Brisbane: It’s the good NSW thriller main into an important Suncorp Stadium furnace – who will begin at hooker for the Blues?
Even recalled Rabbitohs star Damien Cook isn’t positive.
The 31-year-old was referred to as upon by NSW coach Brad Fittler following Apisai Koroisau’s horrific jaw break, with Cowboys gun Reece Robson additionally being chosen for his Origin debut.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
NSW selector Greg Alexander hinted that Robson might exchange Cook within the beginning crew on Wednesday, however for Cook he was comfortable to be saved in the dead of night relating to Fittler’s techniques.
“I actually don’t know (who is starting), that’s the thing,” Cook instructed reporters on Monday.
“Which I’ve enjoyed that part of it because you can’t really play the game in your head if you don’t know what it is yet.
“I like what Freddy has done, he has kept it really relaxed and kept everyone relaxed.
“He’s kept everyone focused on what needs to be done and not playing the game in their head before it.”
Robson has been one of many NRL’s most constant hookers over the previous two seasons, having performed a significant hand in North Queensland’s spectacular 2022 marketing campaign.
The 25-year-old has 87 NRL appearances to his title however received’t have skilled something like a Suncorp Stadium packed to the brim with Queensland supporters.
‘Can present Ben there’s a path to achievement’ | 07:53
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
However, Cook defined he has been impressed with what he’s seen from his fellow dummy-half and backed him to face tall on debut.
So far in 2023 Robson has averaged 40.7 tackles per sport to go along with a median of 60 working metres and 22 deal with breaks in whole.
“(He’s been) really good, I really enjoy working alongside him. He has had a great couple of years in his last few seasons and I’ve been keeping an eye on him with what he does,” Cook stated.
“He’s a really quality hooker, one of the best in the competition and he is tough. He has got a really good passing game on him and he’s not afraid to run the ball.
“All those attributes are going to be great for him on Wednesday night.”
In 2022, Cook started the collection sporting the No.9 jersey earlier than Fittler pulled a giant swap with Koroisau coming into the beginning crew for the ultimate two video games.
Having had a style of each roles the Rabbitohs rake defined he doesn’t have a desire relating to his function in a two hooker system.
“I really don’t mind, I’m just really happy to be in here and doing whatever we need to do to get the job done, that’s what is most important,” Cook stated.
“I’ve had the opportunity to do both, I’ve had the opportunity to start and the opportunity last year to come off the bench so whatever needs to be done, I’ll get it done.”
Dragons stay hopeful Hunt will keep | 00:47
MORE NRL NEWS
‘HE’S REALLY DOWN’: Hunt ready to pay large chunk ‘of his own money’ to depart
TALKING POINTS: Hunt’s bombshell creates chaos; RTS tipped for early NRL return
ORIGIN DAILY: Ex-NSW coach’s warning for ‘confident’ QLDers, daring prediction
‘NO RETURNS’: Dragons reply to Hunt’s request as CEO grilled on exit causes
NSW now face the daunting prospect of forcing a decider by beating the Maroons on house soil, with Queensland having received two of the final 9 video games at Suncorp.
In Game I, Queensland have been capable of come again from a 18-16 scoreline with solely seven minutes remaining and a person down.
Cook believes the collection opener got here all the way down to alternatives and the Blues merely didn’t capitalise on their probabilities.
“I thought we had a really good game plan and a lot of opportunities, we just didn’t quite ice them,” Cook stated.
“And Queensland did, they nailed those opportunities.
“But a couple of hours before the game (it was) a weird feeling when I thought I was going to be arriving to the game.
“I really missed it, I really missed being in that arena so that’s why it is so great to be back.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au