Cameron Murray is ‘built for Origin’ according to Rabbitohs’ teammate and Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues hooker Damien Cook.
Since being one of four players picked in the preliminary State of Origin squad last December who hadn’t represented their state or country, Murray has adjusted his mindset to being picked for NSW and has given Brad Fittler every reason to do so with his performances on the field.
He’s on the lighter side for a middle forward weighing only 90kg, but Cook has seen first-hand how he uses that as his niche with late footwork and quick play the ball speed while also having the strength to dominate opposition players much bigger than him.
“He’s built for Origin,” Cook said to NSWRL.com.au.
“He’s tough, he’s got a good running game, he’s very strong up front and he’s got a little bit of X-factor about him as well and he knows how to use his weight against the bigger boys.
“If Cam is picked for Origin, he’ll do a great job; he’s been doing it week in, week out for us and you know what you’re going to get from him.”
Murray pulled on just about every state jersey as he rose through the ranks of the NSW Pathways Program.
He’s built for Origin.
Damien Cook
He captained the 2016 NSW Under-18s to a 26-0 thumping of Queensland in their own backyard and did the same again the next year for the NSW Under-20s despite being a year young for his age group.
“I think he’d do a great job if he ever gets that chance, I’d love to see him in that jersey,” Cook said.
“He’s been in pretty much all of those NSW teams up through the juniors so there’s no doubt he should tick that last one and get this one here.”
There’s no doubt Murray’s club combination with Cook works in his favour for Origin; some crafty work from his hooker has put him over for two tries already this year with one against the Dragons being from inside his own half.
He’s completed 298 of 309 tackles this season and averages 134m per game, his work rate significantly higher and more effective since moving to the middle of the field.
Murray’s contribution to South Sydney this year has certainly given something Brad Fittler to think about.
