Robbie Farah in box seat for Origin gig but Danny Buderus says it’s time for change

ROBBIE Farah is poised to get the last laugh on the Wests Tigers. But Blues great Danny Buderus believes a rival No. 9’s time at Origin level has come.

ROBBIE Farah is poised to get the last laugh on the Wests Tigers with the veteran hooker ready to lock up the NSW No. 9 jersey in tonight’s grudge match against his old club.

But in what’s shaping up as a crucial weekend for the Blues’ dummy half contenders, NSW great Danny Buderus believes it is time for change.

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And Buderus has challenged Nathan Peats to prove to Laurie Daley he deserves the shot when the 26-year-old goes head-to-head with Cameron Smith on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Should Robbie Farah be NSW hooker for State of Origin 1? Pick your NSW Blues side now with team selector!

Robbie Farah has not played his best football at the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

Despite being named on the bench again this week, Farah is being tipped to take over South Sydney’s starting duties ahead of Damien Cook.

It is understood the 33-year-old’s Origin hopes remain very real with Daley said to be reluctant to take the risk on blooding a rookie in such a key position at the Queensland cauldron on May 31.

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Nathan Peats needs to perform for Gold Coast Titans. Picture: Adam Head

Buderus said if he was picking the team he would go in a new direction.

And Peats has the perfect chance to tell Daley to “pick me” when the Gold Coast play Smith’s Melbourne Storm as part of Saturday’s Suncorp Stadium double header.

“I think it will come down to the style of play that (Daley) wants,” Buderus said.

Country hooker Damien Cook remains in contention for NSW. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“I would love to see some early ball off the ground (from dummy half to the halves).

“I just think it an opportunity to start fresh and start with Peats.”

Buderus can understand why Daley would want to keep Farah because of his experience and the fact none of the other contenders have demanded selection.

City hooker Cameron McInnes wraps up Dragons teammate Paul Vaughan. Picture: AAP

Penrith’s Peter Wallace is still well in the running despite the fact the Panthers’ overall form has hardly been inspiring, while Cook and Cameron McInnes played well in last Sunday’s City-Country game but probably didn’t do enough to swing the debate.

“No one has challenged Robbie for his position because no one has played a real high-quality game at the moment,” Buderus added.

Penrith rake Peter Wallace is another option for the Blues. Picture: Darren England.

“I know it is such an argument and Robbie is Laurie’s man.

“But you never know until you give someone a shot, that is the other thing.

“(Peats) might prove that he is your man and if you don’t give him a shot you will never know.

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“He has to come out and challenge Laurie and say, ‘pick me’.”

Following the clash against the Tigers, Farah’s next game for Souths will also be against Smith in the clash with Melbourne in Perth next Sunday before the NSW team is named.

Originally published as Robbie Farah in box seat for Origin gig but Danny Buderus says it’s time for change