State of Origin: Brad Fittler backs Luke Keary to replace James Maloney
He’s won titles at two different clubs, a Clive Churchill Medal and represented Australia, but he has never played State of Origin. And while a Blues call-up is on the radar, Luke Keary faces a difficult campaign ahead.
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He’s won three premierships — two at different clubs — a Clive Churchill Medal and represented Australia.
But Luke Keary has never played for NSW in State of Origin.
It appears the wait for the playmaker with one of the best resumes in the NRL is almost over.
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler has declared Keary is in the box seat to take over from former Blues five-eighth James Maloney in 2020.
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“I like the way he goes about footy,” Fittler said.
“He looks like he really loves what he’s doing.
“He’s constantly at you and it would be great to give him a chance just to see if he’s at that level.
“I don’t want to put the mock on anyone, but he was a big chance going into last year and then got knocked out by (Newcastle forward) Daniel Saifiti.
“No Maloney, so there’s a position open.”
Trump card Maloney was successful in guiding Fittler’s Blues to a second-successive series win over Queensland last year
But his departure to the English Super League with Catalans has left Fittler on the hunt for a five-eighth to partner NSW halfback Nathan Cleary.
Mitchell Pearce and Cody Walker will also look to advance their positions in the Blues jumper after featuring last year, while the robust Jack Wighton could also be a solution for Fittler.
Yet it’s Keary, who won the 2014 grand final with South Sydney before his 2018-2019 premierships with the Roosters, that has long been on the radar of the Blues brains trust.
A knee injury cruelled Keary’s Origin push in 2018, while repeated concussions in the countdown to last year's series saw the 28-year-old deemed unavailable.
Asked what he believed made Keary special, the NSW Origin coach replied: “Just the way he plays.
“He's only a little dude and he just goes so hard.
“If you look at the grand final, it was him that triggered the grand final-winning try (for the Roosters).
“And when he was playing for Australia, he did exactly the same. He got knocked out and then the game fell away.
“This is the hardest place to do it, Origin.”
Keary’s challenge will undoubtedly be how he handles the lead role of steering the Roosters after the retirement of Cooper Cronk.
Rookie Roosters half Kyle Flanagan will partner Keary, with the onus on the latter to use his experience to assist the former Cronulla junior's NRL development.
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As a result, Fittler agreed that Keary faces his toughest season.
“Massively,” Fittler said.
“They’re going through an evolution at hooker as well, with (Jake) Friendy and young Sam Verrills.
“In and amongst that, you need some brains to hold it all together and some leadership, so he’ll get tested on all levels this year.”
In an interview to promote the ticket launch for Origin I at Adelaide Oval, Fittler confirmed his high regard for Penrith and NSW halfback Nathan Cleary.
“What he has done for our team, he's just a worker,” Fittler said.
“He may not be setting up that many tries, but he’s saving plenty and he’s doing everything we asked.
“I’m just a fan of the way he goes about the game. He loves the game and he shows it.”
Originally published as State of Origin: Brad Fittler backs Luke Keary to replace James Maloney