Queensland's recent success in the State of Origin arena has been attributed to a wide array of factors.
The appointment of Billy Slater as head coach, coupled with the influx of some of the game's best young stars such as Reuben Cotter, Patrick Carrigan and Murray Taulagi, has turned the Maroons into a force once more.
Along with the legendary Storm fullback on the coaching staff, future Immortals in Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston have also been brought in to ensure sustained performance in Origin.
But one secret weapon that has flown under the radar is fellow assistant coach Josh Hannay, who has been helping the Maroons while also remaining an integral part of the Cronulla staff.
MORE: Why Nicho Hynes is the right man for vacant NSW role
Josh Hannay is the secret weapon behind QLD Maroons
Speaking on the latest edition of YKTR and The Sporting News' Ebbs and Flows, Cronulla veteran and former NSW star Wade Graham revealed how the former centre has helped Queensland topple the Blues.
“One guy we haven’t spoken about is Josh Hannay, he is our assistant coach at the Sharks," Graham said.
"I have no doubt whatsoever that he is doing a lot of the behind the scenes stuff, just to help Billy and Cam and JT out.
"They aren’t in the day-to-day, week-to-week grind of coaching in the NRL and running sessions and planning the weeks, but he is and he’s unbelievable.
"I know the Blues have Mary [Paul McGregor] and he has been in that [NRL] system, but they don’t really have a coach who’s right now in the game this season and last season.
"Quite possibly, we are lacking a little bit of that nous."
MORE: For the full Ebbs & Flows podcast, dropping on Sunday night, subscribe to Sporting News Australia's Youtube page.
Wade Graham credits Josh Hannay for Cronulla turnaround
Mid-way through the 2021 season, Cronulla were at their lowest point since breaking through for their maiden NRL title five years prior.
John Morris had moved on as head coach in messy fashion, leaving Hannay to pick up the scraps and take over in an interim capacity for the remainder of the year.
The side would go on to miss the finals, befe the Sharks would usher in a new era with the arrival of Craig Fitzgibbon as head coach, forcing Hannay back into an assistant role.
While some coaches may have looked for a fresh start, Hannay has remained a focal point of the organisation and Graham believes he could become one of the game's best young coaches in years to come.
“He’s a gun… he understands where the modern game is at with the rules and interpretations and what the trends are in the game," Graham said.
"He’s straight to the point, communicates well and there’s no bullshit about him. He’s just got it – he took over when the club made the decision to sign Fitzy and move Johnny Morris on, but he took over as interim.
"For a guy who I had nothing to do with before he came to the club, I reckon within half a season I had so much respect for him as a coach.
"He is the next young gun coach… I feel a bit worried saying it publicly, because eventually he is gonna get that attention and I want to keep him at the Sharkies."
For the full episode of this week's Ebbs & Flows podcast, dropping on Sunday night, subscribe to Sporting News Australia's Youtube page.
Check out Episode 2 with Penrith's own Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris below.
