Was Brad Fittler watching the same State of Origin Game 1 that I was?
After seeing the Blues squad that has been announced for Game 2 of this year’s series, my big question is, barring injury, were such big changes required?
Following the loss in Origin 1, Freddy has swung the axe. Out of the starting backline, only three players have retained their spots: James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary and Josh Addo-Carr.
Latrell Mitchell has been sensationally dropped. While he is an exceptionally entertaining player and does have the ability to break a game open, I do applaud Freddy’s courage here.
This dropping might give Mitchell the kick up the backside he needs. Given he isn’t a player who performs at his best when his side is on the back foot, I understand this decision.
Mitchell has played four Origins. In the first two, he was close to best on ground. In the last two, he was close to the worst.
This may be exactly what he needs and is a reality check for a player who has prematurely been dubbed ‘the best player in the game’.
Latrell Mitchell of the Blues (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
Josh Morris seems an odd casualty given he was one of the Blues’ best. Blake Ferguson must be a strategic decision given NSW struggled to get out of their own end, but he has had some issues with handling this year and some of his performances for Parramatta have been diabolical.
It would have made more sense to play Tom Trbojevic on the wing and let Morris keep his spot.
But what I’m struggling with the most is some of the changes don’t make sense and are completely inconsistent with the narrative he adhered to for Game 1. Fittler suggested he was set to stick with the players that had won the series for him last year.
For example, dropping Cody Walker. It was harsh for a man who has essentially only had half a game to prove himself at Origin level. Why has Walker not been afforded the time that some others have?
Cody Walker of the Blues (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
It’s fascinating that, bar injury, the talk was that Fittler was going to select Mitchell Pearce to play halfback. This would have required Fittler moving Cleary to five-eighth to give control of the team to Pearce.
All drastic moves for someone who has had 18 opportunities to play at an Origin level and failed. Why has Walker not been given the same?
And if Fittler is dropping people for poor or average performances, why is Cleary still in the side?
In Game 1, between the 49th and the 60th minute, Cleary did not touch the ball. In the next 13 minutes, he touched it four times and that was when the team was on the back foot.
I need more from my Origin halfback.
Another player who has been retained despite a crucial error is Jack Wighton. Fittler applauded his efforts in attack and the courage to make a play which could have been a match-winner (but unfortunately ended up being the opposite).
The area where Freddy really has it right is in the forwards. There have been a series of injuries which means changes had to be made.
I’m really pleased to see Dale Finucane finally named. His addition to the bench is a positive one, given that in Game 1, the Blues lacked size on the bench and really did need one extra prop.
My hope for this game is that, given the strength of this forward pack and the impact available on the bench, the coach uses his replacements more effectively.
In Game 1, Freddy’s rotations were a mess. Had players like Tyson Frizell and Jake Trbojevic come back onto the field (and David Klemmer not been forced to play 50 minutes), the result could have been different.
The reality is that until Wighton threw that intercept pass, the Blues were well and truly in the game. Had they completed that set of six, Latrell Mitchell would have come back on the field and it would have been an even contest again.
These selections are a wild overreaction to a result which could easily have gone the other way.
And then, what on Earth does Fittler do if he loses Game 2? Does he go back to the past, choose a whole new team altogether or simply panic?
I hope for Freddy’s sake that this team wins on Sunday.
maccaa62
Roar Rookie
Maloney is a turnstile. They will run at him all night and he should hit double figures in missed tackles
Insider
Roar Rookie
Your in the media, have you even bothered to look at why Latrell is off his game? I’m not going to explain it for you all I can say is I don’t know anyone who could be focused with the noise in the background that’s been around Latrells personal life, this is not a dig at you Mary but their is a lot outside footy these guys and gals have to deal with, and guess what they are human just like you and me Fittler if he was a quality coach he could have guided him in his hour of need but Fred only wants when the goings good, Fred is no leader
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
Care to elaborate?
