NSW want Wayne Bennett to endorse Adam Reynolds for All Stars selection to give him rep footy experience. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph
WAYNE Bennett is being urged to betray his Queensland Origin ties and publicly support boom Rabbitoh Adam Reynolds as an NRL All Star.
News Limited can reveal a push is underway to have Reynolds, a potential bolter for the Blues halfback job, use the February charity match as a "representative trial run".
NSW are keen for the 22-year-old Rabbitoh to have a shot at proving his Origin worth exactly as Canberra Raiders fullback Josh Dugan did before earning selection with the Blues in 2011. Right now, polling for the halfbacks is led by Reynolds and Melbourne counterpart Cooper Cronk, with Bennett understood to prefer the Melbourne, Queensland and Australian seven.
However, with Storm fullback Billy Slater currently sixth in voting overall, Cronk could miss out as only one player from each club is allowed. While Bennett could still choose the Kangaroo playmaker as one of his two wildcards, it's hoped he will throw his support behind Reynolds. Said one NRL source: "While Wayne doesn't pick the team, it's fair to suggest anyone he endorses will receive plenty of public support."
Souths great Mario Fenech also urged NSW fans to get involved in the website poll to ensure Reynolds got the chance to prove his worth in a side that also looks set to include NSW skipper Paul Gallen, Jarryd Hayne and the Morris twins.
"What a great way to see if Adam Reynolds is ready for Origin," Fenech said. "Already people are asking if he's the halfback to lead us into Origin in 2013 - OK, throw him into this game and let's see.
"I've certainly got great faith in the kid because he's skilled, disciplined, he's made for rugby league at an Origin level. He's the kind of player who'll break an arm if it means getting the job done ... I think he's an outstanding talent."
Back in 2011, Raiders fullback Dugan earned a Blues debut after his man-of-the-match performance in the All Stars game.
In October, NSW legends Brett Kenny and Steve Mortimer pushed for the inclusion of both Reynolds and Canterbury five-eighth Josh Reynolds, who would only be included if Benji Marshall (an automatic selection as New Zealand Test captain) were injured.
"I don't think Origin is far away for either of them," Kenny said.
At last count, the NRL All Stars top five was Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne, Cowboys prop James Tamou, Dragons flyer Brett Morris, Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen and Newcastle winger Aku Uate. Slater was sixth, followed by Penrith centre Michael Jennings, Canterbury centre Josh Morris, then Gold Coast forwards Dave Taylor and Nate Myles.
The team is named on January 16.
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