Kevin Walters backs recalled prop Jarrod Wallace to fire in Perth

It came to two spots for three players and Gold Coaster Jarrod Wallace was the lucky man to snag a spot for Origin II. But was he the right choice?

Maroons coach Kevin Walters has backed Jarrod Wallace to handle his second coming as an Origin player after the Titans prop and Tim Glasby were recalled for Game Two this Sunday night.

Wallace will join the Queensland team in Perth today with the Gold Coast bookend and Glasby staving off 18th man Christian Welch as part of two changes for the historic clash against NSW at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.

Jarrod Wallace returns to the Origin arena. Picture: Adam Head

Glasby will start on the bench in place of Game One debutant Joe Ofahengaue (knee), while Jai Arrow’s ankle injury against the Warriors last Friday night has opened the door for his good mate Wallace.

The jury is out on Wallace at Origin level.

In five games since his 2017 baptism, the Titans front-rower has never managed 100 metres or more in an Origin game.

In three of those five games, Wallace amassed 21 metres, 43m and 44m as a starting prop, numbers which simply cannot win Origin matches in an arena where monster midfield metres are critical.

Wallace celebrates scoring a try in 2017. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Now Wallace gets a golden opportunity to prove his Origin bona fides as the Maroons look to wrap-up the series in the wild west.

Dropped for Game One, the 27-year-old was strong against the Warriors, charging for 164 metres from 21 hit-ups, and Walters is confident Wallace can transfer his dominant club form to the Queensland pack.

“I’m really happy for Jarrod, he has worked hard to get his chance again,” Walters said.

“He needed to respond after missing out on Game One and it is a sign of Jarrod’s character that he has done that.

“Since he was left out of the team, Jarrod’s work for the Titans has been of the highest standards and I know he can get the job done in Game Two.”

Kevin Walters is comfortable with his decision to pick Wallace. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

Melbourne prop Welch has been in outstanding form this season and Walters likes the professionalism of players trained in the Storm system, but two factors saw Wallace get the nod ahead of him.

“Jarrod’s experience was a big consideration,” Walters said.

“Christian has been very good this year but he is only two games back from a knee injury so we’ve decided to bring him into camp to help with his development.”

MORE ORIGIN:

●FITTLER CULLS HIS BLUES SIDE FROM GAME ONE

●‘CRAZY’: ORIGIN CHAMPS REACT TO SELECTIONS

The Maroons will have a 20-man squad with Perth with Newcastle winger Edrick Lee and Dragons playmaker Corey Norman to arrive as development players.

Arrow’s loss will see Dylan Napa promoted into the starting side.

The backline remains unchanged with Walters also praising the reliability of 30-year-old Glasby, the 123-game NRL veteran who has played three Origin fixtures for the Maroons.

“Tim was our 18th man for Game One and he is very professional,” Walters said.

“We like what Tim brings as a player, he is very effective defensively and he has been playing very consistent football in a winning Newcastle team.”