Queensland greats Darren Lockyer and Wally Lewis say they were surprised to see Adam Reynolds snubbed by Blues selectors.
New South Wales opted to go with Mitchell Moses at halfback for game two, after first choice Nathan Cleary tore his hamstring while playing for Penrith last week.
Moses beat Reynolds and Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes to the No.7 jumper, which he previously wore on one occasion – in game three of the 2021 series, again when Cleary was injured.
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The Eels star broke his back during that dead rubber game, which the Blues lost 20-18 after already having won the series.
Moses is one of the NRL’s leading halfbacks – evidenced by a fresh contract with Parramatta said to be worth upwards of $1.2 million a season – but has been criticised in the past for failing to perform in big games.
The older Reynolds, on the other hand, has won a grand final with South Sydney, and made a habit of producing clutch moments when it matters most.
Lockyer thought the Blues would pick Reynolds, who has been in hot form for the Broncos this year.
“I was (surprised), actually. I was,” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“For the Broncos I’m happy… I guess I was just being a supporter of his to get another start.
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“But they didn’t, and that’s not our decision. I’m sure Adam will keep playing good footy.”
Reynolds represented the Blues twice before, but lost both starts during the 2016 series and has not been sighted in the Origin arena again.
Nonetheless, Immortal Lewis thought the veteran pivot had done enough to earn a recall.
“I was surprised, like you Locky,” Lewis told QLDER.
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“I thought for sure, even if it was to make sure it worked on both sides (of the field), that we were going to see him attacking in the sky blue jersey.
“With him not in the team… it was a surprise, I was expecting to see him there.”
The Blues were forced into a number of changes after losing game one in Adelaide.
Api Koroisau and Cleary were forced outs due to injury, while Tevita Pangai Jr and Hynes were axed. Stephen Crichton also makes way for Latrell Mitchell to return at left centre.
The Blues are also monitoring forwards Cameron Murray and Liam Martin – as well as Mitchell – who are racing the clock to overcome injuries before Wednesday’s game at Suncorp Stadium.
Lockyer joked that it’s normally Queensland who has multiple dramas hanging over the camp.
“They are doing a Queensland on Queensland here,” he said.
“They are in disarray, no one can train, we are the favourites apparently, but I reckon we’re underdogs still.
“If we get any sort of comfort or complacent that we merely need to turn up and the crowd will make us play well and we’ll beat the opposition because they haven’t been able to pick the team, or haven’t been able to train, then we are asking for trouble.”
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