Blues keen on pair of options at hooker

NSW coach Brad Fittler is contemplating a creative approach to State of Origin by selecting two hookers in his 17man squad.

It is believed the early favourites are South Sydney’s Damien Cook and St George Illawarra’s Cameron McInnes.

Manly’s Api Koroisau is another contender.

The four to six-week rib cartilage injury to incumbent NSW hooker Nathan Peats has just about ended his chances of selection.

On a day when new Blues coach Fittler spoke glowingly of Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks, the Blues coach said he was ready for a speed blitz out of dummy half in this year’s series.

And his bold new plan was backed by Blues assistant coach Danny Buderus.

Asked would he look at playing two specialist dummy halves, Fittler said: “Yeah, I think so.

“It would give us more damage out there, more speed, more energy. Call it petrol, call it whatever you want to call it.

“That would give the middle area the best opportunity to win it. The key for them is that everything comes off Cameron (Smith), that’s what makes them so dangerous.

“McInnes has been awesome, hasn’t he? Cook is going really good. Cook made 48 tackles (last week) and one miss. I think Nathan Peats hurt himself on the weekend. There’s also Koroisau. Api has a big bearing on how Manly are going. Manly got smashed on the weekend but you could see he was trying still.”