Blues coach Brad Fittler has one of the toughest tasks facing him in Brisbane, but a simple solution is staring him in the face.
NRL: Jarrod Croker is set to become just the second Raider to reach the 300-game milestone when Canberra take on the Warriors in Round 15.
Walker leads the NRL with 19 try assists so far this season and is on track to go way past his tally of 23 from last year.
NSW selectors have been urged to pick Cody Walker for game 2 in Brisbane on the back of his incredible form for Souths. Picture; Mark Kolbe/Getty Images
Time seems to stand still when he has the ball, which is why the calls are growing louder for him to win back the NSW No.6 jersey for the first time since the 2020 series when he was part of the team that lost 2-1.
The Blues have to make a change in the halves, with halfback Nathan Cleary set to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury, and while Nicho Hynes is the obvious choice to partner Jarome Luai, selectors are being urged to look elsewhere.
“I reckon he’s the best five-eighth in the competition. My job is literally just run the right lines, and he does the rest,” Host said.
“I believe he should have been there for game 1, but I’m not a selector. We’re all behind him and we hope he gets the call up for game 2.
“He’s got attacking flair, he’s smart and he always brings the right option. I think it’s what NSW needs for their attack.
“It feels like he’s got all the time in the world. People say he’s a bit off the cuff, but I think he’s more structured than anyone in our team. He’s one of the smartest players you’ll ever meet.”
Nathan Cleary’s injury could lead to mass changes. Picture: NRL Photos
The Blues relied heavily on Penrith’s combinations in the series opener, but Cleary’s injury means they may have to abandon that plan with several South Sydney players in the mix for a recall.
Blues coach Brad Fittler could blow the whole thing up and pick Walker, which would then raise the possibility of recalling Adam Reynolds for his first Origin appearance since 2016.
Walker and Reynolds know each other’s games inside out even though the veteran halfback has spent the past couple of years in Brisbane.
There’s the possibility of bringing the entire band back together with hooker Damien Cook also unlucky to miss out on selection in Adelaide.
Cook said it was “disappointing” to be dropped but appreciated the call he got from Fittler, with the veteran No.9 telling the coach that he’s ready to go if required.
Damien Cook is one of the favourites to win back his Origin spot as selectors prepare to make some huge calls. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
“I told him that I’ll make sure I’m always ready if ever needed,” Cook said.
“Playing in that jersey is some of the best memories you’ll have in your career. If I ever get that opportunity again, then I’d love it.”
Cook said it would be hard to overlook Hynes given he’s the reigning Dally M Medal winner and was on the bench in Adelaide, but that would count for little if Fittler decided to lean on South Sydney’s combinations.
Latrell Mitchell didn’t train on Tuesday but is expected to be fit for game 2, while Cam Murray also sat out field duties in Maroubra and is in some doubt.
Those two would be automatic selections for the game on June 21, with Cook, Walker and Campbell Graham also in the mix.
The old firm could be reunited at Suncorp Stadium, with Damien Cook, Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker all on the cusp on Origin recalls. Picture; Phil Hillyard
“We’re playing some good footy here at South Sydney at the moment, and the combinations have been building over a long time, Cook said.
“There’s talk of Reyno being in Origin off the back of how well he’s doing there in Brisbane and what he’s done for that team. He’s done that before, he’s been in that jersey before and he knows what it’s all about.
“He’d do a great job if he did, and there are other combinations that would come off the back of that because we spent some time together here.”