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.
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.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Brad Fittler is the media and when he doesn't have the clipboard in hand is paid handsomely to generate drama.
Bryce Burgess
Guest
Freddie is thinking we need a great team not a team of great players. All the new players deserve their selection. Morris didn’t deserve to be dropped but Turbo is a team player, was one of the Blues best last year and has to be in the team somewhere. Blake Ferguson has a good work ethic and makes metres at will and probably should have been there for Game 1. Wighton who threw an intercept pass in Game 1 which could just as easily been a match winner for the Blues was excellent in defence when NSW were down to 12 men and worked hard running the ball on early tackles. Latrell hasn’t been playing his best and doesn’t take the tough runs like he should. Maloney orchestrated the series win last year and I would have picked him for game 1. His experience will be vital. I think Maloney is the best big game half eligible for NSW. Cleary will play better having Maloney beside him. Besides the loss of Klemmer, I think this is a better forward pack than game 1. Queensland always play their best at Suncorp. If Freddie can instill the belief that NSW played with last year then the Blues will win Game 2.
Ralph Malph
Roar Rookie
If Frederick Fittler was focused, Cleary and Walker would never of been selected in game one.
mudchooks
Roar Rookie
They drop both first choice centres from game one and still Croker can’t get a look in. You’d have to say that based on this team, despite potentially going to be the highest ever point scorer in the NRL, he will never get a run in SOO.. or maybe he’ll get a solitary game in a dead rubber a la Hazem El Masri.
Wayne Winchester
Guest
Its the media that generates the drama. Freddy and his team are focused on winning football games. That's how their performance will be measured, pure and simple. Latrell will play many more games for NSW when he's ready.
Insider
Roar Rookie
I made the comment that Latrell will take this personally and from what I’ve read it appears he has. He will turn his back if Fred asks him to return for SOO 3 , wait n see, until NSW start treating this concept like a sporting battle and not a reality TV show they will never ever create a culture let alone a dynasty, Fred’s treating these men like they are contestants on that failed “The Rookie” garbage show
Sava
Roar Rookie
One Man CHAMBERS and what he did to Billy Bunter. Sava