Andrew Johns believes Cody Walker is the man to partner Nathan Cleary this year for NSW, despite the five-eighth struggling at club level for the Rabbitohs.
The 34-year-old came into the Blues lineup for game three last year and produced a stellar performance, but has been down on form across South Sydney’s opening three matches in 2024.
Despite this, Johns has called for Walker’s inclusion at State of Origin level once again and believes it could help the No.6 regain his confidence.
“I’d go with Cody,” he said on Wide World Of Sports’ Immortal Behaviour.
“Cody unlocks the left side and last year in game three, Walker came into the team and the game plan was pretty simple. He knows what plays to put on, when to get the ball, how far to go into the line – he is a throwback to Cliff Lyons.
“He’s got to show the coach something, but if he gets in there among players in form and a forward pack going forward, I have no doubts that he would shoot the lights out.”
Mitchell Moses is sidelined with injury and could be racing the clock to be fit in time for Origin, while Cleary is expected to be fit and firing despite a hamstring issue.
Johns also claimed Jack Wighton could be in the mix for a NSW comeback given his relationship with new coach, Michael Maguire.
“There’s talk that Michael Maguire loves Jack Wighton,” he said.
“Jack suits Origin footy because he’s tough as anything and he competes.
“But if I had to [pick], I would go Nathan and Cody.”
