Parramatta backrower Anthony Watmough doesn’t expect to be named for NSW on Tuesday, conceding his Origin career is now over.
Watmough played the first two games in the Blues’ drought-breaking series win last year but missed the dead rubber in Brisbane.
The veteran forward said he has yet to hear from NSW coach Laurie Daley in the lead-up to this year’s campaign and believes his time in the sky blue is now up.
“It’s probably over mate. I’ve had a good run,” Watmough said on Monday.
“If he goes in another direction, so be it. Whoever they select will do a job.
“If it’s me, it’s me. I’ll concentrate on Parra if that’s the case.”
Watmough’s exclusion, combined with Paul Gallen’s injury and Greg Bird’s suspension, means the defending shield-holders could field one of the most inexperienced forward packs in recent memory.
Canterbury duo David Klemmer and Josh Jackson are both in line for their Origin debuts, while Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita and Roosters second-rower Boyd Cordner have just five Blues jumpers combined.
Not since the first game of 2009 have NSW been without one of Gallen, Bird or Watmough.
However Watmough, 31, said it was now time to focus on helping a struggling Eels side that have now lost five of their past six games and languish in last spot.
The former Manly middle man signed a lucrative deal with the Eels over the summer but has struggled to hit top form over the first ten rounds.
“Obviously Parra has thrown a lot of trust in me. It’s what I’ve got to concentrate on now I suppose,” he said.
“We bombed eight tries [against the Warriors] on the weekend. It’s just little things that are costing us games.
“We’re not getting beat by other teams, we’re getting beat by ourselves.
“That’s probably the most disappointing thing.
“We just haven’t had that little bit of polish to finish it off.
“We know we should’ve won and won comfortable on the weekend with the amount of tries we bombed.”
Watmough has played 14 games for the Blues since debuting in 2005, but was only part of a winning line-up in last year’s series win.
While Watmough is expected to line-up for Friday night’s clash against South Sydney, the Eels are a chance to lose flyer Will Hopoate to Origin duties and hooker Isaac De Gois to a fractured cheekbone.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
I reckon just keep Gal, Hoff or Lewis for this year to guide the young fellas. And that's it for those too. And maybe Bird next year if he gets his act and form together. Other than that happy for the next generation to be ushered trough
pjm
Roar Rookie
So funny when I was calling Watmough past it last year and everyone was saying how great he was.
Niall
Roar Pro
I understand your point Squid. I respect them all but its time to move on, I can understanding holding on to them if they were in form and dominating opponents at NRL level. They're not though, its not 2007-2012 anymore. Luke Lewis (one of my all time favourites) hasn't been the same since his injury at the world cup 2013. Greg Bird, well I've never rated him too highly Paul Gallen, too injury prone, though does perform when on the park. Beau Scott, what is he offering? In 2010 he was a real handful running lines for the Dragons and protecting Jamie Soward but I honestly think he's past it. Anthony Watmough, has proved over the last couple of seasons he is past it. Its time to move on.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
They can't just get rid of all of them at once. Needs to be a more fluid transition period
Tom G
Guest
..no he went off to the club where Manly players go to kill off their careers... are you listening Kieran??
Niall
Roar Pro
I agree with Phil Gould, the time has come for NSW to say goodbye to Gallen, Bird, Scott, Lewis and Watmough. Rebuild that forward pack. There's plenty of options. Cordner, Jackson, Finucane, Fensom, Sironen, Frizell, Thompson, Moeroa, T Sims, Vaughan, James. Be bold, stop wheeling the same old blokes out there.
mapu
Guest
i hope he is wrong.Great player.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Is Watmough still in the NRL? I thought he faded into insignificance already?