Frizell to make long-awaited Origin debut
MITCH JENNINGS
June 21, 2016, 7:33 p.m.
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NSW coach Laurie Daley admits he doesn’t know how his Origin rookies will handle the pressure-cooker of Suncorp Stadium but he’s confident they’ll do enough to keep this year’s series alive.
Dragons powerhouse Tyson Frizell will make his long-awaited Origin debut alongside fellow Illawarra product Jack Bird while Dylan Walker will make his first start after playing just nine minutes in game one.
Origin I debutants Adam Reynolds, Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour are also yet to taste the most intimidating atmosphere on offer in rugby league after debuting at ANZ Satdium in game one.
“It is a bit of an unknown for us because they haven’t been in that environment before,” Daley said.
“That’s the issue when you throw young guys out there but that’s the challenge, the excitement, the opportunity that it brings. I’m sure they’ll be nervous but they’ll attack the game head-on. It’s a step up coming up to Origin but you’ve got to have a crack some time.”
After being 18th man for game one, Frizell was initially passed over for Wednesday’s clash before Wade Graham was rubbed out through suspension.
Graham was initially chosen as a specialist left edge back-rower with Daley has opting for veteran Greg Bird on the left with Frizell to be deployed from the bench.
He’s recaptured top form for the Dragons through a shift to the middle third of the field over the past month and club teammate Benji Marshall believes that where he’d be best utilised by Daley.
“I’ve seen a big transformation in Tyson this year in his ability to play through the middle,” Marshall told Fox Sports.
“He’s been starting on the edge for us for the first 20 minutes and then moving to the middle for the next 60.
“When times get tough for NSW I just think the leg-speed he brings to the game and the leg drive he has through tackles...I think he’d be the quickest forward over 40 metres in the competition.
“He’s definitely one of the best hole-runners I’ve seen and I think he can really add to their spark in attack.”
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