Jarrod Wallace facing nervous wait for Game 3 selection after unspectacular effort in Qld loss

THE question marks surrounding Jarrod Wallace’s ability to dominate at Origin level are unlikely to disappear before the July 10 decider after another unspectacular effort in Queensland’s 38-6 horror show last night.

THE question marks surrounding Jarrod Wallace’s ability to dominate at Origin level are unlikely to disappear before the July 10 decider after another unspectacular effort in Queensland’s 38-6 horror show last night.

Playing in a Maroons forward pack that was dominated from start to finish, the Titans prop was unable to make his mark after coming off the bench just shy of the half-hour.

Recalled to the side for his sixth Origin following injuries to Titans teammate Jai Arrow and Brisbane’s Joe Ofahengaue, the 27-year-old managed just 54m from eight runs and 23 tackles in 28 minutes of action.

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His problems were compounded early in the second half when he gave away a silly penalty for attacking the legs of NSW five-eighth James Maloney in mid-air.

Titans prop Jarrod Wallace is wrapped up by the NSW defence in last night’s 38-6 win over Queensland in Perth. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

With Ofahengaue likely to re-enter Maroons calculations for Game 3 in Sydney, Wallace will now face a nervous wait ahead of selections early next month.

He entered the game as a man under pressure after failing to fire in three games last season, where he made just 52m and 43m as a starting prop before producing 82m off the bench in Game Three.

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That situation prompted Maroons officials to place a media ban on him in the lead-up to last night’s battle in Perth, but he told the Bulletin earlier this month he was desperate to prove his credentials at Origin level.

Wallace remonstrates with referee Ash Klein after giving away a penalty. Picture: Adam Head

“I love that (Queensland) jersey and it means a lot to me and my family,” he said.

“It makes me proud to wear it every time that I have and I want to make sure that I’m playing good footy so I can stay there as long as I can.”

Speaking during commentary last night, Maroons legend Paul Vautin conceded Kevin Walters’ side was in desperate need of Arrow’s engine-room output.

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“There’s no doubt about it. He’s got good leg speed and is a sad loss. Queensland is missing him a lot,” Vautin said.

After providing valuable impact off the bench in Game 1, Keebra Park product David Fifita again showed he was not out of his depth with another solid performance last night.