NRL legend Andrew Johns has warned Angus Crichton his place in the State of Origin series is seriously under threat from Hudson Young.
NSW Blues boast a host of options for their second row pairing, with last year’s duo Crichton and Liam Martin facing stiff competition from Young and Jacob Preston.
Young’s Raiders were beaten 14-10 by Preston’s Bulldogs on Thursday, with both men excelling for their sides.
Meanwhile, the Roosters’ dismal start to the season – in which they have conceded 40 points in two of their first three games – has coincided with Crichton underperforming.
And Blues icon Johns feels the disparity in form between Young and Crichton could force coach Laurie Daley into a big decision for the State of Origin series which gets underway on May 27.
“Hudson Young, he’s up against Angus Crichton. Now Crichton is a bit of a by-product of the Roosters … they have been struggling this year. Angus hasn’t been great,” Johns said on 9News.
“Whether they go with Angus, or whether they are thinking Angus is going to rugby union next year. But the way Hudson Young is playing, it’s hard to ignore.”
Newcastle Knights legend Johns was also quizzed on whether Preston could also make his way into the Blues’ side following an impressive start to the campaign for the Bulldogs — who boast a perfect record after two games.
He added: “I think he (Preston) will be on the bench. And I think they may go with Hudson Young this year.
“He has got X-factor … I think he will be a starting left back-rower.”
NSW Blues have won just one of the last four State of Origin series — that victory coming in 2024.
In 2025, Queensland recovered from 1-0 down to claim a 2-1 win, clinching their triumph with a 24-12 victory in Sydney.
