Bowen joins Maroons as 18th man

[DIEHARD]

North Queensland fullback Matt Bowen has joined the Queensland State of Origin team as the 18th man.

A surprise face at the Maroons final Origin training run on Tuesday, Bowen ran with the team behind locked gates at Suncorp Stadium.

Maroons officials were however quick to play down any late injury dramas saying Bowen had simply been brought into camp as extra cover.

"He'll stay with the team and warm up tomorrow and then warm the bench," said Queensland media manager Ben Ikin.

"Everyone is fine. Matt has come in as our 18th man."

Bowen is an interesting choice for the emergency player, probably because centre Justin Hodges has been under constant treatment for a suspect hamstring.

Coach Mal Meninga however dismissed any concerns of a gamble playing Hodges three weeks after suffering a 4cm tear in his hamstring in the 17-16 Origin loss in Sydney last month.

"Justin was ready to play on Friday. He's fine," said Meninga.

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=101402

[Blunt_Beno]

sounds like good old mal is tryin to through some confusion into the mix haha.

GO QUEENSLAND!!!!!

[DeeGan]

I sincerely hope Justin Hodges is fit for tonight's clash. Hodges was arguably our best player in game one and we will need him out wide to contain Mark Gasnier as well be in his face for the entire 80 minutes.

[Teegy]

no they QLDer did this last game to. hes only their for the freak injury before the game. flannery was backup last time

[Titanium_BD1103]

I am not sure about Bowen, if Hodges is out will he be in the starting line up because as Deegan said, I am not sure if he is the one to stop Gasnier and Tahu/Grothe on that side as he is not the strongest tackler I have seen.

[Kallan]

might move hunt to centre or wing with a winger going to centre, or Berrigan into centre bowen on bench, But Hodges is going to be ok :)

[[BroncosGirl]]

I thought if hodges was injured, they'd bring BErrigan into the centres and put Bowen on the bench?

Eitherway, Id much prefer Hodges to be fit, I hope he is!!

[DeeGan]

']I thought if hodges was injured, they'd bring BErrigan into the centres and put Bowen on the bench?

Eitherway, Id much prefer Hodges to be fit, I hope he is!!

That would be the move made IF Hodges pulled out. I just heard on the radio he is ruled fit and ready to play :D

[[BroncosGirl]]

That would be the move made IF Hodges pulled out. I just heard on the radio he is ruled fit and ready to play :D

Aaah, thanks goodness, can't wait to see Hodgo fired up tonight :)!