Australia’s leading halfback Cooper Cronk says South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds has the ability to seize the NSW State of Origin jersey with a standout performance in next month’s All Stars game.
The 22-year-old was voted into the NRL All Stars’ No.7 jersey for the annual clash against the Indigenous All Stars in Brisbane on February 9, with Test, Queensland and Melbourne halfback Cronk one of Wayne Bennett’s coach’s selections on the bench.
Reynolds, the 2012 NRL rookie of the year, was integral in steering Souths to last year’s grand-final qualifier against Canterbury, where their season collapsed after he suffered a hamstring injury just before halftime.
Sydney Roosters’ Mitchell Pearce is the incumbent NSW halfback but he and Cronulla’s Todd Carney were outplayed by Queensland duo Cronk and Johnathan Thurston as the Maroons extended their Origin domination to seven years.
In 2011, Canberra fullback Josh Dugan had a blinder in the All Stars game which springboarded him into a Blues jumper for his Origin debut.
Cronk, who will likely play the second half of the All Stars game, said Reynolds had the talent to do the same.
“He’s obviously got the skill set,” Cronk said after Storm training on Thursday.
“For a kid that debuted last year and took Souths to a final, he’s got all the attributes.
“I’m not sure what NSW are thinking but it’s a really good opportunity for him.”
Reynolds has also been selected in Laurie Daley’s 22-man Emerging Blues squad, which will gather for a weekend camp at Coogee in Sydney on Friday – proving he’s in the NSW coach’s thinking.
Cronk said Reynolds was used to big-game pressure after playing in the finals series and also in his club role with the Rabbitohs.
“He’s a good player, plays at a big club that demands success and has a lot of supporters so I wish him all the best.
“I look forward to possibly learning a few things off the young fella too.”
pjebz
Guest
if theres anyone who shows being cool but hot in options........its Roberts Tyrone. this guys shows talent and can play a come back game even if it seems impossible..........he should be given a chance to proove his coolness.
Brett
Guest
WE CANT KEEP CHANGING THE SO MUCH OR WE WILL LOOSE AGAIN NSW TEAM 2013 1Brett Stewart 2 Jarryd Hayne 3 Michael Jennings 4 Josh Morris 5 Akuila Uate 6 Todd Carney 7 Jamie Soward or Gidley 8 Willie Mason 9 Robbie farah 10 James Tamou 11 Glenn Stewart 12 Greg Bird 13 Pau Gallen 14 Feleti Mateo 15 TREX 16 Anthony Watemough 17 Luke lewis other contnenders anthony tupou, brent kite, brett morris, tim grant, peter wallace, mitchell pearce, jamal idris
Brett
Guest
Jamie Soward and Todd Carney should be the blues halves combination. I don't mind adam reynolds but he is WAY to raw and I HATE josh reynolds almosts as much as i hate Cooper Gronk.
soapit`
Guest
need to have a half who can cover hooker on the bench. if pearce starts then reynolds for the bench. got to give them some exposure to look ahead to the time when they'll be required to run the team
Charles NSW
Guest
I have watched both Josh and Adam Reynolds with great interest in their ability! It would not be out of the cards to play both in the halves, they would compliment each other well However, we need to be very careful to do this now as it most likely far to early Give them time to press harder for their claims to the role Mitchell Pearce has had his chance so many times, he is just not up to it Time will tell who we have but they all really need to show some mettle if they want it I really like Jamie Soward potential but he has failed too! If he shows the way, I would give him another chance but with great consideration to the 1/2 back role I think he organizes the team better from there and with his running and kicking game it may be worth a look
tbee
Guest
id prefer josh reynolds at least you know he will run the ball not just stand and pass.Take ingliss out of souths and they struggle ito the 8.
Jake
Guest
When did Cronk say he should be picked for NSW? That's right, he didn't. For the record, he was asked by a NSW journo, if he could see Reynolds playing SOO and that is what he replied to. You NSW supporters jumping to conclusions again. Understandable, I'd be like that too if QLD were that bad, for that long too.
ken oldman
Guest
All top half backs,however if you were in the trenches with a battle to be won then Tommy would be the one that you would turn to.
ken oldman
Guest
All top quality,but if you wanted someone in the trenches with you,with a battle to be won it woud have to be Tommy
Anakin
Guest
>.Tom Terrific,the greatest of the Blues half backs.?? Are you forgetting one Peter 'snoz' Sterling, Steve 'turvey' Mortimer, or even the immortal Andrew 'Joey' Johns?!
ken oldman
Guest
Cooper Cronk says he could" learn a few things off the young fella"......could learn a lot more from the old fella..Tom Terrific,the greatest of the Blues half backs.
CBdoggs4LYFE
Guest
What a joke. CC needs to be quiet and sort his own business out. Unless we can create an "Avatar" scenario for Joey Johns to inhabit a healthy bionic super body, NSW will only be filling gaps and whats happened over the last 7 years will continue to repeat again. NSW need x-factor players, players with the potential to turn an Origin not a club game and when the pressure is on stand up and be counted, take the ball and lead like a BoSS! QSLD have Inglis, Slater, Smith, Thurston and to an extent Cronk..NSW have no players of similar calibre..maybe potential to be like, but none at that level and when given a chance whilt under the spotlight
Scott Minto
Guest
Why not have both? (Cue mexican music from the El Paso ads)
Jamal
Guest
I think the other Reynolds, Josh from the Bulldogs is more primed and suited to Origin than Adam at this stage.
sam
Guest
Adam Reynolds is the future, Mitchel Pearce is the past.
Mike
Guest
Mitchell Pearce has played in 4 straight series & is still to stamp his mark on origin. I think it would be a mistake to give hime a 5th year in the 7 so I hope young Reynolds gets the gig.
B.A Sports
Guest
QLD up to their old tricks again, selecting the NSW team for NSW. I know the NSW selectors are poor but are we going to make Meninga, Cronk and Smith the NSW selectors this year? I look forward to seeing the line up come May. When are the Blues going to start recommending Steve Michaels as an outside back for the Maroons?