Grant, Ponga get JT's nod to stiffen Maroons spine

Queensland great Johnathan Thurston believes Kalyn Ponga and Harry Grant are the front-runners to form part of the Maroons' spine alongside Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster this year.

The Maroons blooded 14 debutants in last year's series with Thurston indicating the emergence of Grant and AJ Brimson has put pressure on others to maintain their positions in the side.

Thurston picked the Maroons' best spine for Origin I in an interview with NRL.com this week with Ponga returning to the No.1 jersey and Grant to replace retired Rooster Jake Friend in a starting role.

Grant and Ben Hunt have been tipped to share dummy-half duties for the series opener on June 9 in Melbourne.

"Things can change in the blink of an eye when someone gets injured or suspended but that's probably the strongest spine for us at the moment," Thurston told NRL.com.

"The spine is absolutely crucial and that starts at fullback. Kalyn missed the first five weeks of the competition but played well last week and AJ Brimson is going well at the Titans too.  

"Your bench is almost just as important now as well. Freddy (Fittler) got caught out without a back on his bench last year and Ricky Stuart got caught out the same last week (with the Raiders).

"You need someone there who can help cover all positions in the backline and someone who can defend in the front line as well.

"Benny Hunt has done a job for us in the past and you've also got Andrew McCullough and Reed Mahoney playing well who can fill that utility role.

"But Greeny will pick the players he wants and believes can do a job."

Hunt made no secret he was determined to get back into the Origin fold when asked on Monday after he was dropped by Wayne Bennett for the deciding game last year.

Hunt's demotion gave Storm sensation Grant the opportunity to make his mark in the Origin arena. 

"It's definitely on my radar to get back into the team," Hunt said.

"I was disappointed not to play in game three but I understood why. It's now up to me to play some good footy and get back out there.

"Harry's going to be a special player and he's only going to get better and play for Queensland for a long time but if I can get out and play with him it will be nice.

"There's a spoil of riches for both sides with a lot of guys putting their hand up in the NRL and telling the selectors they should be there."

It will be an all-North Queensland affair when Thurston links with his former Cowboys coaches Paul Green and Neil Henry for his first official involvement with the Queensland team as an assistant. 

"I'm in constant touch with Greeny about things and am really enjoying the role," said Thurston, who holds the record for most consecutive Origin appearances with 36 between 2005 and 2016..

"I've had a fair bit to do with it obviously through playing but it's a far different area now. I'm just trying to pass on my knowledge to others the best I can and hopefully, we can get the right balance.

"The group did a tremendous job last year to get the win and it will give them the world of confidence coming in this series.

"The thing is when you're in that environment you create a bond for life. Those boys that got the job done in 2020 will be mates forever and that will help on the field."