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
Can confirm, I am and always will be a Parramatta fan.
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
Well said!
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
I don't understand this praising a halfback for defence. Sure it's a nice to have... but that's not the role I need my halfback to play. JT wasn't the best defender - did anyone give a toss?
Mary Konstantopoulos
Expert
But the thing about it is, even Trent Robinson can't get the best out of him. The Latrell Mitchell we saw last week is the Latrell we see every week.
Pete Petrass
Guest
Totally agree about Cleary, there is no way he is anywhere near the best halfback we have. Cleary has nothing in attack, his kicking game is absolutely rubbish. I sit here shaking my head at why people rave about him because I have never seen it. I would also contend his shortcomings made Cody Walker look bad. Cleary does not control the game nor set up moves or tries or anything. The most overrayed player in the NRL. And if Pearce had come in why wou you keep Cleary and move him to number 6??? There are enough top players out there to be selecting on primary positions rather than picking the likes of turbo at centre. Fitter has stuffed it and we will lose another series.
Larry1950
Guest
Sorry Mary, wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy the way they've turned it up in recent seasons but after all, being an Eels fan couldn't have been any better.
Emcie
Roar Guru
No one's luck is that bad surely
The Barry
Roar Guru
I agree Graham is an upgrade on Crichton. It’s good to have a forward with a different skill set on the bench so the coach can vary the game plan. Query whether they can make that work in a five day camp. Also queries on how many minutes Graham has in him after a year+ out of the game and two half games back. He had a couple of stinkers last time he was selected in 17. If you think, like I do, that NSW were a middle forward short in game one, then Haas to Sims is a downgrade. Sims didn’t set the world on fire in his last origin appearance and we now have three of the 13th placed Dragons pack. I just don’t get the Saifiti selection. He’s coming 42nd for props for average metres. He plays 43 minutes at NRL level. For a team coming in with only two specialist props he doesn’t seem like the natural selection. I guess Jurbo, Finucane and Murray will be the NSW middle third for most of the game. It can work but NSW need to get their bench rotations much better than game one. Hopefully Saifiti is a wrecking ball for the first 20. I feel for Walker but I think Maloney is a good selection. I don’t understand how Wighton after two bad plays in game one is suddenly in the best two centres in NSW. Clearly with a back five including Turbo, Wighton and Fergo they’re hoping for more dynamic starts to their sets. It’s not an all bad move. Neither Morris (any more) or Mitchell excel in that area.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Fast, balanced has matured under Des! He and Kapow are vital ( as is Tom) to our chances lots of post contact metres and can sniff out a try he is a hand full
Tonester
Roar Rookie
Interesting. I was only just on Friday trying to work it out for AFB - I couldn't find a date that he played for the senior Kiwis (only the juniors) however several profile sites list him as a "Kiwi International". I think that he's the best prop in the game at the moment, and possibly the only Klemmer replacement that would not see you with a net loss from the substitution (possibly even a net gain).
Con Scortis
Roar Guru
Maybe Mary switched to Saints as Parra was causing her too much heartache. Isn't that called "out of the frying pan and into the fire".
Insider
Roar Rookie
Is your current coach better ? Lol
Insider
Roar Rookie
Ask if they will ever deliver a surplus lol
Flexis
Roar Rookie
He kind of does though right? Hard to see a future NSW team where he’s not a mainstay. To me the tricky parts is if only one of those two conditions are met. Almost as if Freddie’s life will be easier if it’s neither.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Hate my phone correcting me!!! Should read BRING IT ON
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Could someone please tell me why Mitchell deserved special treatment, after being dropped? Just because he's a "big name" doesn't provide him any privileges. So tired of all the hype over it! All the banter re teams is great, but, won't decide anything, only only Sunday night will - BRING IT ONE
Steve
Guest
Cleary keeps getting picked because he and Ivan are best mates....they go way back. Isn't Nathan also Freddy's Godson? Could be wrong but I think I remember reading that somewhere.