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.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Croker shouldn't spend too much time waiting for a call from Freddy any time soon. Decent club player.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
Centre is no longer a 'specialist' position in rugby league. Fullbacks, wingers and backrowers are always covering those positions
Tyler
Roar Rookie
I’m sure he can make the tackles too. My question with him I’m centre is will he know when to shoot on the fullback coming round to make s 3 on 2 and will he know when to slide and wait for help to come across. Making this decision is why centre is considered one of the hardest positions to defend in. Like I said we’ll only know after the game!
Josh H
Roar Rookie
I’m sorry what? Croker? The 2nd-best centre in the league? In what universe is this? Surely you can’t think Croker is better than: Mitchell (completely ridiculous how you believe he’d be best served off the bench, incredible) Roberts Chambers Manu Ramien Need I go on? I’m sure I’ve missed a few. Croker is a solid NRL player who can run a bit and kick a few goals. Much like Jamie Lyon. How well did he go at Origin level? Exactly. Croker’s main issue is defence, which is arguably more crucial than in attack in the Origin game. Sadly, Jarrod would likely be found way out of his depth. It’s one thing to think he’d be a good pick – which ordinarily I would probably respect – but to paint it as the stupidly obvious option, is a bit silly for mine.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
I'm with you there mate. It's just unfortunate that Jacks error went 95 meters. He was by no means the worst.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Wighton was selected because he will likely be mixing it with tough heads Chambers & Gagai on the NSW left side. Something Mitchell couldn’t do last week. Wighton has good bit of mongrel in him , and will be strong with runs out of the NSW defensive end and strong in defence. I couldn’t see Croker being physically able to handle such a task.
Paul
Roar Guru
hi Tyler, I think he's good enough with the guys around him and the defensive structures they will have in place, to do a creditable defensive job at centre. Of course, that's based on a few things going his way, like he and his mates all sticking to that defensive plan for a start and not making it up as Mitchell did in Game 1. Don't forget he's played a fair bit of fullback and was no slouch when it came to making tackles that needed to be made. I also hope Qld does lick it's lips and throw most of their plays his way. It makes NSW defensive job that much easier if they know where the attack will be aimed.
Paul
Roar Guru
what about his 16 mates, Super? I think there were plenty of contenders in the NSW squad for "worst Performance of SOO 1", including the coach, who never got his interchanges right.
Tyler
Roar Rookie
Mate, to say he’s good enough to defend as a true centre is a big leap. He may well be, and we’ll only know after the game, but a true centre in Mitchell showed that it’s not that easy to defend at centre. Is Wighton defending on the left? If so QLD will be licking their lips!
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Well he played a fair role in NSW losing the first one!!
Nat
Roar Guru
Fan article? Crocker is solid and that's about the up & down of it. A team man, yes. The 2nd best center in NSW? He's the 2nd best center in Canberra. Withe the Panthers' halves, his goal kicking attributes are nullified. Morris Ramien Dugun Walker Blake All these guys would have more impact the Crocker.
Paul
Roar Guru
"When Wighton is inevitably is found out on Sunday, just ask yourself, would the man in the white headgear have made a difference? " Just how will Wighton be found out please Lamington? I have no idea what role Freddy wants Wighton to play but I suspect he was chosen in part because of some of the creativity he's shown with the Raiders this year. Sure in defence, he'll play as a true centre and he's good enough in that role. In attack, I wonder if he doesn't provide another ball playing option, to offset Maloney on the other side and a non-existent playmaker in Cleary? I for one think he should be given a chance and lets see how he goes. I suspect if NSW loses game II, it won't be because of Jack Wighton.
Tonester
Roar Rookie
“This would allow Wighton to stay on the bench as cover for our back line – you’d better hope for no injuries, Freddy” Turbo or Wighton between them can cover any backline position and Murray or Graham can cover the centres.