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Gold Coast forward Jarrod Wallace is being offered as the solution to Queensland's State of Origin front-row issues by his NRL teammates.
A year ago he could barely make Gold Coast's NRL team but forward Jarrod Wallace is being tipped by his Titans teammates to solve Queensland's State of Origin front-row headache.
Wallace was left out completely by Titans coach Justin Holbrook in the early weeks of the 2020 season, only returning to a starting role for the club in the final six matches of the campaign.
But the 29-year-old prop has been an ever-present for Gold Coast in 2021, averaging 99 running metres a game and threatening defences with crafty offloads.
Josh Papalii's suspension and Lindsay Collins' knee injury means front-row options for game one are limited for new Maroons coach Paul Green, opening the door for Wallace to make an Origin comeback having last played for his state in game two, 2019.
"He's been offloading, his defence has been really good, obviously bending the line as well," Titans veteran Kevin Proctor said.
"His last couple of years have been a little bit off but he's got a few more dynamics to his game this year and he's playing really well."
If picked, Wallace could be one of several Titans' in Green's game one squad including exciting fullback AJ Brimson and hard-running forward trio Moeaki Fotuaika, David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
Titans halfback Jamal Fogarty highlighted Wallace amongst that talent, adding it was exciting for the perennial underachievers to have so many players in the mix for representative honours.
"Some of our guys in our team that are eligible for selection, I think they deserve to be within the squad if not in the in the 17," Fogarty said.
"Obviously Moe ( Fotuaika) and AJ got a taste of it last year, Davey (Fifita) has been there as well and I think there might be a couple of other smokies that might push for a spot.
"J-Wall (Wallace) has been hitting some some good form lately as well.
"If the guys do get selected that's awesome for our club."
