Cotter & Hammer take Maroons to new level

Cowboys rugby league star forward Reuben Cotter was Player of the Series in the this year’s completed State of Origin competition.

Reuben has Boigu descent on one side of his family bloodlines, and has shone for Queensland which won the series over NSW two games to one.

Cr Dimas Toby, who represents Boigu Island Division one of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, said they were very proud of their connection.

“Boigu community is really proud of Rueben’s prestigious award which is inspirational for up

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and coming players,” Cr Toby told the Torres News

Cr Toby was a more than handy footballer himself, who loved representing Boigu side Malu Kiwai at carnivals.

The other Torres Strait Islanders in the Queensland Maroons side – David Fifita and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow – also played vital roles.

The Maroons lost game three before a hostile crowd at Sydney’s Accor Stadium last Wednesday but were the champion team after winning the previous two encounters in Brisbane and Adelaide.

After game three Reuben won the coveted Wally Lewis Medal for Player of the Series, which was presented to him by the legendary former player himself, known as the “King”, Wally Lewis.

The Torres Strait trio shone in the game three loss, which was watched by more than 73,000 spectators at the ground and more than five million around the country on the box.

Reuben played the full 80 minutes for the Maroons and made 14 runs for 116 metres to add to his amazing 41 tackles.

Second rower David scored the first of the Maroons tries at the

11th minute from close to the line after Hamiso “Hammer” jumped high to tap the ball back to him.

Showing great skills, Hammer tapped down a pinpoint Cameron Munster kick into the hands of David and the Blues didn’t have a chance of stopping the charging Titans enforcer, who crashed over the line to open the scoreboard.

Then at the 35th minute forward Reuben passed the ball to the Hammer who kicked ahead and regathered the ball to score to reduce the deficit 16-10.

It was the Hammer’s fourth try in as many Origin matches for Queensland.

The Saibai Islander scored a try in each of the three matches in the 2023 series.

Despite their efforts, NSW led 18-10 at halftime after having the majority of field position in the first 40 minutes.

Fans on Badu, Saibai and Boigu were amongst hundreds around the Torres Strait, NPA and Cape York who would have enjoyed the skills of their players.

The trio are genuine role models for the many young rugby league players including those from the progressive Zenadth Kes Junior Rugby League on Waiben and beyond.