With almost a month until State of Origin I at Suncorp Stadium, and having previously profiled the players in danger of losing their Origin jersey, this week I’ve decided to take a look at the players who could potentially break into Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues. Some of these men would be debutants, and others returning for their second bite of the cherry.
3. Cody Walker
Much like his cross-town rival Luke Keary, Cody Walker has had a red-hot start to 2019 under new coach Wayne Bennett. A late bloomer having debuted at the age of 26, Walker is well and truly on track to have his best season to date for the Bunnies.
While his form and performances on the field are noticeable enough, the numbers Walker is putting out are downright scary. In the opening seven rounds of the competition, Walker has scored seven tries (the most in the competition), recorded six-try assists and five-line break assists.
Currently at Souths, Walker does not have to worry about game management thanks to his dominant halves partner Adam Reynolds, which allows him to run the ball regularly and take on the line to great effect. Walker could have a similarly damaging effect at Origin level if paired with any of the potential halves candidates, as well as playing behind a similarly destructive pack, much like the one he is used to at Souths.
Having thoroughly outplayed Blues incumbent five-eighth James Maloney during a 22-18 win over the Panthers in round six, Walker seems more than ready to be handed his Origin debut.
