NSW coach Laurie Daley says Blues fans shouldn’t expect Will Hopoate to waltz back into State of Origin this year as the Parramatta centre continues to reacquaint himself with the game after two seasons away.
Brad Fittler last week indicated his desire to fast-track Hopoate back into his NSW City Origin side but that thinking doesn’t follow further up the NSW coaching chain of command.
After three games back in the NRL following two years out on his Mormon Mission, Hopoate has been mentioned as an Origin bolter but Daley said the former NSW representative wasn’t yet back in the selection frame.
“He has been steady and you can understand that, two years out of the game,” Daley said on Wednesday.
“It’s fascinating three games in and everyone wants to talk about Will being available for State Of Origin. That’s certainly not on my radar.
“Will needs to be playing good football and in 10 weeks’ time who knows where he may be. He may be putting up his hand to play State of Origin.
“But where I stand at the moment, and this is for all players, we just have to wait and see and hopefully they will have their form together and sustain that for a number of weeks out from State of Origin and we will make a decision then.”
Daley said he wouldn’t rush anyone into his side if he didn’t think they were ready for the State of Origin cauldron.
“In terms of fast-tracking, we won’t fast-track anyone if they are not ready,” he said.
“I don’t think anyone should play Origin if they are not ready to go.
“We may fast-track them into a City or Country jersey, and that for us that will be one of our priorities, to give young players coming through a run in that game.”
Daley was speaking at a NSWRL announcement that the grand finals of NSW competitions, the Sydney Shield, the Ron Massey Cup and the NSW Cup, would be played at Allianz Stadium on the Sunday before the NRL grand final.
Yalirima
Guest
Already killing interest in potential halfbacks. Who cares? Daley and Pierce will get their time come game one. Queenslanders' will kick them from Brisbane all the way to NSW/Victoria Border and back. I hope they do the same for the next 5 years.
Klee gluckman
Guest
Ask him now im sure Hopoate will make it.
Patrick Au
Roar Rookie
Daley will never make a Blues squad able to beat the Maroons by commenting on players' selection into the Blues team 10 weeks out of the first Origin match. Why does he even have to confirm Pearce's place in the squad even before the start of this season? It is just dissapointing to to hear such things when NSW are trying to put together the best team they possibly can to win this years' series. Come on NSW players! Show us consistency and maturity.
Brad.H
Guest
The premature talk about S.O.O. is quite ludicrous , but on the subject of Will Hopoate 3 games in and he has shown no evidence of deserving a first grade start with any team . I would like to see Parra bump him down to Wenty and make him earn his place instead of relying on a 2 year old reputation , It's Sandow all over again , sign the name not the ability .
Paul Callings
Guest
Laurie Daley shouldn't have to comment to the media or fans on his thoughts on any players positives or negative leading up or during Origin selection. He needs as many number of players possible thinking they have chance to get picked. Last year he and Fitler basically deflated or ruled out potential players chances each week for months leading into Origin selection. He should just do a Dr Evil this year with any selection talk and zip it , zip it, zip it. Why tell Qld coaching staff in advance of Origin 1 your thoughts, dreams and aspirations. Why announce the team 24 hours before Qld. Some cloak and dagger stuff is needed and no selection talk. I am a Queenslander just trying to help the Blues a bit as they really over complicate things leading into origin. The players win origin games not the coaches. ( ask Mal he hardly ever coaches around May-July each year.
Bigjohn
Guest
If he changed his name to Will Hopoate-Pearce, he would be guaranteed a spot.
seadog
Guest
What does it matter the blues Will lose the origin again Anyway
turbodewd
Guest
I wish Mitchell Pearce wasnt on the Blues radar! He simply cannot create offensive opportunities! Daley must go, he is stubborn.
Charles NSW
Guest
Ha, ha so true! It really shows the mentality of those who are involved in NSW SOO Why would anyone be considered unless they meet all the criteria that SOO player requires, to be selected
Danny
Guest
As usual, the media have taken things out of context and misquoted Laurie "Supercoach" Daley. What he really said was..... “But where I stand at the moment, and this is for all players, we just have to wait and see and hopefully they will have their form together and sustain that for a number of weeks out from State of Origin and we will make a decision then UNLESS YOU ARE MITCHELL PEARCE AND DAD'DY'S SURNAME WILL GUARANTEE YOU A SPOT ON THE TEAM.” ---
Spruce Moose
Guest
What a baffling coach Daley is. Makes massive calls 10 weeks out, especially his decision to all but guarantee Pearce the jersey...again.
Dave
Guest
His defence was disgraceful against the Roosters, he has done nothing special and barely played NRL standard for the three games. I have no doubt he will re capture his best, but he is nowhere near SOR material yet. He is not even in the best 6 NSW centres in the league at present.