https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/cowboys/why-cowboys-winger-kyle-feldt-believes-this-will-be-the-best-origin-yet/news-story/cb0a7211c794111229194bcc69d3b451 KYLE Feldt believes this year’s State of Origin series could produce the best showcase fans have seen. And he desperately wants to be a part of it. The Cowboys winger has been on the verge of Queensland selection for a number of years, so close he was 19th man for the Maroons in 2018. But with rugby league’s greatest rivalry set to take place after the regular season, Feldt said he would have the chance to ride a wave of momentum when coach Kevin Walters goes to the selection table. As for the series on a whole he said those selected would be far fresher and in full flight without the burden of playing multiple, high intensity matches in a matter of days. “I think the momentum leading into the back end of the year it’s when everyone starts to gear up. If we’re having a good year, everyone will be in the right frame of mind,” Feldt said.
“Having it at the end of the year is better, it’s not putting as much strain on bodies backing up from short turn arounds. “I reckon it’ll be better quality football compared to previous years, players will be fresher going into the week. “We were losing three to four players every week when (Thurston) was playing … I know Greeny (coach Paul Green) will be happy where we won’t have to manage our workloads going into the series.” With the likes of Dane Gagai and Corey Oates locking down the position in recent seasons, and the return of North Queensland teammate Valentine Holmes, Feldt faces stiff competition to force his way into the coveted maroon jersey. But as Queensland seeks to rebound from back-to-back series losses, the high-flying winger could bring several points of difference to the equation. The 28-year-old is no stranger to pressure after his try-scoring exploits in the dying stages of the 2015 NRL Grand Final. However he is a proven force when it comes to heaping the pressure back on his rivals. Feldt’s towering kick offs have been a well utilised weapon by the Cowboys in recent years, claiming several victims to give his side an attacking set in opposition territory. Furthermore, rule changes to tackling players in the air in the act of scoring a try could only benefit the acrobatic flyer. Feldt said the desire to enter the Origin fold had only intensified as the seasons have gone on, and his improved professionalism could be the last piece of the puzzle. “I’m a lot more mature now and a little smarter and footy aware. I’ve been looking after my body better than in previous years, I’ve taken it as a more professional look,” he said. “I think with the no tackling in the air it’ll play a big part in the year. “I think the kick offs, that’s something I’ve been doing for a while so hopefully I can get the job in Origin and hopefully we can get something out of it. “Any game really there’s a lot of pressure on the players, with the kick offs in Origin it would be a little harder and more testing for the opposition.”
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AuthorThis section showcases a collection of some of the work I did covering the North Queensland Cowboys - from match reports, to player features to breaking news. Archives
June 2020
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