New Australia coach Kevin Walters has left the door wide open for Cameron Murray to feature in the Kangaroos’ end-of-season Ashes campaign, declaring the South Sydney captain would only need to play 40 minutes at club level to be considered.
Murray has been sidelined since rupturing his Achilles in pre-season but is pushing to return before the NRL season wraps up.
Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett has praised the 27-year-old’s dedication, saying he will back whatever decision Murray makes on whether to play again this year.
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Walters ready to pick him, if he proves fitness
Speaking on Triple M radio, Walters said: “40 minutes of football. He is highly regarded... everyone that I speak to. I am really excited to see him come back and play and put himself in the picture and in the frame because we're all aware and particularly Jason Demetriou of his talents.”
“I am sure if he can get back on the field and play somewhere near where he has shown he can play, well he makes most rep teams certainly,” he added.
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Former Souths coach Demetriou, appearing alongside Walters, echoed the sentiment, calling Murray a “supreme athlete” and noting his versatility in the back-row.
With Payne Haas reportedly set to switch allegiance to Samoa, the Kangaroos’ forward stocks have taken a hit, potentially boosting Murray’s prospects if he proves his fitness before the October 25 tour opener against England.