NSW coach Laurie Daley says Adam Reynolds will come into consideration for the State of Origin opener if he is capable of making an earlier-than-expected return for South Sydney.
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Reynolds hasn't been named for Monday night's blockbuster clash with St George Illawarra, with coach Michael Maguire opting for John Sutton as Luke Keary's halves partner on the official team sheet. However, it's understood Reynolds is a chance of returning for his first game back since the controversial "Black Friday" clash with Canterbury. The Rabbitohs No.7 suffered what many feared could have been a season-ending injury when he was charged down by James Graham, but could be back in time to bolt into Origin calculations.
The poor form of incumbent halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds - the latter spending another week on the sidelines following a tripping charge in the City-Country encounter - has raised further questions about the make-up of Daley's side for the interstate opener on May 27. Should he return strongly against the Dragons, the premiership-winning No.7 could be an option for Origin I.
"Yeah, we'll certainly have a look at him, for sure. You wouldn't say no," Daley said. "He was playing really well before he injured himself and we'll see how he comes back and see how he plays. We'll see what he adds to the team. He's certainly a player I feel, if given the opportunity, would be able to grab it and run with it."
The Blues are considering partnering Hodkinson with Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce, a combination that could result in Josh Reynolds getting a bench spot. However, James Maloney and Keary - who missed the City-Country encounter with a foot injury - are also in the mix.
Adam Reynolds has proven himself on the biggest stage, steering the Rabbitohs to grand final glory against the Bulldogs last season. South Sydney's form slump began the moment he was unavailable through injury. Rather than tiring of the constant debate over the make-up of his side - particularly the halves - Daley is revelling in it. "There's always a lot of speculation at this time of year," he said. "Origin just drives it and that's what makes the game so good. Without it, you don't have that product. I love the speculation, I love the same questions you get for the three weeks leading into Origin. That's NSW, that's how we operate and that's how we've always operated. It may be different up in Queensland, I don't know, but it's part and parcel of the game."
While there are a handful of certainties, Daley said that form, injuries and suspensions prevented him from making definitive call on a number of positions. "You've got a few but depending on the make-up of the team and who is in and out, it may decide if someone else gets a run over someone else," he said. "To be honest with you, even when you lock people in, things can happen over the whole six weeks.
"It's always an ongoing puzzle that you've just got to piece together and wait until that final weekend comes. It's ongoing. Yes, you have your ideal team but you know that's not going to be the case.
"You have to wait until the last moment to see how is in and who is out."
