Origin hopes for Costigan, Sailor | Rockhampton Rugby League | NRL Rugby in Rockhampton

RUGBY LEAGUE: Injury dramas and suspension could throw open the door to a State of Origin reprise for former Mackay and district players Neville Costigan and Wendell Sailor.

The Dragons duo have bolstered their chances of selection for the third State of Origin match at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night with good club form, and have been known to be under the eyes of the selectors throughout the series.

“It would be a big bonus,” said second-rower Costigan, who was 18th man for the side in game two.
“I don’t know, you never know what the selectors are thinking.

“Two front rowers are out and I don’t play in the front row, so I don’t think my chances are good.
“But definitely, I’d take it if I got the chance to play in a big game like that.”

Late yesterday, Costigan’s chances received a boost following the suspension of QLD backrower Nate Myles while fellow Maroons backrower Ash Harrison (ribs) is in doubt.

Props Ben Hannant (knee) and Petero Civoniceva (toe) are also sidelined with injury.

Cowboy Matt Scott seems likely to be one of the new props in the squad with selectors having a number of options to fill forward berths.

Canberra’s Dave Shillington, Brisbane youngster Dave Taylor and Costigan all come into the mix.

Covering the loss of winger Israel Folau (ankle) could be as simple as Willie Tonga moving onto the wing with Justin Hodges returning to the centres or picking a specialist winger like Sailor.

Costigan said he thought the chances were good of ‘Big Dell’ getting a call-up when selectors name the Queensland team today.

“I’d like to see Big Dell get a run,” he said.

“He’s been playing good football, and he loves big games like that.”

Costigan played off the bench in the first two Origin matches in 2007 before suffering injury, while Sailor has played 14 times for Queensland, the last in 2001 before his move to rugby union.

While the Dragons are looking more and more like genuine premiership contenders, Costigan said he and Sailor were simply enjoying their football under their former Broncos coach, Wayne Bennett.

“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” he said.

“It’s been awesome playing under Benny.

“Since I’ve come here he’s been good to me, and I’m playing good football.

“I haven’t won a premiership yet; hopefully this year could be the year.”