Frizell enjoys best of both worlds as Fittler plays with positional switch
NEW South Wales forward Tyson Frizell insists he’s ready to play a bigger role in State of Origin II after his game time was whittled in their game-one loss to Queensland.
Frizell was limited to a career-low 38 minutes in Brisbane, where he entered the contest following a disrupted build-up due to a concussion.
It was in stark contrast to the first eight Origin games of his career, where he averaged almost an hour of action switching between second row and lock.
The St George Illawarra star will start his fifth straight Origin game on the right edge, where he played 28 minutes before being benched in game one.
He didn’t return until the 70th minute, when he resumed as a middle forward.
But as the Blues aim to keep the series alive in Perth on Sunday, Frizell has declared himself ready to go the distance if required at Optus Stadium.
“I’m 100 per cent,” Frizell said.
“Even though I copped a little knock and a few bumps along the way towards game one, I knew I was right for that game.
“I obviously had to put some things in place to clear myself to be ready, but I did everything possible in the lead up to put myself in a position to play as best I could.
“Everyone wants to get as much game time as they want. But I’m easy. I’ll do everything I can in the time I’m given there.”
The 27-year-old has often started on the edge before switching to the front row or lock where he can often be just as efficient as the big men.
It’s a unique role Frizell relishes, both at club and representative level.
“It honestly doesn’t bother me. It’s how I played in game one, but I only came back on towards the end of the game,” he said. “I enjoy that role, doing a bit of both. I get my time on the edge and then when I’m needed in the middle I can create some stuff through there as well.
“Whatever position he (coach Brad Fittler) gives me, I’m keen to take it on.”
– Matt Encarnacion