Melbourne NRL coach Craig Bellamy believes Storm utility Ryan Hinchcliffe is an ideal fit for the NSW State of Origin team following the season-ending injury to Kurt Gidley.
The former Blues coach praised Hinchcliffe’s credentials before the Australian side was announced last month and reiterated his stance ahead of the NSW team announcement for the opening Origin clash with Queensland in Melbourne on May 23.
Former NSW skipper Gidley dislocated his shoulder for the second time this year while playing for the Knights on Monday night and Bellamy said Hinchcliffe could fill his super-sub role.
The 27-year-old has the same duties in Melbourne’s unbeaten side, his performances earning the Storm’s player of the year award in 2010 despite mostly starting from the bench.
“To my way of thinking, he’d be an ideal guy for that bench spot,” Bellamy said ahead of his side’s clash with Penrith on Saturday night.
“Obviously, he can’t play fullback or five-eighth or halfback like Kurt can but he can certainly play hooker and in the back row and, at a pinch, he could slip into the centres.”
NSW coach before Stuart, Bellamy was reluctant to give advice but said he had spoken to his successor about Hinchcliffe.
“They had an emerging Blues camp just after Christmas and I know Rick was really impressed with how he held himself through that camp so Rick would obviously be watching him in his games.
“I think he’s be a real good fit for them but, at the end of the day, I don’t want to start telling Rick and his selectors what to do because I think he’s getting enough advice.”
The entire Storm squad regrouped on Wednesday with representative players Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk enjoying a full week’s break.
Bellamy hoped the extra time off would work in the Storm’s favour later in the season when the extra workload started to take its toll on their stars.
Melbourne travel to Penrith, who sit 14th after their 34-14 loss to the Knights on Monday night.
Despite their contrasting starts to the season, Bellamy said there was no question of his side continuing in holiday mode.
“One thing we don’t regard too highly is what other teams are doing or what they’re not doing.
“I’m sure they’ll be very determined to improve their form. There were some improvements there on Monday night.
“It’s a tough place to play and we’re expecting a tough game.”
