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Blues coach Craig Bellamy made a rare error of judgment at the State of Origin selection table this year when he plumped for Knight Kurt Gidley as his fullback and skipper.
You cannot help but admire Gidley’s work ethic, and there can be no doubt that Bellamy is one of his greatest fans, but as a State of Origin number one up against champion Billy Slater, he simply is not in the same class.
Bellamy has painted himself into a corner for the 2010 renewal, assuming he takes the job again as expected.
NSW have an embarrassment of riches all vying for the crucial job of custodian, and Bellamy will be under pressure to sack his captain in favour of try scoring freak Brett Stewart or Dally M Player of the Year Jarryd Hayne.
Stewart and Hayne play fullback at club level and both are prolific as try scorers and with try assists.
It is unheard of for a captain to play off the bench which is where Gidley is likely to be selected. The only club captain who is certain of selection aside from Gidley is Gallen, who enhanced his reputation with an outstanding series in the 4 Nations recently.
If Bellamy is to start with the best 13 Blues players then Stewart will fight out the fullback position with Hayne with the loser playing wing. Gidley will be benched and Gallen should be skipper by default.
Bellamy is one Rugby League’s greatest coaches, second only to Wayne Bennett. But if he has a weakness, it is that he is fiercely loyal. But surely these stats will assist Bob McCarthy and his selection panel when the Gidley argument is raised.
Tries Playing Fullback 2008 2009
Brett Stewart 22 (24 games) 6(5)
Jarryd Hayne 2 (6) 10(19)
Kurt Gidley 7 (17) 5 (21)
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