MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: Queensland forward pack fail to bring scare factor to State of Origin 1

You know what I see when I take a look at the Queensland forward pack for Origin 1?

I see a bunch of blokes who you’d be happy for your sister to go out with.

In other words, they don’t really scare me.

Yes, they are good, tough players. But they are light on in the intimidation department.

Okay, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is a weapon and will take some stopping at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

And I love the way Reuben Cotter, Lindsay Collins and Pat Carrigan rip into their work.

But where’s the lunatic factor?

You know where I’m coming from? That player you’ve always got in the corner of your eye because you just can’t trust what he might throw at you.

The Maroons have had plenty of them over the course of Origin history.

I’m talking the likes of Gorden Tallis, Carl Webb, Greg Dowling, Josh McGuire and Nate Myles.

These blokes played on – and sometimes over - the edge every time they took the field.

In modern parlance, they were unhinged and, as a result, bloody dangerous.

It’s no secret Origin is refereed differently and incidents that would be called up in a club game are allowed to slide.

That’s where players with a touch of white line fever come into their own.

I’m talking about rule benders, not breakers.

And, looking at both teams, NSW has pretty much cornered the lunatic market.

You can see it in their eyes. Spencer Leniu has gone to war with just about everyone over the past couple of years.

And it’s clear he has no time for Queenslanders, given most of his run-ins have involved identities north of the border.

I love how he goes about his business.

He runs hard and likes smashing people, doing it all with a sadistic smile on the dial.

The more the crowd hate on him, the more he ratchets up the aggro.

The Maroons will need side mirrors to keep him in check.

Liam Martin is a little bit more disciplined but still has that touch of crazy about him, especially in big games.

Every run Martin makes, he bites down on that mouthguard and tries to scatter opposition defenders like pins in a bowling alley.

He doesn’t know the meaning of self-preservation.

There is no one in the Queensland side who’s in the same ball park as Leniu and Martin when it comes to menace and mayhem.

That pair is purpose built for what State of Origin throws up.

I’d also put Hudson Young in the same category, while Mitch Barnett is capable of moments of madness.

And don’t forget Latrell Mitchell.

The Souths superstar can go on tilt in a split second.

I can’t believe the one player who might have provided Queensland with the spite and fight they so desperately need will watch Origin I in front of the heater with a blanket over his lap.

Canberra’s fiery redhead Corey Horsburgh was born to play Origin and he’d be in my team any day of the week.

You’d definitely have your side mirrors in place for him.

So, who’s going to win game one?

It will come as no surprise that I’m tipping the Blues – and they’ll win it by 10 points.

Now, let’s get it on.

AND DON’T GET ME STARTED

I was heartened to read Terrell May has grabbed Laurie Daley’s phone number and plans to ring the Blues coach to discuss what he needs to do to take the step up to Origin football.

May was overlooked for game one despite racking up some monster stats in the NRL, leading to suggestions it was attitude and off-field antics keeping him out of the Origin arena.

Certainly, going online and telling a mate to throw his NSW jersey in the bin because he wasn’t going to be playing wasn’t the smartest move.

And questions still remain as to why the Roosters gave him the flick just months after extending his contract.

May thinks he may be paying a price for his surname, given brothers Tyrone and Taylan are far from cleanskins.

If so, he wants to change perceptions.

I have written here before that I am a big May fan.

He is second only to Payne Haas for metres run and tackles busts, has a great late offload and plays big minutes in the toughest position on the field.

I think he’s got what it takes to go all the way.

And I love how he has responded to this latest setback.

There have been no toys tossed from the cot or playing the victim.

His accepted his omission and vowed to put his head down at the Tigers while continuing to build an irresistible case for selection later in the series.

The phone call to Daley could be one of the most important he ever makes.