Posted By Staff Reporter
Josh McGuire: Image: The Daily Telegraph JOSH McGuire will launch an early audition for Petero Civoniceva's vacant Queensland jumper when the Broncos prop runs out for the Australian Prime Minister's XIII in Port Moresby today. While not a fully-fledged international, the showdown with Papua New Guinea gives McGuire the platform to prove he can mix it in elite company in his bid to clinch a maiden Origin jumper next season. And with master Maroons mentor Mal Meninga watching from the stands as PM's XIII coach, McGuire knows a bumper performance will put him firmly in the frame to succeed retired Broncos and Queensland warhorse Civoniceva. Indeed, McGuire's representative baptism could arrive sooner. With injured forwards Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles and Matt Gillett having withdrawn from Australia's train-on squad, McGuire could be a bolter for the October 13 one-off Test against New Zealand in Townsville. "It was a shame we (the Broncos) couldn't go further in the finals but this is a little gift for me, I get to play an extra game of footy and it will be awesome to wear the green and gold," said McGuire, who has been named on the bench as No.16. "I've played for Australia in junior football but this is a real honour. I'll be playing with some of the superstars of the game, I can't wait to play with guys from different clubs.
"Every single step takes me closer to a Queensland jumper but I have to concentrate on the Broncos first. "It's a good opportunity for me to play under Mal, to get to know him and learn as much as I can in the short time I have with him. "It's nice to know I'm in contention but there are a lot of quality front-rowers playing for Queensland at the moment so I have to be at 100 per cent if I want to push for a spot next season. "I'm excited to be a part of this and if the Origin call does come, then I'll be ready for it." Captained by Titans halfback Scott Prince, the PM's XIII will feature three Broncos: McGuire, hooker Andrew McCullough and Souths-bound hitman Ben Te'o. Meninga said 22-year-old McGuire was in his sights for next year's Origin campaign. "We think Josh has enormous talent, he's obviously in the mix (for Queensland)," he said. "Jacob Lillyman is there as well. He's played a number of Origin games but unfortunately he was injured this year." Source: Sun Herald Comments are closed.
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