Read on for all the latest Maroons and Blues news in Origin Scout.
State of Origin legend Cooper Cronk believes incumbent Jarome Luai should get first crack at the No.6 jersey — but the Panthers star effectively has one game to show he deserves to keep it.
The five-eighth battle between Luai and Dally M winner Nicho Hynes remains the biggest talking point as selection for this year’s series nears.
Many are strongly of the view Hynes’ form for Cronulla should earn him a blues starting halves berth next to Nathan Cleary but Cronk believes NSW’s Penrith connection may tip things in Luai’s favour.
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‘No big deal, you see it all the time!’ | 07:21
“Im sticking with Luai. I’m just thinking that combination of Cleary, Yeo, Luai, it’s stood up for a long time,” Cronk said on NRL 360 on Monday night.
“But Nicho Hynes could handle it if he’s picked, he’s a great player. I’d have no doubt that he would (handle) it.”
Asked whether Hynes’ form had become close to irresistible to selectors, Cronk replied: “I think Jarome’s probably got one game, I think that’s the way it sits.
“… he (Luai) is aware of the pressure. He’s aware of anything happening and if he falls over at the first game Nicho would come in, but I’d be sticking with Jarome and see how he goes.”
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has resisted strongly urging selectors to pick Hynes but has given his star halfback his strong backing should he win the job.
“I don’t get to choose the team there and there’s a number of really strong candidates there.” Fitzgibbon said in an exclusive interview on NRL 360.
“But I know Nicho would handle it and he’s fearless in the way he plays.
“As you guys know courage can manifest itself in so many ways but he shows a lot of courage to play the way he does.”
Reynolds handed $1000 fine for outburst | 00:38
IN-FORM GUTHO WILL ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ ON ORIGIN DREAM
Former Blues coach Laurie Daley believes Clint Gutherson is in close to career-best form and the Parramatta Eels star is making no secret of his hopes for a Blues call-up — even if it’s as a reserve again.
Gutherson has played three times for the Blues — in 2020 — but hasn’t been able to crack into a star-studded backline over the past couple of years.
The 28-year-old featured in Brad Fittler’s squad for the second and third games of last year’s series as a reserve player and that may represent his best chance of being involved again this year.
“It’s a tough one because you want to be playing in those representative games … I said a few weeks ago whenever you get that opportunity, we were talking about Jack Wighton (pulling out), that’s something I’ll never give up,” Gutherson said on the Big Sports Breakfast on Monday.
“You always want to strive to be in those teams but I have probably come to terms with the fact there’s some really good fullbacks out there.
“Turbo, Latrell, Teddy (James Tedesco) who’s been there for a number of years and you go deeper and deeper with the likes of (Dylan) Edwards and Will Kennedy as well.
“There’s lots of quality fullbacks but if they like what I’m doing and can bring to a team obviously I’d love to be in the 17 even the 20 and get around them and try to help them win.”
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Gutherson’s attitude and will to win is perfect for the Origin era and he echod fellow hopeful Nicho Hynes’ recent comments about “hating” the Maroons.
“I saw Nicho come out the other day and say how much he hates Queensland and I’m exactly the same, you just want to beat them and they’re one up on us at the moment,” Gutherson said.
“We just need to try and play good footy for our clubs as all players do and if you get that phone call from Freddy and the staff you’re going to go out there, no matter what number you are, and try to help them win. I’m exactly the same and I’ll be doing that as well.”
EXILED QLD BEAST READY TO ‘OWN’ ORIGIN
David Fifita is one of the game’s most feared players but his yet to produce his best in the Origin arena.
However that could be about to change with Braith Anasta and Cooper Cronk believing his form for Gold Coast this season should earn him a spot in Queensland’s 17.
Fifita was left out of Billy Slater’s side for the entire 2022 series but is primed to add to his five appearances for the Maroons on the back of his stellar form — including a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s win over Manly.
“I don’t pick Origin sides but when you sit down and pick who is in or out I would like to think both selectors pick on when players are under the pump — when they’ve been on the back foot,” Cronk said
“… In Origin you play off the back foot for the majority of the game, the majority of the game you’re under the pump and David Fifita for the first time in a long time has put in tough, consistent form together for a long period of time.
“He was terrific (against Manly). Defensively great, tucking the ball under his wing. Kieran Foran is bringing him into the contest.
“He’s back to his best football and that gets him picked.”
Former NSW Origin half Anasta said Fifita had the chance to not just compete in this year’s series, but dominate it.
“He’s made for Origin really,” Anasta said.
“I know he has struggled the last couple of years but if he gets it right he could really own at the level.”
