It has been a debut series to remember so far for Queensland halfback Sam Walker, but he has no delusions about the hard work to come in his quest to hold the State of Origin shield aloft.
While some had queried how his idiosyncratic style of play would pair with that of five-eighth Cameron Munster – another who revels in eyes-up and off-the-cuff play – the duo has mixed well, with Walker keen to continue working on their combination.
“I've really enjoyed the first two camps and am really looking forward to this third camp to keep working on the combinations within the team,” Walker said.
“I think Munster and I are still building our combination, which is exciting as well.
“It's been a really good two games so far, but none of that really matters unless we go there next Wednesday and get the job done.
“Obviously, having a decider at Suncorp Stadium, there's no better feeling, so I can't wait to be out there.
“I think it's more excitement than pressure (that I am feeling).
“I'm looking forward to getting out there. I can't wait to get going again.”
Given his influence in the series so far, it comes as no surprise that New South Wales will be looking to target the leading Wally Lewis Medal contender, with Blues enforcer Hudson Young telling media he wanted to put him “under pressure”.
Speaking before his team took part in an opposed session helping prepare the Maroons for their Wednesday showdown, Titans coach Josh Hannay was full of praise for Walker, saying he was well equipped to handle any extra traffic that might come his way.
“He's been obviously critical to Queensland's success in Game One and Two,” the former Queensland Maroons assistant coach said.
“I think it was a brave selection to put a guy on debut in the seven jersey for Queensland, but he has done nothing but answer that challenge and has been one of Queensland's best.
“He looks like he is ready to own the big stage out there. He will be buzzing.
“He wouldn't have played at Suncorp in the [senior] Queensland jersey. That is a different beast at Suncorp in a decider, but we have seen from Game One and Two that Sammy is up for the big stage.
“(In defence), he has trained week-in and week-out at the Roosters doing opposed against Angus Crichton.
“He would have had exposure his whole career to big backrowers running at him.
“Crichton is one of the best and has been for years.
“If they want to go down that path, Sammy will be ready for it.”
Don't miss a minute of the action when Queensland and NSW collide in an epic State of Origin decider. Live on Channel 9, 9Now and Watch NRL on Wednesday, July 8.
