NSW should pick Wallace and Mullen: Mortimer

Rugbyleaguelive | 07/05/09 | 0

Former New South Wales great Steve Mortimer says Blues selectors don’t have to choose between rival halfbacks Peter Wallace and Jarrod Mullen, arguing both should start against the Maroons in Origin I.

Brisbane’s Wallace and Newcastle’s Mullen will line up in the No.7 jerseys for City and Country respectively on Friday night, presumably battling for the NSW halfback spot.

Country pivot Terry Campese is the hot favourite to pip City’s John Sutton for the NSW five-eighth spot, but Mortimer says both should be overlooked for the June 3 Origin series opener.

"All due respect to Campese and Sutton, who are both great five-eighths, but I would have Wallace at halfback and Mullen at five-eighth," Mortimer told Fairfax.

"Mullen has played plenty of five-eighth. They've both got great kicking games, and I think they've got the nature to be compatible as well.

"I think it would strengthen us to have one of them play five-eighth. They've got a better opportunity to bond than other possible combinations and that's what we need for NSW."

While Campese and Sutton have no Origin experience, Mullen has one appearance for NSW to his name while Wallace has two.

Mortimer says any experience at the top level is better than none.

"Mullen and Wallace would know what they have to deal with at Origin level," he said.

"I think they could gel together very effectively. I like how well Mullen can anticipate play."

Roosters halves Mitchell Pearce and Braith Anasta – who filled the 6 and 7 roles for New South Wales in last year’s series decider – have both been overlooked for City-Country, while in-form Dragons playmaker Jamie Soward will come off the bench for Country after receiving a late call-up to the squad.

All due respect to Campese and Sutton, who are both great five-eighths, but I would have Wallace at halfback and Mullen at five-eighth. NSW great Steve Mortimer