Kevin Walters 'excited' to pick forward for Australia who hasn't played this season
Before the season started captain Murray went down in training having ruptured his Achilles and was expected to miss the majority of South Sydney's campaign. And Murray has worked tirelessly to get himself back in the frame for a return before the end of the NRL season.
Coach Wayne Bennett has been singing Murray's praised having claimed if he wants to reward himself with a return to footy then he won't stand in his way. 'If it's important for Cam to play a couple of games at the end of the season, he can do that – I won't spoil it for him,' Bennett said after the game against Cronulla in Gosford.
'There is a chance he'll play before the season finishes. He's done a remarkable job with his recovery.... I'll do what he wants to do. He's worked so hard to be a part of the team again." And Bennett knows Murray's desire to wear the Australian jersey.
While Murray would be returning to represent the Rabbitohs and to help them avoid a wooden spoon, he would also be looking to put his hand up and play for Australia. Murray has been a pivotal player for his state and country in recent years.
Michael Maguire even selected Murray to start over NSW captain Isaah Yeo in the 2024 State of Origin series victory. Meanwhile, Murray has represented Australia 10 times and has scored seven tries in a stellar international career.
And Walters admitted Murray would come into the selection frame if he made a return. Walters could opt to shift Isaah Yeo through the middle for Australia - where they are short - against England and play Murray at lock. The new Kangaroos coach said on Triple M he would only need to see Murray prove his fitness to potentially earn a position in the 22-man squad.
"40 minutes of football," Walters said when asked about how long he would need to see Murray play to be up for selection. "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."
Former Rabbitohs coach Demetriou was with Walters and was singing Murray's professionalism. "He can play in the back-row and you can minimise his minutes as a forward. If he comes back and plays you know he is fit because he is a supreme athlete," Demetriou added.
Payne Haas move opens door for Cam Murray
Walters has already admitted he has an eye on Murray's recovery, but a major concern would be reports around Payne Haas. On Thursday, claimed Haas had confirmed he will switch allegiances and represent Samoa at the end of the season.
This would be a monumental loss for the Kangaroos and Walters losing the best prop in the game with their front-row depth already being challenged ahead of the historic Ashes tour starting 25 October. Losing Haas means it could open the door for Murray if their is a reshuffle in the extended squad.
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