New South Wales Blues coach Brad Fittler has chewed over the “tough” decision awaiting him over who his starting five-eighth will be this year.
With the Panthers stuttering out of the gates this season, pressure has been mounting on Penrith playmaker and incumbent five-eighth Jarome Luai to keep his spot in the Blues lineup over reigning Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes.
Asked about his options on Nine’s NRL Sunday Footy Show, Fittler mentioned the pair’s names and also added a third star into the mix.
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“If you look at the way Cody Walker has been playing. [He’s] been outstanding,” he said.
“And then, on the other hand, Nicho Hynes.
“You’ve got a situation where you’ve got three blokes that could play in the halves that are in the form of their life and a couple of the most dominant players in the comp – along with Cameron Munster.
“So that’s been the big decision, and I’d love to play all three of them, but that’s not going to fit into a footy team.
“So, it’s a tough decision. But to see them both stand up right now and then watch Cody Walker – I watched that game late and he was outstanding again up against the Tigers in a quality game.”
Luai finished the Panthers’ 48-4 victory over the Roosters with two try assists, two line breaks and a try.
Luai explains response to critics
After scoring in the 75th minute, Luai ‘shushed’ the camera as a sign of silencing his critics.
”I love a bit of get back,” he told Nine.
However, on Sunday afternoon, Hynes responded with a strong showing during the Sharks’ 20-14 win over the Sea Eagles.
Hynes set up the opening try and a linebreak, while also completing four tackle busts in his 85 metres run. He also fell millimetres short of a try of his own.
Walker previously represented the Blues in 2019 and 2020 and now finds himself back in contention.
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