Queensland principal and assistant coach Jonathan Thurston revealed the Maroons will “put the blowtorch” on Bradman Best in Origin III, following rookie comments last week.
Best will make his senior debut against the Maroons on Wednesday, replacing the injured Tom Trbojevic, with the Manly star ruled out for 2023 after tearing his pec.
The nomination of Best in the Blues category was highly controversialhowever, the 21-year-old has shown he is ready to ditch the blue jersey, publicly declaring his “hate” for the Maroons at his Origin press conference last week.
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“I hate them,” Best said.
“You go to school and you just want to tussle with the boys who go to Queensland.
“I hate Queensland, I still do.”
Speaking at Nine The Billy Slater Podcast Thurston said Best’s comments were part of Origin football, but warned that a target would be placed on the NSW rookie.
“Anytime someone makes their debut, you have to put them in,” Thurston said.
“I’m sure they’ll try to put the blowtorch on (Queensland rookie) Corey Horsburgh.
“Without a doubt, there will be a goal for the (first) players.”
Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and specials on Channel 9 and 9 Now.
The Blues star is on the verge of an Origin debut
The State of Origin shield has been retained by the Maroons following their victories in Adelaide and Brisbane, as the Maroons look to complete an Origin clean sheet.
The last Origin sweep was in 2010, with Maroons coach Billy Slater, Thurston and Cameron Smith all playing for Queensland that year.
Thurston says the Maroons will bring a new level to the home of the Blues, saying the team will take every opportunity to win the game.
“It’s going to be a big time for both sides. New South Wales has a lot to play for, and so do we,” Thurston said.
“We’ve been really impressed with what our guys are doing … but we’ve got to go to another level behind (NSW).
“It’s about fighting fire and fire but staying within the rules. I think if we can do that we’ll give ourselves a chance to win the game.”
Three games in a row kicks off on Wednesday night at the Accor Stadium.
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