Wayne Bennett's blunt advice to Maroons selectors as fullback race heats up
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has given his advice to Queensland's selectors over the fullback position after Kalyn Ponga's injury.
Ponga has been ruled out of Origin III after he suffered a Lisfranc injury against the Raiders.
The Knights fullback's injury has brought forward Reece Walsh and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow as the two contenders for the spot.
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Tabuai-Fidow played centre in Origin I and wing in Origin II but dazzled against the Rabbitohs, scoring four tries.
However, Bennett believes he shouldn't be in the No.1 jersey considering his utility value.
Wayne Bennett doesn't believe Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow should be fullback for Queensland. NRL/Getty
"Probably not," he said post-match when asked about the position.
"He's too valuable in other places at centre or wing. I think they can fill the fullback position, there's other places they're having more difficulty to fill."
Walsh also shined against the Warriors, putting him right back in the hunt. However, there are concerns over the 22-year-old's knee. Broncos coach Michael Maguire said the fullback is "ready".
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In terms of Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf's say on the matter, he backed Tabuai-Fidow to do a job at the back if asked.
"I'd love to see him get an opportunity there, I know he'd do a great job," he said.
"Last time I answered that question people twisted my words a little bit, I think he's a great fullback for us definitely and he can do a great job in the centres and a great job on the wing, he showed that last time too. If he's given a chance at fullback I know he'd do a great job and I know it means a lot to him to play for Queensland and he wouldn't let anyone down."
