Coates named to start

QUEENSLAND Maroons coach Wayne Bennett has named Papua New Guinea international Xavier Coates on the wing for Wednesday’s State of Origin series opener at the Adelaide Oval.
The 19-year-old was yesterday named in the 21-man squad which includes 11 players who are also yet to play Origin football.
They are AJ Brinsom, Brenko Lee, Phillip Sami, Jake Friend, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Lindsay Collins, Jaydn Su’A, Kurt Capewell, Moeaki Fotuaika, Dunamis Lui and Hymel Hunt.
“It’s pretty tough to believe it, after everything that’s happened this year, but I’m absolutely stoked to be here, the boys have been so welcoming and we’ve bonded really well,” Coates said.
“Not at all (did I expect the call-up); I had planned a holiday and they gave me fitness programmes, so I wasn’t slacking off but I never expected to be picked at all.”
Coates was born in Port Moresby and played a solitary Test for PNG last year.
His pace and athleticism was a breath of fresh air in Brisbane’s historic wooden spoon season, reminding some of the man Coates said was “pretty much everyone’s Origin hero”.
“When I was young watching them play, there was no-one better than Greg Inglis; he was my hero coming through and a lot of other people’s too,” he said.
“Before the camp even started, he (Bennett) said ‘everyone in this camp was picked for a reason’ and I’m just really happy to be here amongst the calibre of players in this group.
“It’s not really about making a name for yourself, it’s about doing your role for the team.
“I feel like I’m up for the occasion. Wayne has a lot of faith … he knows you can get the job done and you have to have faith in the coach.” – AAP