Former NSW star Matty Johns feels Laurie Daley could pull a late switch for State of Origin Game 1 with debutant Tolu Koula moving to centre on the night for Stephen Crichton. Daley included a bolter in his NSW squad for Game 1 having picked Manly centre Koula in the team.
The quick outside back was named to play on the wing for the Blues – a position he is unfamiliar with at NRL level. Crichton was retained at centre with Latrell Mitchell ruled out, despite his poor form for the Bulldogs.
Matty Johns (R) feels Stephen Crichton (L) will be switched to the wing for the NSW Blues. (Images: Getty Images)
Koula’s selection on the wing raised eyebrows with the Blues flyer set to go up against Selwyn Cobbo. Queensland winger Cobbo has the size advantage and it could suggest Cameron Munster and Sam Walker might go to the air to attack Koula.
However, Johns suggested Daley could make a number of late switches come game day. One could be moving Crichton to the wing so he can use his height against Cobbo. This would allow debutant Koula to play his more natural position during his first game in the Origin arena.
“I think they will [move Crichton to wing], they need size on the wing to defuse bombs,” Johns said on SEN radio on Friday. “On the wing I am unsure about [Koula], I just have a sense he will move into the centres.”
The other potential change floated by Johns is bringing Knights second-rower Dylan Lucas into the side. While he is 20th man and can only be used for emergency on game day, Johns hinted the switch could be made earlier to help with the balance of the team.
Johns feels Daley has selected a quick team who will take advantage if the six-agains are enforced as they have been at NRL level. However, Origin is often officiated slightly different to club level. And Johns suggested if the game is slower it could favour the bigger forward pack of Queensland.
Stephen Crichton set to be ready for Origin
Crichton is considered one of the best centres in the game. Although his form this year has been well off and it prompted suggestions he might not be selected for Game 1.
Mitchell’s injury for the Rabbitohs meant Crichton’s experience was invaluable for Daley. The Bulldogs captain has also been playing through an AC Joint injury. He didn’t train with the Blues to start their camp on Wednesday as he took it lightly.
Although his shoulder isn’t expected to hold him back for the remainder of the camp with the 25-year-old set to jump straight into it as he builds a combination with Koula. Penrith youngster Casey McLean has been named in the 19 and will provide cover for the outside backs in the game. The 20-year-old admitted he was thrilled to have been selected for his first Origin camp.
“Emotions kind of overtook me,” the 20-year-old said. “I didn’t have any words left in me, and then I kind of saw Mum and Dad and broke.”
Matty Johns believes Stephen Crichton (pictured) will play wing during State of Origin Game 1.
(Matt King via Getty Images)