Maguire urged to roll dice on Egan
Andrew Webster says the next step in Wayde Egan’s career is a State of Origin debut, with the Warriors coach warning Queensland that the Blues could unleash a double dose of former Penrith hookers to hurt them around the ruck.
New coach Michael Maguire has some tough choices to make for his first series in charge, but at least he can rest easy knowing he has all the class in the world at his disposal in the No.9 jersey.
Api Koroisau was the first choice last year but missed the final two games through injury which opened the door for Murwillimbah’s Reece Robson and Damien Cook to work in tandem.
They did a fine job, but Koroisau and Egan are on another level in 2024 and must be on Maguire’s radar for game one.
Egan’s biggest issues over the years have been injuries and sometimes being overlooked given he plays across the ditch, but he shone in Sydney on Saturday and won his battle against Cook.
“The next step for him is Origin,” Webster said. “I’ve said it to Wayde that I believe he should be an Origin player.
“You can’t be that talented and that good (and not play). We’ve got a style of play that we put around him so that he can show his talent.
“I don’t think you’d get two better NSW nines that are going to ask so many questions of Queensland than Api and Wayde. They’re two guys who ask so many questions and make other people look good. If they start worrying about other people, that’s when Wayde takes his opportunities. “He’s just brilliant.”
Egan’s bring trickery and line-straightening from No.9.