Playmakers Josh Reynolds and Jarrod Mullen will go head to head in a battle that could decide the NSW State of Origin No.6 jersey when City meet Country on Sunday at Dubbo’s Apex Oval.
With incumbent Blues five-eighth James Maloney likely to miss the Origin opener in Brisbane on May 28 with a shoulder injury and Todd Carney, who played all three games in 2012, also under an injury cloud (hamstring) and struggling for form, Reynolds and Mullen can put forward an irresistible claim for an Origin berth.
For Mullen, it is a chance to return to the Origin arena for the first time since his sole appearance seven years ago.
Country coach Trent Barrett says his Newcastle playmaker has matured greatly in that time and doesn’t need to be told what is on the line.
“I haven’t spoken to him about it at all, to be honest, he is old enough now to know what is required and he does know,” the former Blues assistant coach said.
“I have noticed a really mature player this week, on and off the field.
“Maybe that is Wayne Bennett’s influence over Jarrod but he is definitely ready to play a big game.
“It is up to him.
“I am glad he is in my team. He is very organised; he has a terrific kicking game; he is a good bloke and he seems to have grown right up.
“He is happy with how he is now and confident in the person who he is now and you need to be that.”
Reynolds remained rooted to the interchange bench when NSW took out game one last year and made his debut in game two as a utility, before missing out on selection for the decider.
The Canterbury playmaker has the chance to make the spot his own in the NSW halves alongside Sydney Roosters premiership winner Mitchell Pearce.
City coach Brad Fittler says Reynolds could play a pivotal role in ending Queensland’s eight-year stranglehold on the interstate series.
“He has that energy – he shows it every week. He is tough; he will get in their face,” Fittler said.
“It looks like, to me, he will make his tackles.
“I think we seem to have the attack to get tries. We just have to stop some.
“He just seems, to me, he has that sort of attitude everyone enjoys watching in Origin and everyone enjoys playing next to.”
