With Penrith duo Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai ruled out of Origin III, New South Wales were forced to name a new halves pairing.
While coach Brad Fittler selected Mitchell Moses and Jack Wighton, rugby league great Matty Johns believes he should have used the same formula that worked in Origin I and II, by having club teammates with existing chemistry play in the playmaking slots.
As a result, Johns says he would have selected Rabbitohs duo Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker, and he explained why on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I would have gone with the Souths combination of Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker,” Johns said.
“When you’ve got a combination there and put it into a side, it’s a lot less stressful preparation when trying to get tactics down.
“They (would have) brought their side’s tactics to the fore, and the combination between Walker and Latrell Mitchell would have been brilliant.”
Despite admitting he would have gone with the Souths pair, Johns conceded that Moses deserved his shot due to strong club form.
“But, Mitchell Moses deserves his go, there’s no doubt about that,” Johns added.
“One of the interesting things is that Jack Wighton is a runner, he advances the ball nine times out of ten instead of pushing it towards the edge.
“The key to victory for New South Wales has been ball movement and pushing it to either side of the field.
“There will be a slight change of dynamic.”
While the venue is yet to be confirmed, Origin III is set for next Wednesday, July 14.
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