NRL coach Josh Hannay defends Sam Walker, asserting he can face the NSW defense despite suggestions he's avoiding defensive roles.
The NRL coach who helped Queensland mentor Billy Slater dominate the Blues has rubbished suggestions Sam Walker is scared of defence and has been "hiding" on the wing for the Maroons.
Former Queensland assistant Josh Hannay has backed Walker to handle a NSW defensive onslaught as the Maroons halfback prepares for his first Origin decider this Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Now coach of Gold Coast, Hannay returned to Camp Maroon on Thursday, taking charge of the Titans in an opposed session against Queensland on Thursday at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
The opposed session took place against a backdrop of pressure piling on Walker, who, according to the Blues, has been shunted to the wing in the opening two games to avoid defensive duties.
NSW back-row firebrand Hudson Young has rattled Walker's cage, claiming the Queensland half is a hard man to target because he was well hidden defensively "on the wing" in Origin II.