State of Origin Game 2 2023: NSW advisor Greg Alexander on Reece Robson-Damien Cook switch, Nicho Hynes axing

NSW Blues advisor Greg Alexander has opened up on plans for a last minute spine switch, and defended the controversial decision to axe Nicho Hynes after just one game.

Reece Robson has credited the late Paul Green for his incredible rise that has seen him earn a NSW Blues debut. Picture: Getty Images.

NSW’s chief advisor Greg Alexander has revealed why the Blues are weighing up relegating Damien Cook and elevating Cowboys tackling machine Reece Robson from the bench to the starting side as the visitors plan to absorb the ferocious early exchanges of Origin at Suncorp Stadium.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten says debutant Robson will “eat up” the pressure of Origin, with the North Queensland No.9 having averaged a staggering 44 tackles per game this season.

Incredibly, Robson has not missed a single second of NRL action this season, playing 1125 minutes across 14 games to seal his Origin debut as NSW’s midfield workaholic.

There is a view Cook’s speed out of dummy-half can be NSW’s X-factor off interchange and Alexander confirmed Robson is a starting option as he defended the Blues’ decision to axe Nicho Hynes in favour of two hookers.

Tough and versatile, Robson has been named on the bench for NSW. Picture: Getty Images.

“Yes, there is a chance of that,” said Fox League analyst and NSW powerbroker Alexander when asked if Robson could start on debut.

“Reece’s defence is one of the aspects of his game that sees him in the side, apart from his great service out of dummy-half and his ability to run the ball.

“With Api (Koroisau) out (with a broken jaw), we decided to go with two hookers and when we decided to go with two hookers, we decided that would be best for the team.

“We didn’t have room for Nicho on the bench.

“It sounds brutal but it’s as simple as that.

“Reece is a great defender so there is a chance that he could start.”

THANK YOU, GREENY: BLUE’S HEARTFELT TRIBUTE AHEAD OF ORIGIN DREAM

NSW State of Origin debutant Reece Robson has spoken passionately of his arrival onto rugby league’s biggest stage and how it wouldn’t have been possible without former Queensland coach Paul Green.

In a heartfelt tribute to Green, whose passing rocked all corners of the game in August last year, Robson has acknowledged the impact of his former Cowboys coach.

The touch of class from Robson has emerged as NSW coach Brad Fittler considers dropping a further bombshell by starting the talented hooker ahead of the experienced Damien Cook against Queensland next Wednesday night.

A former De La Salle Caringbah junior and member of St George-Illawarra’s lower grades, Robson made the tough call to quit the Dragons and join the Cowboys in 2020.

Stuck behind former Dragons hooker Cameron McInnes at the Dragons, Robson – just 20 at the time – couldn’t resist the urges of Green to move north to Townsville.

Reece Robson has credited the late Paul Green for his incredible rise that has seen him earn a NSW Blues debut. Picture: Getty Images.

Just three years later, Robson is the enemy from within state lines, with the hard-nosed hooker achieving his dream to represent the Blues.

“Greeny got me up to the Cowboys. I have so much to thank him for,’’ Robson said.

“He was great for me.

“It was a massive call at the time in the fact that I was leaving the club I played for in the under-18’s and 20s and I had a lot of great mates there.

“It was going really good down there, but it came down to putting footy first and I wanted to play NRL and to do that I had to go elsewhere.

“It was Greeny, who gave me my first opportunity to start every week.

“Obviously with Jakey (Granville) there (Cowboys), being a great player, I have learned a lot from him, but to get the backing of Paul to play week in, week out, was huge.

Just four years ago, Robson was struggling to crack first grade at the Dragons. Now he’ll be running out on one of the biggest stages in rugby league. Picture: St George Illawarra.

“It was so sad to hear of his passing.

“The influence he had on so many people, including myself, it was tragic to hear the news.

“He was such a big part of my journey. He put so much faith in me to bring me up to North Queensland and give me that opportunity.

“I definitely had a close bond with him, it’s still very sad.

“Even though he’s a Queenslander, he’d be proud of me being able to achieve this dream come true.’’

Durable, tough and hardworking, Robson has the ability to play in the back-row if required by Fittler.

He is also capable of starting in Origin II, where he could handle the early physical exchanges, which would then allow Cook to use his speed out of dummy-half when the pace of the contest cools down.

Fittler confirmed he would consider starting the Cowboys debutant.

“There’s a puzzle there for us (with the team line-up) and we’re still putting it together,’’ Fittler said.

“Could he start? Yeah he could, he’s tough. He loves it.

“If anything you’ve got to take him away from it, he’s mad.

“We’ll work it out.

“He averages 70, 75-minutes for the Cowboys every week and I reckon 20-minutes of that is in the back row.

“He’s pretty versatile.’’

While Damien Cook is expected to start at hooker in place of the injured Api Koroisau, Brad Fittler could still pull a late switch and start the game with Robson. Picture: Getty Images.

Asked if was prepared to start the match, Robson said: “Depending on what Freddy (Fittler) wants to go with, either way, I’ll be ready to go.’’

Robson also spoke of his desire to remain in Townsville – a blow for Dragons fans wishing the outstanding hooker would return to the Red-V.

“When I signed with the Cowboys, like most players, you want to be a one-club man,’’ Robson said.

“I had played a handful of games for the Dragons, but from the moment I moved up to Townsville, I wanted to start afresh and be a one-club player and hopefully stay for the rest of my career.

“That’s the plan, I love it up there.’’

Originally published as State of Origin Game 2 2023: NSW advisor Greg Alexander on Reece Robson-Damien Cook switch, Nicho Hynes axing