Adam Reynolds is the right man to wear the NSW No.7 jersey, according to Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters.
Reynolds will become the eighth Blues halfback since the retirement of Andrew Johns in 2005, and Walters believes the call-up was a long time coming.
"I think that's a great selection choice for the Blues," Walters told Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast.
"He's been so consistent. He's the type of player who could handle a step up, his game is in good order at the moment with his kicking and the like."
Statistically speaking, Reynolds is one of the strongest defensive halfbacks in the game, successfully completing more than 90 per cent of tackles this year.
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However, that won't stop the Maroons from targeting the 2014 premiership winner in his debut.
"That's just normal though," Walters said.
"Same as in any sport, our guys are going to be under pressure with O'Neill and Corey Oates, they're going to get the living daylights beat out of them.
"But that's to be expected, that's what's going to happen at this level and you find out if they're up to this game or not."
