Legendary Maroons coach Wayne Bennett has dared Brad Fittler to throw caution to the wind and turn to a halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker to salvage NSW’s State of Origin hopes.
Fittler must win Game II at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on June 21 to keep the Blues’ ambitions of winning the series alive.
Fittler’s chances of scoring a victory took a hit earlier this week when Penrith's Nathan Cleary was ruled out with a hamstring tear, his injury throwing the race for the NSW No.7 jersey wide open.
Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes appears the front-runner after making his debut in Origin I off the bench but Bennett said he would turn to the tested hand of Brisbane halfback Reynolds.
Bennett was concerned Hynes could struggle with the intense scrutiny and said Broncos veteran Reynolds wouldn’t be overawed.
"Everyone knows how intimidating Brisbane is - Queensland in Brisbane," Bennett said at North Sydney Oval, where his Dolphins were training prior to Friday’s game with Manly.
"They need to make a few tough team selections they wouldn’t have done in the past.
"I’d certainly take him (Reynolds) … He’s the best game-manager in rugby league in my mind.
"His kicking gives you everything you want - he’s calm.
"He’s not going to be intimidated, you’ve got to get it right, otherwise it’s all over for you.
"I’m going to go with the players I can trust to do it and I trust Adam Reynolds more than anyone else."
Cleary’s omission has meant that the position of Panthers teammate Jarome Luai at five-eighth is no longer guaranteed.
Luai was one of the Blues better performers in the series opener, but Reynolds’ chemistry with old South Sydney teammate Cody Walker may prove too hard for Fittler to resist.
Walker has been in sparkling form for the Rabbitohs and Bennett said a reunion with Reynolds at Origin level would strike fear into the Maroons.
"Luai is already there and he’s a wonderful player but bottom line is he and Cleary have a great combination and that’s what they've stuck with," Bennett said.
"If you’re going to bring in Reynolds, then you’ve got to bring in Walker because of their combination.
"They’re going to worry the hell out everybody, they were together at South Sydney and had quite a bit of success."
Bennett, meanwhile, said he would have no concerns throwing Dolphins enforcer Felise Kaufusi into the Maroons side without a warm-up game.
Kaufusi has been sidelined for the last three weeks with suspension but Queensland’s back-row injury toll could propel him.
"He’s a pro and a long-time Origin player," Bennett said.
"He’s only had three weeks out - a little holiday - with Tom Gilbert out, I’d certainly pick him."
