Metre eater never at risk of being dropped for Origin II Wallace a certainty
MAROONS forward Jarrod Wallace was never at threat of losing his place in the Queensland side, with coach Kevin Walters believing he will fire up to fight back against criticism.
Wallace came under heavy scrutiny for his performance in Game One, particularly for his efforts in attack.
Usually a metre- eater for the Titans, the star prop struggled to make an impact against the NSW pack, running for 43m.
Some critics even suggested he should be dropped for Origin II, while Wallace himself said he hoped Walters would give him a second chance.
But Walters said there was never any question as to whether the 26year- old was going to play in Game Two.
“Not at all,” Walters said when asked if Wallace’s spot was ever in jeopardy. “Everybody has their off nights. “In some areas he was unfairly criticised in Game One. Defensively he was really good … we just need him to carry the ball a bit more.
“That’s something Jarrod does naturally for the Titans.
“He needs to bring that with him as well at Origin level. It’s going to be a bit tough and a bit harder for him because the metres aren’t as easy at this level. But we’re confident that he’s going to do a really good job for us.”
After the loss in Melbourne, one of the harshest critics of Wallace was himself.
He was clearly a defeated man in the Queensland sheds after the match, but he also made an immediate vow to fight harder in Game Two.
Walters said he had seen this steely determination in Wallace all week and that’s what had assured staff the forward was ready.
However, Walters said the whole team had to lift alongside Wallace if they were a chance of claiming victory tomorrow night.
“I’ve seen the determination in his preparation,” Walters said.
“I just want Jarrod Wallace to play the football Jarrod Wallace is capable of playing. He can manage well at this level.
“He wasn’t alone in Origin I. There’s a couple of guys that were good but not great.
“We need players to be great if we want to get this win. If that’s the case, and they’re all playing great, we will give ourselves a really good chance to win.”