Mal Meninga says Cody Walker could still play for Kangaroos, despite Origin axe
Cody Walker’s dumping by NSW coach Brad Fittler was one of the harsher moves of this Origin series — but Kangaroos boss Mal Meninga has a message of support for the Souths five-eighth.
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Mal Meninga has told forgotten NSW five-eighth Cody Walker to not give up on his dream of playing for the Kangaroos despite his Origin snub.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs star was benched and then abruptly dumped by Blues coach “Freddy” Fittler after just one opportunity for NSW in the opening game of the series.
And he was entitled to feel dumbfounded when overlooked for Eels fullback Clint Gutherson as the Blues’ 18th man for the decider, considering Fittler’s earlier statements on selection loyalty.
Meninga has a high opinion of Walker.
“He was the No. 1 ‘six’ in the NRL when he got selected for the Blues,” Meninga said,
“It was easy to recognise him.
“We’ll be looking at the finals closely and if Souths are up there as you’d expect, who knows. Imagine bringing him off the bench in a Test match against tired forwards.”
The competition, however, is going to be tough in the halves. Cameron Munster, Kalyn Ponga, Luke Keary coming back, James Maloney, Mitchell Pearce, Daly Cherry-Evans, Michael Morgan and Ben Hunt are quality players.
So finals form will be crucial.
Walker has been playing as though his Origin sacking knocked his confidence about.
“You naturally get dejected,” Meninga said. “But Wayne (Bennett, coach) will fix that.
“I’m looking forward to watching him at the back end of the season.”
Australia play in a World 9s tournament where Walker’s individual brilliance would be more suited than the traditional playmakers. Then there are two Tests, against the Kiwis and Tonga.