Smith declares Mullen ready for Origin cauldron

Nick Markham | rugbyleaguelive.com | 12/05/08 | 0

AUDIO - Smith: 'The penalty count killed us'

Brian Smith did something that he virtually never does following the Knights gutsy 18-4 loss to the Storm in Melbourne tonight - push the Origin selection claims of one of his players.

Smith always plays a straight bat to any questions regard his players representative chances, and started to again, saying "I don't concern myself with it because it's not my job,'' but he then made an exception to champion the cause of halfback Jarrod Mullen.

With both the Queensland and New South Wales selectors meeting to finalise their game one squads in less than 24 hours, the veteran Newcastle mentor made it clear that he feels Mullen is now ready to step up onto rugby league's biggest stage.

"In the past I've questioned the sense in picking Jarrod Mullen, when he's not been fit, but I thought that is clearly the best defensive game that I've ever seen Jarrod play.

"He played the pressure type of football that is somewhat like an Origin game tonight, and I thought he really stood up. Not just the try, but some of the kicking, and some of his carries."

Smith went on to qualify his glowing praise Mullen's halfback play, but left the assembled media in no doubt that he feels the youngsters time is now.

"He's got a long long way to go, belive me. He's a baby in terms of halfback play and running a team, but he's a fine performer with special talents, and tonight I thought he showed a lot of mental toughness as well.

Something that may derail any potential Origin push for Mullen is the fact he and back rower Cory Paterson have been place on report for a lifting tackle on Storm backrower Sam Tagatese, but Smith played down any concerns the gun youngsters may be suspended.

"It was careless. They (Mullen and Paterson) both grabbed the gut inside the leg and tipped him up, but I don't think he fell in an awkward position in the end, but that's for others to judge."