Granville has shot at Origin
MATT ENCARNACION NORTH Queensland hooker Jake Granville has the perfect opportunity to stake his claim for a State of Origin jumper over the next two weeks.
The Maroons’ No.9 jumper is up for the grabs for the first time in almost 13 years after long-time captain Cameron Smith this week announced his decision to retire from representative football.
And the stage is set for Granville to make a compelling case for selection, with the Cowboys facing South Sydney today and Melbourne Storm next Friday, before teams are chosen for Game One.
Rabbitohs rake Damien Cook is widely considered in the running for the Blues’ role, while Smith has played in all but one of the Maroons’ games since his Origin debut in 2006.
“There are two games to go until they pick the team so if Jake does have that ambition in mind, he’s got two games to really stick his hand up,” said Cowboys coach Paul Green.
“Regardless of who we’re playing, it is a personal battle there to try and get on top of your opposite number but also again he’s got another challenge next week against Cameron Smith.
“If he wants to put his hand up for it, it’s a great opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold has named an unchanged side to the one that upset ladder-leaders St George Illawarra last week and is gunning for a fifth win in six matches.
The Rabbitohs, Melbourne, Sydney Roosters, Wests Tigers and Cronulla are all in the middle of the table on 12 points.