Queensland great and assistant coach Johnathan Thurston has revealed the Maroons will “put the blowtorch” on Bradman Best in Origin III, following the rookie’s spicy comments last week.
Best will make his debut against the Maroons on Wednesday, replacing the injured Tom Trbojevic in the centres, with the Manly star ruled out for the remainder of the 2023 season after tearing his pec.
Best’s selection in the Blues squad was heavily debated, however, the 21- year-old has shown he is ready to unleash in the blue jersey, openly declaring his “hate” for the Maroons during his Origin press conference last week.
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“I hate them,” Best said.
“You go to school and you just want to have a punch-on with the boys that go for Queensland.
“I hated Queensland, still do.”
Speaking on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast Thurston said Best’s comments were part of Origin football, but warned that a target would be placed on the NSW rookie.
“Whenever someone is making their debut you need to put the blowtorch on them,” Thurston said.
“I’m sure they will be trying to put the blowtorch on (Queensland rookie) Corey Horsburgh.
“No doubt, there will be a target on those (debutant) players.”
Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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The State of Origin shield has been retained by the Maroons following their victories in Adelaide and Brisbane, with the Maroons aiming to achieve an Origin whitewash.
The last Origin clean sweep occurred in 2010, with Maroons coaching staff Billy Slater, Thurston and Cameron Smith all playing for Queensland that year.
Thurston said the Maroons would bring a new level to the Blues’ home ground, saying the side will take every opportunity they can to win the game.
“It’s going to be a big occasion for both sides. New South Wales have a lot to play for, so do we,” Thurston said.
“We have been really impressed with our boys’ performance… but we need to go to another level down here in (NSW’s) backyard.
“It’s about fighting the fire with fire but staying within the rules. I think if we can do that we will give ourselves every opportunity to win the game.”
Game three of the series will kick off on Wednesday night at Accor Stadium.
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