‘I trust Adam Reynolds more than anyone else’: Wayne Bennett dares Blues selectors to overlook veteran halfback

Wayne Bennett spent years plotting how to beat the Blues, but he’s now trying to help them out by telling them the one man they must pick.

Former Queensland coach Wayne Bennett says the Blues must pick Adam Reynolds for game 2 in Brisbane. Picture: NRL Photos

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett says the Blues have “no other option” but to pick veteran Adam Reynolds for game 2 in Brisbane after first-choice halfback Nathan Cleary was ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The Blues have to win at Suncorp Stadium to keep the series alive after they lost the State of Origin opener in Adelaide, but their task has been made a lot tougher with Cleary unavailable.

Nathan Cleary will miss the rest of the State of Origin series due to a hamstring injury. Picture: NRL Photos

Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes is the logical choice to replace him given he trained with the team and came off the bench in game 1 for his NSW debut, but Bennett says Reynolds is the man selectors must turn to.

The 32-year-old hasn’t represented his state since 2016 but has been in outstanding form for the Broncos this year and knows Suncorp Stadium inside out.

“They are in a very tough place right now and they've got to make the right decision,” Bennett said, having coached Reynolds when they were at the Rabbitohs.

“There is no other option for them going to Brisbane.

“Everyone knows how intimidating Brisbane is – Queensland in Brisbane. They’re 1-0 down and the series is over if they don’t get it right. They need to make a few tough team selections they wouldn’t have done in the past.

“They thought they might have been able to get away with some stuff, but they’re not going to get away with this one in Brisbane.

Adam Reynolds has been in terrific form for Brisbane and is ready for an Origin recall according to his former South Sydney coach. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I’d certainly take him, there’s no excuses. With Cleary’s injury it’s an opportunity for another player. It’s probably what they didn’t want but it’s happened.

“He’s the best game manager in rugby league in my mind. His kicking gives you everything you want – he’s calm, he’s not going to be intimidated.

“The other halfbacks haven’t played in Brisbane and saved a series. You’ve got to get it right, otherwise it’s all over for you.”

If Reynolds does get a recall, then Cody Walker looms as his likely halves partner given they spent so long together at the Rabbitohs.

That would mean dropping Panthers star Jarome Luai in favour of the man who leads the league with 19 try assists this season.

Cody Walker is the form five-eighth in the competition and has played plenty of games with Reynolds.

“The difficult part is to come in halfway through and play five-eighth. Luai is already there and he’s a wonderful player,” the former Maroons coach said.

“The bottom line is he and Cleary have a great combination and that’s what they've stuck with.

“If you’re going to bring in Reynolds, then you’ve got to bring in Walker.

“I’m going to go with the players I can trust to do it and I trust Adam Reynolds more than anyone else.”

Bennett is preparing for Friday’s game against the Sea Eagles who get Tom Trbojevic back after he was given clearance by the NRL to play despite fears he would be stood down for the mandatory 11 days after copping a head knock in Origin.

“I’m a bit confused by it,” Bennett said, taking aim at the NRL for muddying the waters.

“It looked like he had taken a pretty heavy knock, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that part of it.”