Boyd's Maroons 'next gen' begin junior Origin preparations

The next generation of Queensland Maroons will come together for a special camp in preparation for June’s Under 19 State of Origin match, with some familiar names amongst the squad.

Being held in Brisbane on Sunday and led by Queensland Under 19 men's State of Origin head coach Darius Boyd, players will take part in sessions focused on high-performance preparation, professionalism and personal development.

However, building connections in their aim to go back-to-back in the fixture was another key factor in bringing the players together who have been selected from Queensland’s statewide junior representative clubs and NRL development pathways.

“I think when you think about rep programs, you don't spend a lot of time together, so connection and trust is something that's really important,” Boyd said.

“It's probably something that we highlighted and emphasised last year.

“It's definitely going to be a majority of the camp this weekend and throughout the year and leading into June.

“I think once we do select the team, it's basically six days of coming together, getting to know each other, trying to put a team together that plays for each other, works hard and highlights each other's strengths.

“Connection and trust is really important.”

While Boyd did not want to highlight particular players included in his squad – there were a number of names that drew the attention of fans, with some next generation Maroons in the mix, including Noah Fien, son of Origin hooker Nathan Fien and Nate Berrigan, son of Barry Berrigan and nephew of Shaun.

Tyson Walker, who is the younger brother of Sam Walker and son of Ben Walker has also been selected. Other players with family connections in the top levels of rugby league include Adaquix Luke, son of Issac Luke, Frank Howarth, brother of Storm gun Jack Howard and Jared Horne, brother of PNG Kumuls player Liam Horne.

“There's obviously some last names that fans are accustomed to seeing, which is exciting for the fans for the game and for the fathers that played in their time and now watching their sons have a crack and go at it too,” Boyd said.

“In saying that, it's their own path, their own journey, and it's exciting for them all individually as well.

“Part of what we like about the game is that it is exciting not only to have been able to watch some of the fathers play in those games. It’s exciting to see these young guys get their own opportunity and see what they can do with their development and their careers.”

Overall however, history is another important component of uniting the squad, with the players set to learn more about Queensland’s history in the State of Origin arena.

“Definitely, I think it's important to remember the past, it's important to know the guys that went before you and a bit of the history around Origin,” Boyd said.

“I think back to my time, I know Billy [Slater] does a lot of that now, but my time when I first came in under Mal Meninga … we learnt about our history.

“I obviously watched Queensland play as a little kid, but I didn't know the history and how Origin started.

“There are just some things that I know these players these days – it's probably similar in the sense that you have an idea – but you don't really know the ins-and-outs of it, so that's part of the job as well, to acknowledge the history.

“For them to know when they put that jersey on, or that polo, and they have the ‘Q’ on their chest, what it actually means and how many people it can impact, not just at rugby league level, but away from the game.

“Sport's a great vehicle to help bring connection and drive certain things in times of need and challenge, and I think it's important for these up-and-coming players in their development to know the history.”

Boyd will be supported by assistant coaches Jesse Maclean and Andrew McCullough.