Mbye in contention for shock Origin call

WESTS Tigers skipper Moses Mbye is the shock front-runner to be crowned Queensland’s super-sub Origin bolter for Game One on Wednesday week.

Mbye has edged ahead of Broncos star Anthony Milford and Cowboys rake Jake Granville as the trio prepare for a Super Saturday shootout for the Queensland No.14 jumper.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters met with Maroons selectors on Thursday. It is understood Maroons hierarchy have gone cold on Milford, with Mbye and Granville discussed at length as options for the critical interchange utility spot for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium.

Today’s three NRL games will determine whether Mbye can stave off Milford and Granville to make a dream Queensland Origin debut.

Granville will audition first against Canberra at GIO Stadium, followed by Milford against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium before Mbye faces ladder leaders South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Mbye has barely been mentioned in Origin discussions, but Queensland hierarchy’s most significant selection meeting yet has thrown up the 25-year-old as a serious No.14 contender.

While Walters is a huge fan of Milford, the Broncos pivot lacks the ability to play in the forwards or three-quarters.

Queensland powerbrokers have decided they want their No.14 to possess either extreme versatility or hooking experience.

Noosa Pirates junior Mbye can play five positions, including fullback, five-eighth and halfback. He debuted at centre for Canterbury in 2014 and later that year, he started at hooker at age 21 in the NRL grand final against South Sydney.

Barring injury, Ben Hunt will be the starting hooker, with Granville or Mbye to provide interchange insurance.