Lockyer Backs Walker in Tom Dearden Origin Replacement Race
Darren Lockyer has backed Sam Walker in the tom dearden origin replacement race for Queensland’s vacant No.7 jersey. The Maroons selector’s support landed as the halfback debate sharpened ahead of Game 1 in Sydney on May 27.
Lockyer dismissed the usual noise around Walker’s defence and said the Roosters half had enough in his game to handle Origin pressure. His view puts Walker firmly in the frame before the Maroons coach names his side on Monday.
Lockyer and Walker
“I remember when I played, people questioned my defence too,” Lockyer said. He added that a lot of people had compared Walker with Allan Langer, pointing to the same doubts around size and defence that followed the Queensland great early in his career.
“I think it just motivates you to want to be better at it. I suspect the talk around Sam and his defence this week – and with a lot of eyes watching him this weekend - that will be a real focus for him...” Lockyer said. He also said, “When you compare Sam to Alf, there are a lot of similarities. Obviously he is at the start of his career. People questioned whether Alf could do it because of his size and defence but Alf could do things other players couldn't with his short-kicking game and ability to read the game.”
Cronk's different call
The push for Walker is not the only view in the conversation. Cooper Cronk questioned Walker’s defence and urged Billy Slater to pick Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster in the halves for Game 1 in Sydney on May 27, saying, “It’s a bit wild, but I like Munster at halfback and Ponga at five-eighth.”
Cronk added, “Ponga is playing first receiver and second receiver (for Newcastle). There is a bit of a Rubik’s cube to solve, but I just think getting our best defensive team out there is the key... those two guys are it for me.” That leaves Queensland with a straight choice between Walker’s recent form and a more defensive-looking combination elsewhere in the spine.
Roosters form at Magic Round
Walker’s case is built on more than reputation. He and Daly Cherry-Evans have been in superb touch in recent weeks for the Roosters, who have won seven of their last eight games and moved into third on the ladder.
Walker was due to play for the Sydney Roosters against the Cowboys in Magic Round on Saturday evening, and he said an Origin debut would be “a dream come true.” The halfback vacancy opened when Tom Dearden’s injury created a place in Queensland’s No.7 jersey, and the decision now sits with Monday’s team announcement.
