It comes after a player of the series display from Dearden that strengthened his Test claims.
Reece Walsh faces a tough task reclaiming his spot in the Maroons’ Origin side after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow starred in the No.1 jersey in Wednesday night’s series-deciding win over NSW. While Tom Dearden admits Nathan Cleary is still the favourite for the Kangaroos’ halfback role, despite putting in ‘one of the great Origin performances in the No.7 jersey for Queensland’, according to NSW legend, Andrew Johns.
Dearden was sensational for the Maroons after replacing former Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans after Game 1. He was instrumental in the Game 2 victory in Perth, and was the standout in the Sydney decider, taking out player of the series honours after scoring two tries and having a hand in two more as the Maroons won 24-12 to reclaim the Origin shield.
In contrast, Cleary had a night to forget for the Blues as his search for an elusive win in an Origin decider continues. The NSW halfback’s kicking game was below-par and he failed to get the Blues’ attack clicking with halves partner Jarome Luai, as the Blues failed to cope with Queensland’s defensive line speed and struggled to come up with a solution.
Cleary is widely regarded as the best No.7 in the game, but the structured style that has been so effective in Penrith’s four-straight NRL premierships has failed to translate in Origin. And it’s led to suggestions Cleary’s Test jersey for Australia could be in jeopardy, despite Dearden downplaying such talk.
“I think Nathan Cleary is the best player in the game, he’s the No.7 no matter what,” the Queensland halfback said. “I’d of course love to be involved in the squad, but it’s something that we don’t have to think about until the end of the year.
“It’s out of my control and all I can worry about is going back and playing good footy for the Cowboys.” Dearden debuted for Australia in last year’s Pacific Championships with Cameron Munster and Cleary out, before being the Kangaroos’ best in the final against Tonga. But he says it’s premature to be eyeing off the Kangaroos’ No.7 jersey for this year’s end-of-season Ashes series.
Reece Walsh snub justified as ‘Hammer’ stars for QLD
Dearden’s elevation to the Maroons’ No.7 role and the axing of former skipper Cherry-Evans were just two of the selection gambles that paid off handsomely for Slater. The Queensland coach also decided to pick Tabuai-Fidow ahead of the in-form Walsh at fullback in Game 3 and the ‘Hammer’ repaid the faith with another superb game for his state.
The Dolphins fullback set up Dearden’s first try after a burning the Blues down the right wing, and should have scored one himself when an inside ball from Reuben Cotter went to ground with the tryline at his mercy. He also prevented NSW scoring with a last-ditch tackle on the tryline and caused the Blues headaches all night after busting four tackles and running for 78 metres in an impressive display.
Queensland legend and former skipper Cameron Smith said the Hammer more than justified his inclusion ahead of Walsh, who could struggle to win back the No.1 jersey he’d made his own in the last few years. “I think ‘Hammer’ showed why he was the man for the job tonight. I just thought he was really busy around the play the ball,” Smith said.
“But you know that gamble, or it’s not so much of a gamble… he’s been probably the form fullback of the competition. He’s coming off four tries for the Dolphins in his last club game. So he was outstanding. Tonight he was one of the really strong performers for the Maroons.”
