians so playing alongside the likes of Wally, Biggie, boncer, ljp and co was good fun. It’s rivalled by last series’ premiership though, which once again was underlined by really great contributions by a wonderful group of people that embraced the concept. WA of all states tends to really embrace the competition which is wonderful.