NSW City coach Brad Fittler has urged the NRL to take more control over the availability of players during the representative season.
An upset Fittler was forced into a number of last-minute changes to his City team on Monday before naming a staggering ten debutants to take on NSW Country in annual fixture in Tamworth on Sunday.
Fittler expected the governing body to review the scheduling, and selection process, of the match.
“This game, and this (representative) round, afterwards should be looked at pretty closely by the NRL,” Fittler said.
“They will look at it closely and they should look at it closely.
“The fact that other people have control over players’ opportunity to play rep football … that’s normally a lot of coaches.
“So the appropriateness of this round and this game will definitely be looked at. It’s important the NRL take control, it’s as simple as that.”
Country counterpart Craig Fitzgibbon had far less trouble naming his team, saying that none of his selections had personally rung him to pull out.
He praised St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor and Canberra mentor Ricky Stuart for allowing their players to play despite the two teams being due to face off four days after City v Country match.
There are a combined eight players from the Dragons and Raiders in the fixture.
“I’d especially like to thank the coaches that have released their players,” Fitzgibbon said.
“From my case in particular, Paul McGregor and Ricky Stuart, who’ve got a four-day turnaround. They play each other on Thursday after our game and both those guys were enthusiastic about their players coming to represent Country.”
Fittler’s comments come after at least six options at fullback, including NSW State of Origin hopefuls Matt Moylan, James Tedesco, and Lachlan Coote were ruled out through injury.
Fittler’s first-choice candidate, Will Hopoate, has opted not to play on Sundays for religious reasons.
Parramatta winger Clinton Gutherson is likely to play in the No.1.
Fittler revealed Blues coach Laurie Daley wanted to trial North Queensland star Coote at five-eighth against Country. However was unavailable due to a rib problem.
“He (Coote) played five-eighth for Penrith and having a left foot is a real advantage. Just maybe that would be something that could get him over the line if he wanted to play State of Origin,” Fittler said.
Young Sydney Roosters pivot Ryan Matterson has been named 18th after playing just two NRL games.
NSW City Origin: Chris Lawrence (c), Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Addin Fonua-Blake, Aaron Gray, Clint Gutherson, Leilani Latu, Kyle Lovett, Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey, Nathan Peats, Aidan Sezer, Curtis Sironen, Tom Symonds, Chad Townsend, Jake Trbojevic. Ryan Matterson (18th man).
sid
Guest
Just cut the game. Its not required any more. If you cannot work out from the regular NRL season who will play where the city v country wont help you
Ken
Guest
Would have been a TER at the time.... but, are you sure?
Arnold Krewanty
Guest
Stop picking the SSO side before the City Country game. Make it what it is meant to be - a trial to get into the team. A disgrace that City/Country Firsts was canned. NRL is rubbish now.
Curaeus
Guest
Really pleased Chris Lawrence has won selection in and captaincy of Freddie's team. Chris has been inspirational in the Wests Tigers back row since moving from the centres and never plays a bad game. Damaging edge runner and solid defender. Will not let his team down!
Matt
Guest
Ditch it, waste of time
Parrafan
Guest
How many of his teachers were panthers fans?
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Apparently Fittler got 85+ UAI in high school. Not joking
graham Sanyo
Guest
Agree Mojo. Fitler isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. Apparently walking with a player and talking at the same time (albeit incoherent nonsense) qualifies him as a sideline expert. Often wonder if the cameraman falls over whilst walking backwards...
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
I agree with the comments about Fitler which seem to be reflected in his team selections.
mojo
Guest
In other news, Brad Fitler remains the most annoying sideline commentator in history with low IQ comments and terrible predictions.
graham Sanyo
Guest
Hey don't knock the City Country rep game. Just look at how well it has served NSW as a selection trial to see who has what it takes to dominate Origin.
Stu
Guest
Wake me up when this is over.
Richard Maybury
Guest
The sorting out that needs to be done is called Cancelling It.
Heich
Guest
Fitzgibbon. you know you will win again. because you have selected Jack Bird at halfback. He is a form halve. last year carried the sharks to at least first week of final football. He will do great work for you. But you are a true legend man. Top Selection for you. Great win coming your way
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Just can the game - there are only a handful of people who care one way or another.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
GO CITY!! Smash those bumpkins!