EXCLUSIVE: Andrew Johns laughs off 'ridiculous' Maroons rumour for Origin opener
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Andrew Johns has laughed off the "ridiculous" suggestion that Cameron Munster could switch to fullback for this year's State of Origin series.
Regarded as one of the best five-eighths of the modern era, the 30-year-old started his NRL career at fullback, but hasn't played there in many years.
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Despite that, injured Queensland star Ben Hunt floated the idea this week, telling 4BC radio that it was a possibility for game one, with Queensland coach Billy Slater supposedly putting Kalyn Ponga on the bench.
That potential selection was quickly brushed aside by one of the all-time greats for the NSW Blues, who questioned why it would "weaken" either position.
Cameron Munster. Getty
"I think this is probably as ridiculous as putting Kalyn Ponga at five-eighth at club land," Johns said on Wide World of Sports' Immortal Behaviour.
"You don't weaken one position to strengthen another. Munster hasn't played fullback for a long time and fitness-wise, it's totally different - you are doing a lot more running.
"You're also organising the defensive line, that's an art in itself.
"It won't happen … not at all."
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Head coach Slater and the selectors find themselves in a tricky situation heading into the May 28 clash at Suncorp Stadium, with the ever-reliable Hunt unavailable due to a hamstring injury, while there are still concerns over hooker Harry Grant.
However, according to Johns, there is another selection dilemma that the Maroons will need to address regarding their most experienced player.
Daly Cherry-Evans and Ben Hunt during last year's Origin camp. Getty
"The big one for me is Tom Dearden and Daly Cherry-Evans," he said.
"There is a big discussion with Hunt being out, whether you put Daly at 14 (on the bench) and start with Dearden (at halfback). Daly's 36 and coming to the end, Munster is 30, so it's an ageing halves.
"Dearden is the future in the halves, he has played four Origins now and his club form this year has been out of this world.
"As for Daly, Manly have won one from five since he made the announcement and his form has been quite poor. There's a discussion around who needs to be seven."
The teams for both NSW and Queensland will be named at the conclusion of round 11.
