Munster success will not close door on Taylor
CAMERON Munster’s emergence as Johnathan Thurston’s successor will have no bearing on Ash Taylor’s Origin future, according to Immortal Wally Lewis.
Munster this month delivered a stellar State of Origin debut to all but seal his longterm hold on the revered Queensland No.6 jersey, given Thurston has played his last state against state match.
Such was the quality of his performance at Suncorp Stadium, Lewis called for the 22year-old Melbourne Storm star to be elevated into the Australian side sooner rather than later.
Gold Coast young gun Taylor in many eyes had been above Munster in the Maroons halves pecking order but missed out on an Origin callup for the decider, instead joining the camp as an extended squad member.
Lewis, however, feels Taylor remains as much a chance as ever to be blooded for Queensland in the near future – but rather as the heir to champion No.7 Cooper Cronk.
“Ash Taylor is a halfback,” Lewis said. “He’s not a fiveeighth – and I’m not being disrespectful – a halfback he is.
“He’s a good kid Ash and he is smart as well. He’s a thinking man and when you have got those guys, the creativity that you come up with in a game, it increases so much.
“It’s wonderful, for such a young kid he has got a huge future in front of him.”
Taylor has enjoyed an excellent season backing up his breakout rookie year, already with 24 try assists to his name.
He had a mixed effort in the Titans’ 24-16 loss in Penrith on Saturday, frequently threatening the Panthers’ defensive line but also throwing an intercept which Matt Moylan latched on to for a crucial try.
But overall, Lewis has been captivated by Taylor’s season.
“I enjoy watching him – he is going to be around for a long time to come,” he said.
The prospect of a Munster/ Taylor halves pairing for the Maroons is exciting, given they are both just 22 years of age and could combine for a decade to come.
Munster again starred for the Storm at the weekend and ticked all the boxes in his maiden Origin outing.
“The most impressive part about it (his Queensland debut) was the first time he got the ball he ran with it and he split them open,” Lewis said.
“He dictated the terms to the opposition … it’s only a matter of time until he is wearing an Australian jersey.”