Dolphins forward Max Plath is on track to play State of Origin early next year, Maroons big man Chris Close has said.
Plath, who played hooker in the absence of the injured Jeremy Marshall-King, was man of the match for the Dolphins in their last two matches against the Gold Coast and Sydney Roosters.
Despite the team losing seven of their last nine games going into Sunday’s home game against the Warriors, the pocket battler has maintained the high standards in the No.9 that he displayed while playing earlier in the second line position.
Brave, tough, smart, versatile and willing to put her body on the line, Plath, 22, is all that and more. Close, who played for Redcliffe in the early 1980s, said Plath as a right winger reminded him of North Queensland and Maroons forward Reuben Cotter. His deft handling of the number 9 only added to his appeal.
“Max still has a lot of progress to make in his game, but with the trajectory he’s been on since the start of this year, I think he’ll be well and truly in contention for the State of Origin Series next year .Close told AAP.
“He’s the type of player who would be a great player or a great bench player at Origin level.” It also has some common sense when you see an opening.
“One of the things I felt we were lacking a little bit this year in Origin was our ability to fill these little gaps that we saw where we were doubting ourselves and pass or die with the ball. “Max is not afraid to put his head in the game. You can’t play at the next level if you’re not willing to do it and Max does it. The more he does it, the more impact he’s going to have.” .
Plath said it would be “a dream come true” to play for the Maroons and highlighted the players he’s inspired by, two of whom are skilled in more than one position.
“Cameron Murray is a great inspiration to me with her diligence,” said Plath.
“He is quite light but has good foot speed and good ball ability. “Growing up, Darren Lockyer was my favorite player and his ability to play five-eighths and behind was enjoyable.
“Adam Reynolds also stands out.
“I appreciate (authentic) footballers, their intelligence and what they bring to the team.”
Plath said the Dolphins, two points outside the top 8, “absolutely can” win against the Warriors if they correct their mistakes in the second half.
“Good teams are relentless and maintain that level for the duration of the match,” he said.
“We have the determination and character to support each other. This will be a win.