Former Queensland half Ben Ikin says shock New South Wales inclusion Dylan Walker has the x-factor that can prove invaluable for the Blues in the opening State of Origin at ANZ Stadium next Wednesday.

“He has got legitimate X-factor — you can’t tell me that Dylan Walker at his best hasn’t got X-factor,” Ikin said on Fox Sports’ Market Watch podcast.

“I saw glimpses the other night when he was pushed to the centres, and I’ve seen him when he’s thinking ‘run’ at five-eighth in games across this season that he’s still as dangerous as he’s ever been.”