LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Roosters dynamo Brandon Smith has thrown his support behind former mate Nicho Hynes as the debate heats up over who will wear the coveted No.
7 jersey for NSW in the upcoming State of Origin series.
Smith, known for his fierce determination on the field, is not mincing words when it comes to his preference for Hynes over the competition, particularly Mitchell Moses.
Hynes, currently sitting in second place on the prestigious Dally M Medal leaderboard, has been a standout performer for the Cronulla Sharks, leading them to the top of the NRL ladder.
In typical Aussie fashion, Smith is rallying behind his mate and making a strong case for Hynes to don the sky-blue jersey.
Despite Moses being sidelined with a foot injury for the past two months and the Parramatta Eels facing a grim outlook in the finals race, there is still chatter about his potential selection for Origin.
Moses did impress in last year's Game 3 victory for NSW, under the guidance of former coach Brad Fittler.
With a new coach at the helm in Michael Maguire, Moses may still have a shot at the coveted halfback position.
It's a classic case of mates backing mates in the world of Rugby League, with Smith not holding back in his vocal support for Hynes.
As the Origin series looms closer, all eyes will be on the selection drama unfolding in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated clash between the best of the best in Aussie Rugby League.