Penrith hold key to Origin success
FRIDAY night’s do- or- die semi- final at Suncorp Stadium may well give NSW fans a look at their future State of Origin hopes.
Brad Fittler remains one of the favourites to become the new Blues coach, and while he was not prepared to talk about his chances of succeeding Laurie Daley, he did admit the Panthers are the club holding the key to unlocking NSW’s success.
Teenage halfback Nathan Cleary is already lining up as a future NSW halfback, while Peter Wallace, Matt Moylan, who was not named in the Panthers’ 21- man squad yesterday for Friday’s semi- final, James Tamou, Trent Merrin, Josh Mansour, Reagan Campbell- Gillard, Bryce Cartwright and Josh Mansour will be looking to be in the frame for the Blues next season.
“Origin is a long way away, but I think Penrith will have something to do with how NSW will go next year,’’ former Penrith junior Fittler told News Corp.
“When you think about it, Origin will need a few of those Penrith players to improve and stand up.
“If they are not in the team, they will be putting pressure on the current players.’’
For all the pre- season hype, Penrith failed to have one single player involved in this year’s Origin series.
Wallace broke down with a groin injury on the eve of Origin I selection.
He was told by Daley he was being picked, but failed the medical while Moylan could only make the extended bench.
Even Leilani Latu, another forward in the Panthers’ casualty ward, could well be pushing for a Blues jersey.