The only man Laurie Daley has called Paul Gallen about

SUPPORT is growing behind the inclusion of an X-factor utility for the Blues’ must-win clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

There’s only one man Laurie Daley has called Paul Gallen about.

JACK Bird could be a step closer to a State of Origin jersey after it was revealed NSW coach Laurie Daley called captain Paul Gallen to ask about the youngster.

Bird was again dominant in Cronulla’s last-gasp win over Canterbury on Monday night, and support is growing behind his inclusion as a possible X-factor as a utility off the bench for the Blues’ must-win clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

“Before this camp the only person he has ever rung me about is Jack Bird,” Gallen told Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.

“He asked me if he was a good kid and I said yes because I really like Birdy, but I have no input in the selection whatsoever.”

Is Jack Bird about to get his opportunity?

However, while Gallen backed Bird’s ability if he were selected, he suggested it would be hard to find room for him in the NSW side that was beaten last Wednesday.

He also confirmed the Blues’ were unlikely to change their controversial tactic of having a Dylan Walker-like player coming off the bench for only the final encounters of the match.

“Poor Dylan Walker has copped criticism because of his game but that’s all Jack Bird would play as well,” Gallen said.

“Whoever plays that fourth spot on the bench is only going to get a maximum of 15-20 minutes in the game.

“If poor Jack Bird gets that spot and is thrown on in the last 10 minutes again he is going to cop criticism.”

Speaking on Monday Night with Matty Johns last night, Bird said he was up to the challenge of stepping up for the Blues.

“If I get that selection I’ll take it with both hands and I’ll run with it,” Bird said.

“If it happens it happens but if not I’m just going to keep trying my best and play my best football for Cronulla.”

Wade Graham had a strong game for the Sharks.

Gallen also declared Wade Graham was ready for his State of Origin debut after the Cronulla backrower starred in the Sharks’ win over Canterbury as well.

Graham ran for 117m from 15 runs, made 29 tackles and laid on a crucial second-half try for Ben Barba as the ladder leaders snared their ninth successive win, 20-18 over the Dogs at ANZ Stadium.

With Boyd Cordner ruled out of the Blues side for Origin II due to a foot injury, Gallen said Graham was an obvious fit for NSW.

“You could say Wade was unlucky not to be there in the first place,” Gallen said.

“But he had Boyd Cordner, who got our man of the match (for game one), in front of him. But Boyd won’t be there and Wade is ready there is no doubt about it.

“The good thing going in his favour is, he is a genuine left edge like Boyd is. I have no doubt he can do the job if Laurie goes that way.”

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said he was impressed by the performances of both Graham and Bird.

Bird threw a one-handed offload despite the attention of two Dogs defenders for a first half try to Valentine Holmes and was strong throughout for the Sharks in attack and defence.

“I thought Jack was great, the way he set up one of those tries for Val, pushed off an Origin centre (Josh Morris) there and put him away,” Flanagan said.

“Wade was a solid as ever, he came up with a great pass for Benny Barba (to score) they are ready if Laurie and the boys need them.”

Originally published as The only man Laurie Daley has called Paul Gallen about