Queensland Origin legend Wayne Bennett knows who NSW should pick as halfback for game two to be won, but doubts the Blues will make the right call
- NRL supercoach believes Adam Reynolds should be named for NSW
- Blues must win game two on June 21 to keep the Origin series alive
- Nicho Hynes and Mitchell Moses loom as other halfback options
Rugby league supercoach Wayne Bennett has outlined who he thinks NSW should pick as halfback ahead of Origin two on June 21 – but doubts Blues selectors will make the right call under pressure.
Speaking at North Sydney Oval on Thursday, Bennett, 73, told a scrum of journalists that Brad Fittler must choose Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds in halves ahead of the must-win encounter at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
He spoke at the Bears’ home to prepare his Dolphins for Friday’s away game with the Sea Eagles at nearby 4Pines Park in Brookvale.
“NSW is in a very difficult position right now,” said Bennett. They have to make the right decisions. It’s that simple.
‘They’re going to Brisbane, and everyone knows how intimidating Queensland is in Brisbane.
Rugby league supercoach Wayne Bennett has strong opinion on who NSW should pick as halfback for Origin two on June 21
Bennett believes the Blues selectors would be crazy not to pick Adam Reynolds (pictured) and Cody Walker in halves for the must-win encounter
If Queensland wins game two in Brisbane, Brad Fittler will probably have coached his last game for NSW
“I think they have to make some tough team selections that I don’t think they were willing to make in the past. They thought they could get away with some stuff, but in Brisbane they can’t get away with it if they don’t make the right team selections.
‘I would definitely take him [Reynolds]. I think he is the best game manager in rugby league right now.
“He brings his kicking game and everything you want – he’s calm and someone who won’t be intimidated.”
Bennett then added that Walker is also a must because if they’re paired in halves, the former Rabbitohs teammates “have that combination and they’re going to worry about everyone all the time.”
Bennett also knows first hand how much a selection bet can pay off in the Origin arena.
He famously chose Allan Langer in the 2001 series for the Maroons – and the 35-year-old, who was playing for Warrington in England’s Super League at the time, delivered a man of the match performance to clinch the series.