Rugby league great Cameron Smith has made his call on who he'd have at starting hooker for Queensland in the upcoming State of Origin series.
The former Maroons captain is regarded as the greatest hooker in the history of the game, and he believes Parramatta number nine Reed Mahoney has done enough to earn the starting place over the Melbourne Storm’s Harry Grant.
Speaking on SEN 1170’s The Captain’s Run, Smith cited Mahoney’s form, Grant’s injury concerns and his ability off the bench as reasons why he’s siding with the uncapped star.
“I didn’t think he (Mahoney) was that far away last year,” Smith said.
“He’s been playing some wonderful football over the past three years for Parramatta, and he’s a big reason why they’ve been up the top of the ladder and in a position to play finals footy.
“He’s a competitor … it’s an interesting situation given the result last year.”
Grant was one of the best afield in the 2020 series decider and Smith can see him doing a similar job this series as an impact player.
“Queensland won the (2020) Origin series, and Harry Grant had a fantastic year with the Wests Tigers on loan from the Storm,” Smith said.
“He played such a vital role, particularly in Game 3 when he came off the bench and had a huge impact for Queensland.
“The game turned, I was at Suncorp … you could see the momentum shift when he came on the field.
“He’s done a similar role for the Storm when Brandon Smith has started.
“Right now, given Harry has only played the five games - he didn’t play the start of the year with a knee injury, he’s now off the park with a hamstring injury, and Reed’s played every game this year and playing really well - you’d probably start with Reed.
“You’d start with Reed, he’s tough … he’s made 60-odd tackles plenty of times in his career, it’s going to take that in the Origin arena.
“He’s got great service from dummy-half, he’s got a pretty good running game and a kicking game as well.
“He’s got all the threats there, then you bring a Harry Grant onto the field just before half-time.
“He can come on, use his silky skills and his craft and try and tear apart the Blues.”
The State of Origin series kicks off on Wednesday, June 9 at the MCG.