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Mal wants 10 straight

Mal wants 10 straight

12/02/2011 03:53:00 AM

Queensland State of Origin coach Mal Meninga has set his sights on 10 straight series wins after extending his stay at the helm a further four years.

The most successful coach in Origin history, Meninga will remain Maroons boss until at least the end of 2015.

He will take on an expanded role, assisting with youth development and commercial activities at the QRL.

But the focus will remain firmly on keeping the foot on NSW's throat after six consecutive series wins.

"That's the plan, obviously," Meninga said when asked if was eyeing decade-long dominance.

"We still want to have that competitive edge, we still want to do best practice, we still want to be successful."

"We've got to keep on learning and continue to develop so I'm glad I'm part of all that."

The 2012 series will be Meninga's first without Darren Lockyer by his side.

The Maroons are blessed with depth around the scrumbase but Meninga admitted Lockyer's absence would hit hard.

"Darren's been a great player and ambassador for Queensland and we're going to sorely miss him – you can't replace him – but we've got to move on and play a little bit differently," he said.

"We'll do that next year."

"We've got some great young kids coming through our system and we've got to make sure they‘re ready for it."

Asked if Cameron Smith was the logical replacement as skipper, Meninga replied: "Cameron's been there and led the side before in 2008."

"We've got to make some decisions on the leadership side of things and Cameron Smith will be one of the favourites for the captaincy."

Meninga expressed hope the QRL would see fit to perpetually honour Origin legend Arthur Beetson, who passed away suddenly on Thursday.

He also revealed the Maroons' desire to keep the Origin flame burning in the wake of Beetson's death.

"It was a sad and tragic day yesterday for all Queenslanders," he said.

"It certainly reinforces the fact that losing an icon like that...someone else has to step up."

"It does heighten our attitude towards it all. We don't want to let him down."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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