The NSW No. 9 could be in action in Perth on Saturday – but it is not incumbent rake Reece Robson.
For all the concerns surrounding the Blues’ backline following injuries to Brian To’o, Tom Trbojevic and now Zac Lomax, the spluttering form of Robson across the first five rounds of the competition has to be a huge concern for coach Laurie Daley.
Robson has been fair for North Queensland, but nothing like the man who convinced the Sydney Roosters to sign him to a four-year deal from next year.
The 26-year-old has played every minute for the Cowboys, and his defence has been excellent. He has averaged 44 tackles at an efficiency rate of 91 per cent.
But it is a different story when it comes to Robson’s discipline. In fact, heading into this weekend’s round, Robson was the most penalised player in the NRL.
He has given away six penalties and seven set re-starts, which has placed plenty of pressure on his teammates. Robson was also binned for a high shot in last weekend’s Panthers game.
It was not lost on some of the sides that have already played against the Cowboys that their No. 9 had come up with a few wrong pass and kick options, which has released any pressure during games.
Field position is everything in rugby league, and especially in Origin when metres can be hard to come by. The last thing Daley and the Blues need is Robson inviting the Maroons to go on the attack.
Robson was a key part of the Blues unexpected series win achieved in Queensland’s backyard in game three last year. He was also good enough to be picked in the Kangaroos’ squad at the end of the year.
Robson still has six rounds to recapture that excellent form, but he needs to start on Saturday evening at Perth’s Optus Stadium when the Cowboys face a rejuvenated South Sydney.
Will Reece Robson keep his NSW No. 9 jersey, or lose it to Wayde Egan, Api Koroisau, Mitch Kenny or Blayke Brailey.Credit: Monique Westermann
If Robson is overlooked for the first Origin game against Queensland – against the best hooker in the game, Harry Grant – then who do the Blues choose?
Does Daley go back to Wests Tigers co-captain Api Koroisau, who is 32 but playing well this season?
Daley will not rule anyone in or out until it comes time to select his first side. Michael Maguire did the same thing. Brad Fittler always joked that he would write his team down in pencil, as it was dangerous scribbling any name on the team sheet in biro before it was necessary.
Dummy-half has been one of the few positions where there has been a bit of consistency in terms of selections.
According to statistician David Middleton, the Blues have used only six hookers since 2015. Damien Cook played 14 games, Robbie Farah five games, followed by Robson (four), Nathan Peats (three), Koroisau (three) and Mick Ennis (one).
If the team was picked tomorrow, and Robson continued to struggle, the two players at the top of the Blues’ queue would be Penrith’s Mitch Kenny and Cronulla’s Blayke Brailey. Brailey will also feature in the west when the Sharks ‘host’ Manly.
Kenny has won three premierships with the Panthers and he has the all-important on-field chemistry with Blues’ certainties Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and most likely Dylan Edwards.
You can also throw in Jarome Luai who is now with the Wests Tigers. Kenny has excellent linespeed, never overplays his hand, and is happy to get early ball to his star teammates.
Cowboys hooker Reece Robson is the most penalised player in the NRL after five rounds.Credit: Getty Images
The 27-year-old is also tough and will not back down from the Maroons. Such is his respect for Kenny, Daley made sure he was included in the squad that got together for an informal chat at Brighton Le Sands in January.
The Panthers are struggling, but the team features no shortage of big-game players.
Brailey, who like Robson is 26, has been consistent at the Sharks, is an excellent defender and skilful out of dummy-half.
Brailey and Egan, who spent time with the Panthers before joining the New Zealand Warriors, are both excellent at stopping markers, isolating defenders, and have that knack of creating momentum by bringing runners on to the ball.
One left-field option for Daley would be to play Sydney Roosters’ utility Connor Watson at dummy-half, but by doing so, would leave himself short of a genuine No. 14.
Watson deserves to be there for the first game against Queensland, but as Mr Fix-It off the bench.
Daley will be watching the action in Perth. The Cowboys need Robson on his best behaviour. So do the Blues.
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