Walters targets Arrow
BOOM Gold Coast lock Jai Arrow has emerged as a bolter for a Queensland Origin jumper with the Titans tearaway outperforming nearly every current Maroons forward.
Arrow has had an outstanding start to his first season with the Titans, starring as one of their best players in the opening five rounds to help the Gold Coast into sixth spot on the NRL ladder.
The former Bronco has been praised for his consistency and ability to deliver even when the Titans have struggled.
And now his form has made Kevin Walters stand up and take notice, with the Queensland coach admitting Arrow is putting pressure on the incumbent Maroons pack.
After the opening five rounds, Arrow is outplaying the competition, particularly in attack, averaging 156m a game off 17 runs.
He has also made eight offloads and 11 tackle busts.
In comparison, Broncos lock Josh McGuire is averaging 124m a match while Cowboy Coen Hess, last year’s Maroons bolter, is the next best for offloads with four.
Arrow, 22, is also a defensive workhorse with an average of 26.8 tackles a game.
Walters, approaching his third series as Maroons coach, said he had been impressed by Arrow’s form and maturity in a demanding position.
“He can certainly put some pressure on,” Walters said of Arrow’s Origin chances.
“He’s a younger footballer but it doesn’t put him behind anyone. He’s showing a lot of maturity. He’s been the Titans’ leading player and leading forward and you need guys like that to stand up.
“He will be ready for (Origin) if the opportunity does come. He’s had some really good performances and done lots of work but it’s the quality of that work that’s impressive.”
Walters has some big selection decisions to make this year, with Cowboys co-captain Matt Scott to return from a knee injury and Raiders prop Josh Papalii sent to reserve grade last week.
Melbourne’s Tim Glasby was a shock selection last year and is under pressure to retain his berth while Arrow could be irresistible if he continues his sensational form.
Walters was particularly happy with the 99kg Arrow’s efforts in the front-row in Round 2 and the way he “stood up” to the Warriors pack.
Arrow will make just his 30th NRL appearance against Penrith on Sunday.