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Jennings at the centre of Origin storm

8th May, 2012
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Michael Jennings had a few choice word for Parramatta while playing for the Panthers. (AAP Imgae/Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
Roar Guru
8th May, 2012
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Queenslanders are already laughing at the debate that has preceded the naming of Ricky Stuart’s slightly wounded, slightly confused and slightly Kiwi looking New South Wales team.

On Sunday, he may provide them with the ultimate punch line.

The question is no longer about who will fill the utility role on the bench, but rather who will play in the number three and four jerseys after one time certainty Michael Jennings was dumped to the New South Wales Cup.

According to the club, the representative flyer has been sent back to play with the Windsor Wolves against the Vulcans in Auckland this weekend because of poor form and not poor attitude.

You suspect the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Jennings was given his last, last, last warning after the other last warning he received after drinking while trying to recover from injury.

It wasn’t a bender that ended in disgrace, but just a couple of beers on ANZAC Day.

Club rules state no player can drink while trying to rehab an injury because it hinders the recovery process.

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It followed an incident last season where the Panthers forced Jennings to buy 2000 tickets and hand them out to fans after he turned up to training under the influence of alcohol.

It’s clear new coach Ivan Cleary is fed up with not only his form, but his commitment as well.

But will Stuart be bold enough to ignore the demotion?

Jennings already had his name on the team-sheet for game one in Melbourne.

Stuart said at the weekend that the only position that was really bothering him was the utility role on the bench.

Is it possible for New South Wales to name a reserve grade player in its starting line-up?

Bulldog Josh Morris has suddenly become a State of Origin certainty, but who else will fill the void?

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Chris Lawrence played five-eighth for the Wests Tigers against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night. He’s an Australian international, but has struggled to find form this year, much like the rest of his team-mates.

Matt King played centre for Country, but has been well below par since that match while the other centre for City was BJ Leilua from the Roosters. He’s hardly ready for a call-up.

Jennings, if fit and focussed, is a devastating ball runner. 

There’s an argument he rarely sees enough early, clean ball at Penrith to do significant damage. 

Playing outside of Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce should provide an opportunity to display his potency.

But will Stuart take what seems like the ultimate gamble?

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