Kevin Walters says Dylan Napa must be back playing before State of Origin series to be in Maroons frame

DYLAN Napa was a near certainty to make his State of Origin debut this year, but coach Kevin Walters says the injured prop must prove his fitness.

Roosters prop Dylan Napa is facing a stint on the sideline with an ankle injury. Picture: Gregg Porteous

THE Maroons are suffering a front-row crisis with coach Kevin Walters declaring he will not pick Roosters firebrand Dylan Napa for his Origin debut unless he can play before the series.

Napa was a near certainty to make his Queensland debut in Game One at Suncorp Stadium on May 31 until he suffered an ankle injury on Friday.

The prop is awaiting the results of scans, but could miss six matches, putting his comeback on the cusp of the series.

With front-row leader Matt Scott (knee) to miss the season, Walters was sweating on Napa to step up alongside veteran prop Nate Myles.

However, he will not thrust 113kg Napa into a debut unless he can prove he is ready for Origin by playing for the Roosters in the lead-up to the series opener.

“Ideally he (needs to be playing) because he is a big fella,” Walters said.

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Roosters prop Dylan Napa is facing a stint on the sideline with an ankle injury. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“It’s pretty much common sense (he would be picked this year). He would have played last year if not for the ban (for breaking curfew during Emerging Origin camp).

“He’s been knocking on the door for quite some years waiting for his opportunity. At some stage he is going to get one.

“He’s a pretty big body and we’re not that big in our forwards.

“I’m confident he will be back in time ... as long as he gets a few games under his belt and comes back playing well, that should be enough with the way they train these days. The medical staff get them fit.”

Napa’s injury has thwarted a showdown against fellow Origin hopeful Korbin Sims at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday.

Napa, 24, was ahead of Sims in the pecking order for Origin duties, but his injury has given his Broncos rival a chance to state his case.

Korbin Sims has a chance to state his case for a Maroons call-up. Picture: Tara Croser

Walters has been in contact with Sims since he returned to the Broncos from Newcastle this year and has been impressed by his form.

“We track all of our guys and how they’re going,” Walters said.

“We stay in contact to let them know they are being watched.

“Korbin has had a pretty good start to the year. Consistency is the big thing for him. Last year was tough at Newcastle.

“We’re looking for him to get some consistent football and minutes behind him. That’s what he needs to do.

“He’s started the year pretty good with the Broncos. He’s had a couple of really good games.”

Sims was left ruing a crucial missed tackle on Josh Reynolds which resulted in Canterbury’s first try in their 10-7 win on Thursday.

The 25-year-old said it was a confidence boost to be in Origin calculations, but he had work to do on his game before taking the next step.

“It’s always nice to hear your name in those things,” Sims said.

“I’m not focused on that. I’ve got to get through the next couple of months of footy. I need to build on my game and the rest will take care of itself.

“(Walters) is in the same boat as Wayne (Bennett, Broncos coach), saying my best football is ahead of me.”

Selectors have big decisions to make following the season-ending knee injuries to Scott and Greg Inglis and the retirement of lock Corey Parker.

Josh McGuire started at prop in Game Two last year while Josh Papalii is another option.

Cowboys duo Coen Hess and Ethan Lowe are also in the frame, particularly Lowe who started in the front-row against Souths on Friday.

Originally published as Kevin Walters says Dylan Napa must be back playing before State of Origin series to be in Maroons frame