May 14th, 2019

May 14th, 2019

He's the $6 million halfback being tipped as a potential Queensland hooker - but Ben Hunt has to be overlooked for a specialist No.9 like Jake Granville, Maroons Origin legends say.

There is a mounting campaign for Cameron Smith to return for Queensland, but the Storm captain has repeatedly ruled out a comeback. Incumbent Maroons hooker Andrew McCullough has a knee injury, while Jake Friend has a long-term biceps problem.

It appears that Cowboys hooker Granville, 30, is firming for selection after starting the season as a distant afterthought. Queensland coach Kevin Walters has limited specialist options; though he may also get stints at hooker from lock Josh McGuire and whoever plays No.14. (potentially Hunt, the incumbent bench utility).

Hunt has played hooker/utility before and has impressed in that role at Origin level, but doubts have been cast over his ability to play 80 minutes starting at No.9.

"I'd love to see Ben Hunt play in the No.9 position, he's a fantastic player, but I think for State of Origin you need a [specialist] No.9," Maroons legend Sam Thaiday said on 100% Origin.

"You need a Jake Granville. Someone who has got creativity, who's very fast, quick off the mark; very similar to a Damien Cook-style player."

Ben Hunt during Origin 2018. (AAP)

Intriguingly, Smith has named Hunt as his top contender to play hooker. Yet Queensland selector and great Darren Lockyer said that there were obvious risks to playing Hunt, 29, at No.9.

"I think playing halfback and then going into [hooker] starting in the middle of the field [in defence], I think it might dull his attack," Lockyer said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

"But I'm sure Kevvy's had the conversation with Ben about playing hooker and whether he can handle 80 minutes starting. He'd have to trust the individual that if he thinks he can do it.

"Ben is a footballer, we know that. I think he'll be in the team somewhere, just exactly what jersey; I think the next couple of weeks will be very important."

Cowboys hooker Jake Granville. (AAP)

In an intriguing parallel, Granville offers the same footy upbringing as NSW hooker Damien Cook: he is a former fullback with an explosive running game from dummy-half.

"I'm a huge fan of Jake Granville, having watched him move on from the Wynnum Manly club in Brisbane, where he was playing fullback," Maroons legend Wally Lewis said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

"And, of course, learning how to play dummy-half and excel in the No.9 jersey. I think he's been outstanding.

"The thing that I like most about him is his ability to read the play one tackle ahead. He'll simply pass the ball , as he's running to get [back] to dummy-half he'll just be searching for holes in the opposition defence and tends to do it with monotonous regularity successfully.

"He's one of those blokes who I think has been worth his weight in gold to North Queensland. Perhaps that's coming up for Queensland.

"I know that if he takes the field ever for Queensland, he's certainly going to have the trust of his teammates, that's for sure. They know that he'll put in 100 per cent."

Lewis said that he would opt for Granville over Hunt playing a makeshift role as hooker, backing the Dragons star as a bench utility.

"Ben Hunt, I've got no doubt that he could fill in there," Lewis said.

"I also think that he could excel if he starts on the bench if we've got somebody like Jake Granville there [at hooker]."

100% Origin - Episode 2

Granville came off the bench as the Cowboys lost to the Rabbitohs last weekend. He has another fan in Lockyer, though he admitted that the Cowboys ace was a rung below Friend and McCullough.

"Granville sparked them in attack. Defensively, he was his usual competitive self," Lockyer said.

"I think he does epitomise what Queensland's about: tough, unassuming, humble, just gets the job done.

"It is a step up, there's no doubt about that. I think if we didn't have the injuries to Jake Friend and McCullough, we're probably not mentioning Jake [Granville] as much.

"But the next couple of weeks, I guess if he wants to keep performing well, he'll get his name right on the table."

Ben Hunt in action for the Dragons. (AAP)

There is a chance of Hunt winning a recall at halfback, with incumbent Daly Cherry-Evans in doubt due to injury. Hunt played the first two games of last year's Origin at No.7 as NSW claimed a series victory.

Yet Michael Morgan may be the front-runner to fill the halfback spot, which would leave Hunt vying for the bench utility role; where he played in Origin III last season after being dumped from No.7 for Cherry-Evans. Yet should Cherry-Evans be fit, Hunt may be squeezed out of the No.14 spot by Morgan and miss the team altogether.

Alternatively, Morgan could play in the centres should Cherry-Evans be fit and leave Hunt to fill the No.14 spot, with Dane Gagai moving back to the wing; with vacancy left there by NFL hopeful Valentine Holmes.

While the chances of Cameron Smith coming back have been played down, former NSW coach Phil Gould is now convinced that the champion hooker will return. Gould is not convinced by Queensland's other options, including the prospect of Hunt starting out of position at No.9.

"What are the other options [outside Smith]?" Gould said on Six Tackles with Gus.

"Are they going to play Ben Hunt at hooker for three Origin games at 80 minutes? I just don't see it.

"Ben's a terrific little player and I don't mind his dummy-half work. It's good. But he's not Cameron Smith."