The dust has settled on the Blues’ squad selection for the second Origin clash, and we know that the game’s most damaging player has been left off the team sheet.
To be fair to Freddy Fittler, Latrell Mitchell didn’t turn up for his team-mates at Suncorp Stadium in the series opener, and in the cauldron of Origin you need your team-mates to be all in. If not, you might as well pack up and go home.
But to replace him with Jack Wighton is simply madness.
Jarrod Croker is the obvious choice for the Blues’ left centre spot. There, I said it.
Like the forgotten middle child of the rugby league family, Croker – despite being a noted try-scorer, great goal-kicker and ultimate team man – has been overlooked for a man who hasn’t played in the centres since the rough and tumble of City Country in 2015.
(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
To drop Latrell is one thing, but to not replace him with the second best centre in the game is ludicrous.
This would allow Wighton to stay on the bench as cover for our back line – you’d better hope for no injuries, Freddy – as well as giving the Blues a tried and tested performer capable of withstanding pressure like no other.
The better choice all along would have been Croker at left centre and Latrell off the bench.
Imagine Latrell terrorising tired middle defenders like a rogue elephant attacking poachers… that’s right, I still haven’t forgiven Queensland for poaching Greg Inglis!
Moreover, he offers cover for the whole back line except halfback, and is a proven big-game player.
He also has the size and strength to slot into the second-row if required through injury, and you know he’d be burning with desire after everyone has been questioning his ability.
While I’m on the second row, what does Ryan Matterson need to do to impress Freddy?
When Wighton is inevitably is found out on Sunday, just ask yourself, would the man in the white headgear have made a difference?
And I bet the answer will be yes.
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