Cody Walker IN: Bunnies half returns to Blues as host of Indigenous stars eye Origin debut

Jarred Cross Published July 3, 2023 at 1.15pm (AWST)

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Cody Walker returns to the Blues fold for the first time since 2020. (Image: South Sydney Rabbitohs Facebook)

NSW coach Brad Fittler has named South Sydney playmaker and Bundjalung man Cody Walker in Blues Origin squad with mainstay five-eight Jarome Luai dumped from the side.

Walker, 33, who last played in the 2020 series, slots in as one of a host of changes as NSW attempt to savour something out of 2023.

Both teams announced their squads on Monday.

Queensland lead the series 2-nil after their 32-6 victory in Brisbane on June 21.

Luai had looked the safest of options in the halves while major attention landed on who the Blues' best option at half-back garnered plenty of conversation.

Reigning Dally M Medallist and Wiradjuri man Nicho Hynes' exclusion from game two raised some questions as Parramatta's Mitchell Moses was handed another Origin appearance.

Hynes made a short cameo in game one in Adelaide before being dropped from the squad for game two.

He again misses at a chance to dictate NSW's attack at no. 7.

Walker is one of six changes, joining Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Clint Gutherson, Jacob Saifiti, Jake Trbojevic, Bradman Best (debut) and Keaon Koloamatangi (debut) as inclusions.

They replace Jarome Luai, Junior Paulo, Tyson Frizell, Hudson Young and Stefano Utoikamanu and injured pair Payne Haas and Tom Trbojevic.

Best is currently on a journey to discovering more of his Aboriginal heritage.

Earlier this year the Daily Telegraph reported the 21 year old had "goosebumps" upon learning about his family history after the death of a family member.

Best's great grandmother Mary Anne Blacklock was a member of the Stolen Generations.

Wiradjuri man Scott Drinkwater has been named as the Blues' 18th man.

Josh Addo-Carr has held onto his spot on the Blues' wing despite a modest first two games of the series.

Torres Strait trio Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Reuben Cotter and David Fitia have a chance to secure a series whitewash with Queensland coach Billy Slater confirming their spot in game three.

Gureng Gureng man J'maine Hopgood has been named as 19th man for the Maroons.

Reece Walsh misses game three with suspension for contrary conduct with a match official.

NSW host Queensland at Accor Stadium in Sydney to round out the series on July 12.