Wayne Bennett has thrown his support behind Cody Walker after the South Sydney star was controversially benched in State of Origin I.
Wayne Bennett has rallied behind his five-eighth Cody Walker, saying the NSW rookie was “probably the star of the show” in State of Origin I despite his controversial second-half axing.
The Blues were leading 8-6 in the 56th minute on Wednesday when Walker was hooked from the field in favour of utility Jack Wighton.
By the time the South Sydney playmaker returned 15 minutes later, Queensland held an 18-8 advantage before Walker helped set up a late try that cut the deficit to four.
But the Maroons held on to claim a vital 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
Asked whether he was surprised by Walker’s benching, Bennett, the Rabbitohs coach, said on Thursday: “I’d have to say I was, yeah.”
Pressed on why he thought Blues coach Brad Fittler opted to take Walker off, Bennett said: “I’ve got no idea.
“But they were on even points and they weren’t going to win with the amount of points they had. And that’s what (Walker) does really well.
“That’s the coach’s decision. We don’t always understand why they do it.”
Fittler defended his decision to take Walker from the field after the match, saying he was having trouble finding his groove.
The 29-year-old finished the night with two line break assists – one in the lead-up to NSW’s second try – a line break, three tackle busts and three carries for 30 metres.
“I thought at the end, he was probably the star of the show,” Bennett said.
“In the last 10 minutes there he set up one try, and they scored another one through good lead-up work that he did.
“Origin can take you that long to get into rhythm. He’s never played before. It’s a different standard of playing in the NRL and he hasn’t played a lot of finals games.
“So I thought he did a pretty good job considering it was his first game and the way the game was played.”
Asked if he thought Walker deserves to keep his spot for game two, Bennett said: ‘He’s a first-gamer. He wasn’t the reason they lost.
“There’s a lot more upside in him. I think he showed that in the last 10 minutes of the game where he was starting to get into the groove a little bit.
“Opportunities came and he grabbed it.”
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Very insightful, stick around for a while LOL
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
You never did say how I "know you" db. From ZT? 13Rooster? You can't be Woodchook, no emojis and more sense. So?
db
Guest
Just think how rested he will be for the big battle against Maloney next week. The battle of the coathangers will be epic.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I thought Cody Walker was rested on Wednesday night? ;-)
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
And Wayne Bennett has never lied to the media before. Bahahahahahaha
db
Guest
You mustn't have received the memo. Walker isn't playing tonight.
Insider
Roar Rookie
POP, there goes 2019 for the Dunnies !
Insider
Roar Rookie
Hey Choo , what’s blue and lost on Wednesday night? Yippee yai yai yippie yippie yai
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Tin foil hat NOT foil hat... pffft, clearly it's on too tight.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
If Papa Smurf thinks Cody "MIA" Walker was "the star of the show" in game 1 then he is already showing the early signs of the onset of senile dementia! On the bright side, Walker should have a FULL tank of petrol for tonight's clash with the Knights and with Reynolds out long-term he can't hide behind excuses for not stepping up to the plate tonight. The same goes for Dane Gagai who unfortunately is still playing as a centre despite Bennett's promises to the contrary!
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
You the period QLD took control and won the game? LOL
Clanger McClunk
Guest
Peter, take a Bex, a hot cup of tea and have a good lie down. I ask, who was outraged over contract negotiations? I couldn't give a toss about any secretive deals between anyone and you are right, it is none of my business and I'm quite happy with that. I wouldn't lie to you either and going by your post you are indeed in urgent need of some Psychiatric help, but, unfortunately I don't know any shrinks so it's up to yourself to seek help and that is the absolute truth. If you settle down and read my post again you will see my comment was about the telling of lies to the media, you know those people that promote the game and keep we fans informed of news about the game, with no mention whatsoever about contract deals.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
I actually respect Bennett more for lying to the media in relation to the Roberts thing.
Steve
Guest
The headline is very misleading. What he actually said was he was the star of the show in the last 10 minutes when he was brought back on. Talk about taking a comment out of context. People should get there facts write before writing crap.
Peter
Guest
Apart from your outrage at not being kept fully informed of the details of confidential contract negotiations between an employer and a potential employee, what the hell business is it of yours or any equally outraged Roar scribe? I would not have lied to you. I would have said “I think you should f# off, w@@ker”, and every word would have been the absolute truth.
Ben Kerrison
Guest
Yeah loved the way he sat on that bench in the second half almost as much as Bennett pulling him from the Knights game altogether.
Chilli
Roar Rookie
Walker is the most improved player in the NRL and on a steep upward trend. Suggest you listen to the SuperCoach who knows a thing or two about winning footy matches.. particularly compared to Freddy it has to be said.. and you mob true.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Name a coach that hasn't lied to the media Or club CEO or player manager They all do it around negotiation time
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Well done Wayne. Exposed Fittler as a b grade coach. For those who wish to argue this take a look at Bennett's record before you reply LOL.
stevesyd
Roar Rookie
Thank god head ache man wasn't there. Would have been ragdolled.