Origin Shock: Reece Robson firming for debut, experts tip surprise selections

Is it a case of out of sight, out of mind, or will the NSW selectors reward North Queensland hooker Reece Robson with an Origin debut? Our experts tip their selection shocks.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Reece Robson of the Cowboys loduring the round one NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canberra Raiders at Qld Country Bank Stadium on March 04, 2023 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Brad Fittler has been urged to look north and pick the Cowboys bolter “built for Origin” to save the Blues.

North Queensland hooker Reece Robson has declared he won’t let NSW down if picked to make his Origin debut this year.

Hiding away in Townsville, 2000km north of Sydney, Robson is on the radar of NSW coach Fittler and his Blues advisors following a breakout 2022 season with North Queensland.

But being “out of sight, out of mind” in the far north could be hurting his chances in the Sydney-centric Blues selection debate.

As the Cowboys cruised to a preliminary finals appearance last year, Fittler drafted Robson into NSW camp for the 2022 decider so he could get a taste of the Origin environment.

Now the Tweed Heads product wants to take the next step and pull on the sky blue of NSW as he gets set to go head-to-head with the Dragons and Queensland hooker Ben Hunt on Saturday night in Townsville.

Reece Robson has been in career-best for the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

“I got into the squad for game three last year which was unreal to be around that calibre of players and coaching staff,” Robson said.

“I got to learn a lot off ‘Freddy’ (Fittler) and the staff and all the other boys in the game at that level.

“It was a really great experience and makes you want it more being around it.

“It’d be a dream come true to pull on that blue jumper. I’d put it all out there if I got that start.

“Freddy puts a lot of faith in the players and backs us to go back and play our best football. If the time comes that we’re needed, he’ll make that decision.

“I wouldn’t let him down.”

Souths hooker Damien Cook and Tigers dynamo Api Koroisau are the leading contenders for NSW’s dummy-half duties when the series kicks off at the Adelaide Oval on May 31.

But it’s no secret the Blues have struggled to figure out what their best No. 9 set-up looks like, chopping and changing during last year’s series loss to Queensland.

Reece Robson is built for Origin. Picture: Getty Images

Robson, 24, is entering the prime of his career and is arguably NSW’s most well-rounded rake.

He is tough-as-nails in defence, crafty in attack and has the engine to go all day, as evidenced by his insane 2022 stats.

Robson hasn’t missed a minute of action in 10 games this season for a Cowboys team that’s struggled, averaging 101 possessions per game, six runs for 61m and 41 tackles.

Cowboys co-captain Chad Townsend said Robson was the ideal Origin hooker and he hoped the Blues were taking notice.

“Definitely, 100 per cent,” he said when asked if Robson should be picked.

“With Origin, you require a long level of consistency to be selected and his last 18 months have been the best of his career.

“The way he defends and how fit he is, he is built for Origin.

“I hope he’s not forgotten about. That’s one of the challenges of being a New South Welshmen in north Queensland.

“I really hope he’s not forgotten because he would do the job if selected.”

Which Origin bolters would you pick?

OUR EXPERTS TIP THEIR ORIGIN BOLTERS

MICHAEL CARAYANNIS

NSW: The Blues growing injury ward could see Tevita Tatola in the mix. He has been on the cusp of NSW selection in recent years. Injury has meant a slow start to the year but if he can recapture some of his form from last year in the next month he will push for selection.

Qld: Corey Horsburgh is a loose cannon who would ignite the Origin series. We’ve seen him lose control a couple of times on the field but if he gets into the Origin arena he could be the much needed public enemy No.1 for NSW.

PHIL ROTHFIELD

NSW: Spencer Leniu is an absolute wrecking ball. Would be a weapon off the bench

Qld:Corey Horsburgh has that special Queensland boots and all attitude. Wouldn’t be out of place.

Spencer Leniu will add plenty of punch to the Blues pack. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

BRENT READ

NSW: The Blues’ middle forwards are dropping like flies and Matt Lodge has been in good touch with the Sydney Roosters. He at least deserves to be in the conversation to win a remarkable Origin call- up

Qld: Most of the Queensland backline picks itself but the wings are wide open. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has played one Origin game in the centres - two years ago - and has been in sparkling form for the Dolphins.

DAVID RICCIO

NSW: Blayke Brailey has leapfrogged Reece Robson as the game’s next-in-line dummy-half. He is now putting pressure on Damien Cook and Api Koroisau for a bench spot. Brailey has the best dummy-half pass in the game, a clever kick and is clearly on Brad Fittler’s radar having risen through the Blues pathways programs.

Qld: J’Maine Hopgood has proven a revelation for the blue and golds. His Maroons selections won’t be viewed as such a shock within the Queensland brains-trust. Such is his skill for a forward, Maroons coach Billy Slater even discussed picking the ball-playing lock last year from the depths of reserve grade.

Alofiana Khan-Pereira celebrated a try-scoring double against Parra in Magic Round. Picture: NRL Imagery

PETER BADEL

NSW: Campbell Graham. It’s time for the giant Souths centre to be blooded in sky blue. The form centre of the comp and would form a lethal alliance with his Rabbitohs club mate Latrell Mitchell.

Qld: Would be a massive bolter but the 21-year-old Alofiana Khan-Pereira has been a speed machine for the Titans. Eleven tries from nine games, the young flyer warrants consideration from Maroons coach Billy Slater.

North Queensland’s Reece Robson would look good in blue. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

PAUL CRAWLEY

NSW: If it comes down to Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii and Dylan Edwards to be Brian To’o’s wing partner, I know which way I’d go. On his form this season, Edwards has to be in the squad somewhere and the vacant wing spot’s the only option. If Turbo can handle a switch to the wing, why can’t Edwards?

Qld: Corey Horsburgh suits the Queensland Origin mentality down to a tee. No frills, but full of heart and enthusiasm. We’ve seen so many similar style of players over the years pull on the Maroon jumper and turn into Superman.

TRAVIS MEYN

NSW: The Cowboys are struggling but Reece Robson is arguably NSW’s most well-rounded hooker and has to be in the selection debate despite North Queensland being anonymous to the Sydney bubble.

Qld: Phillip Sami has been arguably Queensland’s most in-form winger this season and could be on the verge of an Origin recall.

Originally published as Origin Shock: Reece Robson firming for debut, experts tip surprise selections