Darren Lockyer has thrown his support behind Sam Walker in the race to replace Tom Dearden in Queensland’s State of Origin opener, backing the young playmaker as Billy Slater prepares to name his side on Monday. The discussion around the Maroons’ No.7 jersey has sharpened after Dearden’s injury opened the door for a cluster of contenders, with Walker, Jake Clifford, Tanah Boyd, Jamal Fogarty and Daly Cherry-Evans all in the frame.
Lockyer said he saw familiar doubts in the talk around Walker, especially over defence, and argued that those questions should not outweigh his ability. He said he remembered people questioning his own defence when he played, and added that Walker reminded him of Allan Langer, another halfback whose size and defence were once treated as obstacles. Lockyer said there were a lot of similarities between the two, pointing to Langer’s short-kicking game and his ability to read play as traits that could make up for what others saw as limitations.
“I remember when I played, people questioned my defence too,” Lockyer said, adding that criticism can push a player to improve. “I think it just motivates you to want to be better at it. I suspect the talk around Sam and his defence this week – and with a lot of eyes watching him this weekend - that will be a real focus for him...” He also said: “When you compare Sam to Alf, there are a lot of similarities. Obviously he is at the start of his career. People questioned whether Alf could do it because of his size and defence but Alf could do things other players couldn't with his short-kicking game and ability to read the game.”
The backing from Lockyer comes as Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans have both been in superb touch in recent weeks for the Roosters, who have won seven of their last eight games and climbed to third on the ladder. Walker has been in and around Maroons camp for several years, but the injury to Dearden has made the halfback question immediate and personal. It is no longer about future potential; Queensland need a decision for Game 1 in Sydney on May 27, and the selection call will be made against the pressure of form, reputation and what Slater believes will hold up best under Origin strain.
Not everyone sees the answer the same way. Cooper Cronk has raised doubts about Walker’s defence and instead urged Slater to choose Kalyn Ponga and Cameron Munster in the halves for Game 1. “It’s a bit wild, but I like Munster at halfback and Ponga at five-eighth,” Cronk said. He added that Ponga was already doing plenty of the playmaking work for Newcastle and that selecting the best defensive combination was the key, calling the situation “a Rubik’s cube to solve.” His view puts another layer of pressure on Queensland’s final call, because the debate is no longer only about who can steer the side, but who can survive the best in the middle of an Origin game.
Walker, for his part, has kept the focus on his club football and on being ready if the call comes. “I’m feeling really confident in my footy at the moment. It’s out of my control but I know if the call came, I’d be ready,” he said. “It’s something I always dreamt of as a kid. All I can focus on is playing my best footy for the Sydney Roosters. The rest will take care of itself.” If Slater turns to him on Monday, the debate over the tom dearden origin replacement will turn into a debut, and the Queensland jersey would suddenly be his to hold.
