NRL: Brisbane Broncos star Reece Walsh inspires fightback against Cronulla Sharks
He will need chances in the top grade to prove he is still the player who garnered six caps for Queensland, but he appears to be locked in a waiting game for the moment.
“I’ve said I want all my players. Selwyn’s aware of what he needs to do, and I guess contract talk always sorts itself out by what you can do on the field.”
Michael Maguire on Selwyn Cobbo
Despite producing a Herculean effort for New South Wales this week, all while nursing a back complaint which has lingered to his leg, Payne Haas continued to show the rugby league world what a force of nature he is.
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But the superstar prop needed allies, and Xavier Willison thrust his hand up for a greater role.
While Haas was enormous – finishing with 186 metres and nine tackle busts – Willison shouldered a huge burden through the middle as Pat Carrigan’s minutes were reduced following his own Origin efforts.
The Kiwi youngster finished with 132 metres and 22 tackles, and with Ben Te Kura undergoing ankle surgery, Willison will need to continue this upward trajectory.
“They’re pretty diligent – Patty and Payno – and Payno has been great for us. We’ve faced a fair bit in the last month, but the boys stuck to the plan.”
Michael Maguire on managing Origin players
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