LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a move that could shake up the status quo, Phil Gould, known for his strategic prowess and vast knowledge of the game, has called for a left-field NSW Blues halves pairing amidst the drama surrounding Nicho Hynes' injury setback.
The Bulldogs supremo, displaying his trademark flair for unconventional thinking, believes that Jarome Luai and Matt Burton should be paired together for State of Origin I, sending shockwaves through the rugby league world.
Gould, a seasoned veteran of the game, has suggested that Blues coach Michael Maguire should stray from the more conventional options such as Mitchell Moses and Nicho Hynes, who have been touted as potential contenders for the crucial halves positions in the upcoming Origin series.
With Nathan Cleary's untimely hamstring injury ruling him out of contention, the selection of the halves pairing has become a hot topic of discussion among fans and experts alike.
While players like Moses, Hynes, and Cody Walker have been in the mix for the key roles, their availability and form have raised concerns.
Moses is set to make a comeback from injury with limited game time before Origin I, Hynes is battling a nagging calf issue and struggled in his sole Origin appearance, and Walker's club form has been lackluster as his team languishes at the bottom of the ladder.
With the certainty of the Blues' halves pairing up in the air, Gould sees an opportunity for a bold move.
Despite the likelihood of Moses and Hynes getting the nod, Gould believes that selecting Luai and Burton would inject a fresh dynamic into the team.
"I could endorse the selection of Luai at halfback and Burton at five-eighth," Gould remarked on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles With Gus.
"They bring a different skill set compared to Hynes and Moses.
It may not be the conventional choice, but it's worth considering."
As the rugby league world eagerly awaits Maguire's decision on the halves pairing, Gould's call for a daring selection could add a new layer of intrigue to the State of Origin series, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of the sport and the strategic possibilities that exist within it.