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What was Brad Fittler thinking with that backline?

(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
17th June, 2019
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You could be forgiven for thinking it was April 1 when Brad Fittler named his team for State of Origin Game 2.

Not one, not two but seven changes for the Blues ahead of Sunday night’s clash with Queensland at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

While three of those changes were due to injury, it’s the four unforced changes that have people scratching their heads – with three of those being in the backline.

Star centre Latrell Mitchell was sensationally dumped from the squad after his poor Game 1 performance, while surprise Game 1 inclusion Josh Morris – who actually had a superb game – was also forced out.

Joining them on the outer is Souths five-eighth Cody Walker after he had a debut to forget.

Replacing them will be James Maloney at five-eighth, Blake Ferguson on the wing, and Tom Trbojevic and Jack Wighton in the centres – neither of whom have played centre in at least two years.

Is Fittler a mastermind who’s playing us all for fools? Or has he completely panicked and made a host of unnecessary changes?

Roar rugby league expert AJ Mithen jumped on the Game of Codes podcast to try and make sense of what’s been easily the strangest Origin team named in recent history.

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Listen to the debate:

Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.

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