While debate continues to rage on what should constitute eligibility for rugby league’s State of Origin series, Macksville born Matt Gillett will don the maroon jersey in his debut for Queensland on Wednesday.
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However, his call-up has not provoked any howls of protest, unlike those that followed Queensland’s selection of Greg Inglis, who was also born at Macksville.
Perhaps that has a lot to do with the fact that Gillett spent just his first 18-months of life in the Valley.
The connection between Gillett and Inglis don’t end with their birthplace. The Guardian
understands the boys’ fathers may have played local football against one another, and that their grandfathers played football together.
The Gillett name is known to many around the Valley – Macksville oval is named in honour of Matt’s grandfather.
* Full report in today's Guardian
