Daly Cherry-Evans has accused NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler of recycling old material in a desperate attempt to get inside the head of Queensland Maroons debutant Reece Walsh ahead of Sunday’s Origin blockbuster.
History suggests, though, that being thrown into Origin with little NRL experience and at a tender age will hardly stymie a playerâs development.
Ben Ikin was the youngest and least experienced player to enter the Origin arena, named after four games and three months after his 18th birthday during that tumultuous 1995 season. He went on to spend a decade in the NRL, playing a key role in the 2000 grand final win along with two Tests for Australia and a further 16 games for Queensland in an Origin career spanning nine seasons.
Brad Fittler was one month older than Ikin when he debuted for NSW. He became arguably the greatest Blue in history, playing 31 Origins during a golden era for the state, as well as 40 Tests and 336 premiership matches in one of the most decorated careers of the Origin era.
Brett Dallas had a promising career and was a former State of Origin hero. Robert Craddock examines his downfall and the personal battles that have brought him undone.
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A former NRL speedster caught with 29 grams of methylamphetamines says his diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia led to ice abuse.
State of Origin great Brett Dallas walked free from custody after spending 10.5 months in jail on a string of charges including aggravated drug possession.
It is a tragic fall from grace for a man once considered a rugby league winger no rival could catch from behind. Brett Dallas (ball) during Norths v Balmain, ARL game. 03/08/97. Rugby League A/CT
On Monday Mackay Supreme Court heard how he moved back to Mackay following his marriage breakdown and it was in his hometown he became involved with a woman, who was allegedly a âheavyâ drug user â and he began using.
The tragic fall of footy golden boy Brett Dallas is laid bare as he s released from jail after being caught with a huge stash of ice - as his lawyer reveals the shock medical diagnosis that led him down a path of addiction
He was released on parole after being caught with 29g of methylamphetamine
The 46-year-old spent the last 10 months behind bars after getting hooked on ice
The tragic story of his life was laid bare in Mackay Supreme Court on Monday
The court heard he moved back to Mackay after his marriage broke down in 2011
His mental health deteriorated after he was diagnosed with schizophrenia