NSW Blues icon Andrew Johns has expressed a desire for the team to return to a strategy employed by Michael Maguire as the upcoming State of Origin series draws near in 2024.
During Maguire’s tenure as coach of the Blues, the forward pack had a distinctly different look, featuring Isaah Yeo on the bench as he alternated between the lock and prop positions.
The current Broncos coach initially placed Cameron McInnes at lock for game one before switching to Cameron Murray in the No.13 jersey for the subsequent two matches, which NSW ultimately won.
Cameron Murray celebrates following a Bradman Best try during the 2023 State of Origin series. Getty
Last year, new coach Laurie Daley faced challenges when Murray suffered an Achilles injury early in the season. As a result, he opted for Yeo at lock and captain, supported by Mitch Barnett and Max King in the front-row alongside Payne Haas.
This season, Barnett has struggled with injuries, and King’s name has often surfaced in the Origin discussions.
Johns believes the middle forward pack should resemble Maguire’s former set-up.
“I’d position Isaah Yeo in the front row alongside Payne Haas, with Cameron Murray at lock. It’s merely a number on their back,” he stated on Wide World of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
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Lindsay Smith is another player being considered as a potential Origin candidate. Getty
“You’ve got the genuine running threat of Payne Haas, and then there’s Cam Murray, the quickest play the ball operator in the competition, along with Isaah Yeo who can also provide a running threat. I recall one year he came off the bench at front row and was outstanding. Isaah Yeo and Cam Murray can rotate effectively with their ball-playing,” Johns remarked.
He further recommended introducing Addin Fonua-Blake off the bench while Spencer Leniu should keep his position.
Johns also highlighted Lindsay Smith, who has worn the Kangaroo jersey in the past.
As a selector for the Kangaroos, alongside Boyd Cordner, Johns shared a conversation he had with Cordner regarding Smith.
“I mentioned Lindsay Smith to Boyd Cordner last year, asking ‘what does he bring to the attack?’ and Boyd replied, ‘his defence, you need to keep an eye on him’,” Johns recalled.
“In a recent match against Melbourne, there was a scrum with only 20 seconds left, and Lindsay Smith was one of the first to arrive on the scene.”
“If Smith plays off the bench, he might need to start instead to provide the necessary impact.”
His inclusion would further cement Penrith’s influence in Origin selections, with discussions about potential debuts for Casey Jenkins and Mitch Kenny brewing.
However, Johns dismissed those suggestions, favouring Reece Robson and Blake Brailey over Kenny for the hooker position.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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