Queensland rookie Trent Loiero will continue a fine tradition of Maroons bolters rising to State of Origin ranks, in this case at the expense of a resurgent firebrand.
Loiero has become a staple selection for Storm coach Craig Bellamy, playing a key role in Melbourne’s charge to last year’s grand final and the top four this year.
But his name being included on the Maroons’ team sheet no doubt left many rugby league fans wondering: what happened to Corey Horsburgh?
Trent Loiero will make his Queensland Maroons debut off the bench on May 28.Credit: Getty Images
The Canberra star has completed a remarkable career comeback after injuries, suspension and a reported falling out with coach Ricky Stuart restricted him to just five NRL games last year.
Stuart, who has coached the Blues and played for his state 14 times, went as far as to say he would have started Horsburgh in the front row because he “makes a difference to your pack”.
But Maroons coach Billy Slater, who has watched Loiero closely at the Storm and named him an 18th man last year, was adamant the Sunshine Coast product earned his place in the team.
While shedding light on Horsburgh’s omission, Slater said Loiero – “an aggressive little hothead”, according to star fullback Kalyn Ponga – had gone to “another level” in the past 12 months.
“Unfortunately, only 17 players can play for Queensland in game one. That doesn’t mean those players who missed out won’t get another opportunity,” Slater said.
“I think you need two things to be at this level. The first thing: you need to be playing at the standard of this footy team and what they’ve created over the last few years. And the second thing: the opportunity needs to arise.
“He’s certainly ticking one of those boxes, Corey, and when that opportunity arises, I’m sure they’ll take the opportunity.”
Loiero shared a laugh with journalists upon his unveiling as a Maroon, talking about acting out Origin deciders against the bigger kids in the neighbourhood.
But he emitted a steely resolve when the conversation turned to the real thing, revealing his determination to replicate the feats of his Origin idols, Michael Crocker and Matt Gillett.
It was just two weeks ago in Magic Round when Loiero’s desire to be the Storm’s aggressor backfired. He gave away four penalties, including for a high shot in golden point that contributed to the team’s two-point defeat to the Raiders.
But Loiero says he has moved on from those setbacks, adamant his exposure to the Storm’s famously discipline-oriented system has prepared him for the Origin furnace.
“I have these memories in my head of playing State of Origin deciders in the front yard, we had a big group of kids who used to play out in the park growing up.”
Trent Loiero
“I think it’s always been there, it might’ve just come out a bit more in the past few weeks, but I’ve learnt my lesson – aggression’s good, but as long as it’s controlled aggression,” Loiero said.
“I don’t know what the plan will be with my minutes … whatever it is, I’ll be ready to go. That’s your job as a utility player, to bring a bit of energy and spark.
“I’ll definitely be looking to do that. I feel very lucky I’ve been able to be in the Melbourne Storm system since I was nine years old, and for my progression as a player and person, it’s put me in really good stead.”
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