Daley names NSW fullback contenders

NSW coach Laurie Daley says he will choose from Josh Dugan, Brett Stewart and Matt Moylan to play at fullback in this year's State of Origin series.

NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley

NSW coach Laurie Daley has identified three potential replacements for fullback Jarryd Hayne. (AAP)

NSW coach Laurie Daley has identified three potential replacements for fullback Jarryd Hayne in this year's State of Origin series.

Daley, who became the first man since 2005 to lead a Blues side to victory over Queensland last year, must find a new man to fill the No.1 jersey following Hayne's shock decision to attempt to play in the NFL.

Hayne has signed a futures contract with the San Francisco 49ers and faces the monumental task of trying to earn himself a spot on the NFL team's 53-man roster for the start of the season in September.

The NSW coach revealed Hayne would almost certainly be his go-to man in the custodian role two weeks before naming his side for the first Origin game in Brisbane.

However, 12 months on he admits he's not made a decision but Manly veteran Brett Stewart, Penrith young gun Matt Moylan and St George Illawarra's Josh Dugan are the only three names he is considering.

"There's three guys that are in my mind," Daley told Fox Sports' The Sterlo Show on Wednesday.

"Brett Stewart is experienced and can score a try. We lacked potency with our attack last year and he's one we're looking at.

"Matt Moylan is an exceptional young talent ... he's been in good form for the Panthers and is very good with the ball in hand.

"Dugan has been there before, played a lot of positions you know he can handle it. They would be the three players we'll look to choose from."

Canterbury's Josh Morris and Parramatta's Will Hopoate have been mentioned as possible fullbacks, as has Wests Tigers young gun James Tedesco.

Daley admits he's a great fan of Tedesco but revealed that he would have to wait a few more years before he is considered.

"Morris is playing well for the Bulldogs, and he'll be in the team but (fullback) will be too much for him," he said.

"Young Tedesco is an exciting young player but I don't think he's ready at this point in time."


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world