State of Origin is still a while away after being shifted to the post-season, but after a dazzling display in the Roosters' 59-0 win over the Broncos on Thursday night, Lindsay Collins certainly put his hand up for selection.
The Brisbane-born, 194cm-tall, 106kg prop had an immense impact in 58 minutes off the bench, chalking up 272 running metres, with 128 post-contact metres, 7 tackle breaks and a line break. He also made 28 tackles, 17 hit-ups second only to Roosters skipper Boyd Cordner and was rewarded for his hard work with a 58th minute try.
"He deserved a four-pointer," Nine NRL commentator Paul Vautin said in commentary.
"Good on him. Simply just running onto the ball and hitting the gap."
https://twitter.com/sydneyroosters/status/1268505416272457728Vautin was so impressed by the 24-year-old's performance he tipped a Maroons jersey could be in his future later in the year.
"I'm in love with him. I think he's fantastic," Vautin gushed.
"If he keeps playing like this, I know it's only early, but Origin [his chances are] very good."
Collins is the grandson of former Kangaroos rep Lionel Williamson who was a star in the 1960s and 1970s. He grew up in Brisbane, playing junior rugby league with Brothers, which has produced numerous NRL-calibre players. Collins rose through the ranks to play for the Broncos' Under-20s side but injury halted his journey to the NRL in Brisbane, and in 2017 he was recruited by Trent Robinson's Roosters.
Later in the game, Vautin revealed in commentary more details about Collins' background.
"I just got a text from Matt Dowling, who's the son of Barry Dowling. Barry was a great player for the Brisbane Brothers in the 60s and 70s and played for Queensland," Vautin explained.
"He tells me Lindsay Collins is a former Padua College student - one of the great rugby league schools. That school has got the most State of Origin representatives in Queensland."
Vautin too is a graduate of Padua.
Robinson described Collins' game on Thursday night as "exceptional".
"He's evolved. I think everyone can see the under 20s kid who was here, he has similar traits now but it's his consistency (that sets him apart)," Robinson said.
"He's really strong and powerful and he's got a big motor - people like to watch him play.
"He's a Queenslander, which has its own type as we know," he said.
"For the Roosters, Queenslanders and Kiwis have been a real cornerstone of our sides over the years."
https://twitter.com/kinson88/status/1268508434837598209Collins has had only 27 NRL appearances to date, and didn't make the cut for the Roosters' last two grand final games, but Robinson suggested the prop may be in line for a bigger role in 2020.
"He has had some real tough moments at the back end of the last couple of years, missing out on some big games," Robinson said.
"But he's often got us into big games.
"He has a bright future. I am happy for him."
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/sydney-roosters-lindsay-collins-origin-potential-after-big-win-over-brisbane-broncos/f4fb7f51-cf10-4df2-868e-5baaf6c70b77
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