Wallace states case Coast prop dominates NRL with big metres
TITANS prop Jarrod Wallace has presented an irresistible case for State of Origin selection and here are the numbers to prove it.
Wallace has been the NRL’s most explosive middle forward in the past month, blowing the likes of Jason Taumalolo, Martin Taupau and Paul Gallen off the park.
Since Round 7, Wallace has averaged a stunning 172m a week from just 54 minutes on the field.
He ran for a career-high 252m against former club Brisbane and racked up 198m in the Gold Coast’s upset win over the Storm last Saturday.
Manly beast Taupau is next best for the past four matches with 171m while Gallen (164m) and David Klemmer (159m) follow.
Roosters hitman Dylan Napa will replace Matt Scott (knee) in Queensland’s frontrow alongside Nate Myles for Game One at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.
Despite his sizzling form, Wallace could miss out on a bench berth to incumbent Jacob Lillyman and will only get a crack at the Origin arena if the Maroons suffer further injuries or lose the opener and make changes.
Titans coach Neil Henry said Wallace was itching for a starting opportunity after playing most of his 73 NRL games for the Broncos from the bench.
“Jarrod just needed an opportunity to play more minutes,” Henry said.
“Wayne (Bennett, Broncos coach) has got big minutes in his forwards up there and he just didn’t have that opportunity up there. He was playing 20-odd minutes.
“We talked about him being a starting frontrower and that’s what he wanted.
“He has certainly taken that opportunity and produced some good footy.
“Given Matt Scott is out (maybe he is a chance of playing Origin).”
Maroons coach Kevin Walters will show faith in selecting Myles for his 32nd Origin, despite his recent relegation to Manly’s bench.