Albert Kelly, Origin Bolter

[K2G]

From couriermail.com.au

Travis Meyn
The Courier-Mail
March 27, 2014 11:00PM


FORMER Blues five-eighth Trent Barrett says Albert Kelly is a genuine State of Origin chance and revealed the Titans halfback is on the verge of Country selection.

Kelly has started the season in flying form, scoring four tries and averaging over 200m with the ball in three games.

The 23-year-old was the feel-good story for the Titans last year as he resurrected his career with 11 tries after being sacked by Cronulla and Newcastle.

Now he is in the frame for higher honours, with Country coach Barrett confirming the 89kg speedster was in line to take on City in Dubbo on May 4.

“We put together a list of about 40 blokes the other day and Albert was on it,” Barrett said.

“There’s other guys there, your (Todd) Carneys, (James) Maloneys, Josh McCrones, who are all in that position.

“But if Laurie (Daley, Blues coach) wants to look at a younger guy, I’d have no qualms with giving Albert a go.”

New South Wales has lost eight consecutive Origin series and struggled in positions all over the park and their bench has been a constant Achilles heel.

Daley flirted with Bulldogs pivot Josh Reynolds in the first two games last year but only blooded him for 14 minutes in total.

Barrett said the versatile playmaker could cover a number of roles.

“He’s a very good player and can play that utility role as well,” said Barrett, who made 11 appearances for NSW.

“He can come on anywhere in the backline, fullback, hooker at a pinch and we know he can play in the halves. He’s certainly one that will definitely be considered.

“I enjoy watching him play. He’s a real opportunist and has certainly been scoring some tries. He can do things on a footy field that not many people can.”

Barrett played with Kelly in his debut season at Cronulla in 2010.

It took four years for Kelly to find his feet in the NRL after a series of off-field issues and Barrett said the results spoke for themselves.

“He’s always been a player with plenty of ability but moving to the Gold Coast has been good for him,” he said.

“He’s fitter and has got himself together off the field. That was the only thing holding Albert back.

“John Cartwright’s done a really good job with him and he’s formed a good combination with Aidan Sezer.

“But he has matured and that’s on the back of getting his off-field stuff good.

“He looks fit, healthy and happy. That certainly helps.”

Titans prop Ryan James made his Country debut last year and said Kelly was heading for even higher honours if he can maintain his blistering form.

“If Albey keeps playing the way he’s playing he’s going to go other places than Country,” James said, hinting at NSW selection.

“He’s been our rock. We’ve had some individual brilliance from him with three or four runaway tries.”

[ozynorts]

It would be another mistake by NSW to pick him. He comes out of the line too much and he would have GI running at him if he defends the same side as he does at the Titans. It would be another Wolfman or Nathan Merritt debut where he is severely shown up and never seen in Origin again.

[Titanic]

As much as I love him Kelly is as much Origin material as is Pearce ... oh yeah he is in the team ... lol nine, nein & 9.

[Julius Sezer]

Alby would be best utilised off the bench in short bursts rather than for the whole game. Bring him on in the last 10mins before the end of each half and he could possibly be a game changer.