Hudson Young has declared it his duty to apply extra attention to Sam Walker in the State of Origin decider, but insists the Blues must broaden their focus beyond the Maroons' star halfback.
Walker's Stellar Origin Series
In his first Origin series, Walker is the bookmakers' favourite to win the Wally Lewis Medal after being named man of the match in Queensland's emphatic 44-24 game-two victory. The Sydney Roosters playmaker was also on track to earn the honour on debut in the series opener until Kalyn Ponga's send-off shifted momentum in NSW's favour.
With his crafty short kicking and excellent game awareness, Walker again looms as a crucial figure for the Maroons at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday.
Young's Role on Walker's Edge
As the second-rower lining up on Walker's edge, Canberra Raiders star Young acknowledges that applying pressure is part of his job description. "That's my job, as a back-rower, he's the opposite half," Young said. "I like going after blokes and stirring them up. That's just the way I've always played. I think in Origin you can do that a little bit more than the NRL. That's the way the game's built on and that's the way I'll play."
Queensland's Spine Threatens
After slow starts to the NRL season with Melbourne, Maroons hooker Harry Grant and five-eighth Cameron Munster have rediscovered their best form during this series. Fullback Kalyn Ponga has overcome a hamstring injury to become one of the competition's form players at a resurgent Newcastle outfit.
"It comes down to more than just Sam Walker," Young cautioned. "Their whole spine has been in great form. Kalyn's playing great, Cameron's playing great. We've got a big job in game three to shut them down."
Blues Embrace Underdog Status
While Queensland typically claim the underdog tag, the Blues are undisputed outsiders for game three after conceding 36 second-half points in their game-two loss. Young is unfazed by the doubters. "We know what we're walking into. No one gives us a chance, no one believes in us," he said. "Everyone's writing stuff about us. I enjoy that."
