Ty Williams' top five Maroons teammates

For Ty Williams, donning a Queensland Maroons jersey was an important responsibility.

Williams  - FOG #147 - wore maroon for all three games of the 2005 State of Origin series, scoring on debut in Game I. 

At that time, current Maroons coaches Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Johnathan Thurston all played.

"It was very proud obviously moment to have the honour to wear the jersey first and foremost, but you're educated very quickly that it's not just about you or the 17 or 18 blokes involved... you've got this whole state that you represent," Williams said.

"That's what we're doing when we do it at a higher level, when we fight kick, scream and try and find a way to win.

"And that's why it's so special and it's good to see these boys doing what they're doing right now. They know what it means.

"The guys have educated them on it and this is going to continue for a long time for us. The Maroons jersey is in good hands and I think it will be for a very long time."

Williams, who is fostering the next generation of talent as Northern Pride's Hostplus Cup coach, said he enjoyed playing along every player he had the privilege to line up with but there were five who really stood out to him. 

Ty Williams' top five Maroons teammates

1. Darren Lockyer

"Locky. I was in awe. I remember my first memory of walking into Origin camp and I was more of a fan than a teammate to Locky. It took me a couple of days to get over that, but yeah, just his presence and the way that he played the game. Also remembering that he transitioned from fullback to five-eighth and did it at a very high level and consistently and led the Maroons all the way.  Locky is definitely my number one."

2. Billy Slater

"Innisfail teammate Bill. I just think coming through, we all aspired to be where he was and I was fortunate enough to play with him on the big stage and yeah, and the way that he transformed the the actual fullback role and did it at the highest level and consistently. He's done a really good job with that number."

3. Johnathan Thurston

"Number three would have to be Johnno... just the way that he's grown as a footballer and then when he steps into a Maroons jersey, he becomes even better than anyone could think. Just the way that him and the boys, the legacy that they left, is sensational. He'd be in the top five for sure."

4. Michael Crocker

"I enjoyed playing with Croc, Michael Crocker. He was just so passionate and  whether he was 100 per cent fit or 50 per cent, you knew what he was going to give for the Maroons jersey. He played with everything that was possible and probably typified what the the jersey is about."

5. Petero Civoniceva

"Petero was just the engine room. He did a sensational job carrying the football. You knew what you were going to get with him all the time and whether it was the first minute or the 79th, the big fella kept turning up."