In the lead up to Origin II, NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler was asked about social media criticism into his selections.
A comment was then made at the press conference “if you listen to the fans, you end up sitting them”, to which Fittler replied “we all end up sitting with them”.
It appears that may be true after NSW suffered a comprehensive 32-6 loss to Queensland in Origin II, resulting in a series defeat.
READ MORE: ‘All you idiots’: Blues star takes aim at Origin fans
READ MORE: ‘Clueless’ stars among roasted Blues
READ MORE: Chappell sticks boot into England’s ‘biggest mistake’
Fittler has faced a nightmare injury toll, namely his star, strike centre Latrell Mitchell being ruled out in the lead up to both matches.
Tom Trbojevic’s pectoral injury minutes into Origin II added insult, but there’s a number of tactical decisions that have come under the microscope too.
Damien Cook to centre over Cam Murray and Isaah Yeo was the decision that’s copped the most criticism.
Turbo busted in third minute
A number of selection choices from last year have continued to cause a stir, namely the axing of Josh Addo-Carr and Jack Wighton’s non-selection in the decider, with the Raiders star ultimately retiring from the arena this year.
In the end, since his appointment in 2018, Fittler has won three from six series, a decent average, but it’s unlikely to be enough to keep him in the job.
Now, after two series losses in a row, a number of Origin futures are under risk.
Who’s safe?
On Wednesday night, Payne Haas put forward one of his best Origin performances. In the lead up he was a man on a mission, stating it was “the biggest challenge” he’s had in a Sky Blue jersey and one he couldn’t wait for. While Haas continued to poke his head through the line, the support wasn’t there for him, akin to his early days at the Broncos. The big man is arguably the best prop in the NRL, he’s safe for a long time.
Brian To’o is the most reliable winger in the competition and with 175 run metres and the Blues’ second best play the ball speed, he’ll be part of the side for a while.
Panthers teammate Isaah Yeo is a workhorse, although his future as the starting lock could be up for debate with Cameron Murray putting pressure on him for the position, who is also safe – but needs to be better utilised than a measly 33 minutes off the bench.
Watch the 2023 State of Origin series LIVE and exclusive on Channel 9 and 9Now
Cook bursts through to keep Blues alive
Liam Martin has been the Blues’ best throughout the series and has the perfect attitude for Origin while Reece Robson showed glimpses of his representative ability and will battle for the hooker position in the future with Blayke Brailey when Apisai Koroisau is finished.
Nathan Cleary is the best halfback in the competition, and while there’s still question marks over his performances in the Origin arena, he will stay. Latrell is also a certainty, the Blues have missed him every time he’s been out.
Under a cloud
The alarm bells have rung loudly for James Tedesco this series, and while his reputation precedes him, the pressure is still there because 2023 simply hasn’t been his year.
It’s not that Teddy isn’t a champion footballer, but there’s a bloke called Dylan Edwards who is now a back-to-back premiership fullback. Throw in a fit Ryan Papenhuyzen, as well as Latrell and Trbojevic, and you’ve got significant depth in the position.
It’s impossible to predict how last year’s axing has affected Josh Addo-Carr’s form in a blue jersey, but he hasn’t been himself this series. A bizarre punch in the dying seconds summed that up.
Walsh, Luai sent off, JAC binned for ugly clash
In the centres, there’s room for plenty of debate. Stephen Crichton hardly puts a foot wrong, but it’s time for Campbell Graham to show us what he can do. Tom Trbojevic’s injury history is becoming tough for the Blues, because the opportunity to carry a utility on the bench isn’t really possible. With Latrell, Crichton, Graham and Trbojevic you’ve got four world class centres fighting for two spots.
Hudson Young has all the hallmarks of an Origin player, but has struggled to make an impact in his first two games while Stefano Utoikamanu’s 12 minutes wasn’t enough to assess how he can perform in the arena. Another forward in Junior Paulo will come under scrutiny as well, and it could be argued his Parramatta teammate Reagan Campbell-Gillard deserves a recall while Jake Trbojevic will also return next year.
Gone, gone, gone
Jarome Luai undoubtedly plays with effort, intensity and passion, but it’s time to see what someone else can do in the six. Matt Burton is nipping at his heels, while Nicho Hynes needs the opportunity and has previously described his hatred of Queensland at Origin time.
Damien Cook is in some of his best form for the Rabbitohs, but the emergence of Robson and Brailey means it’s probably time to look to the future.
Tyson Frizell was strong in game one but was under utilised in Origin II, running only four times. At 31, this may be another look at the future scenario with players like Haumole Olakau’atu and Keaon Koloamatangi starting to emerge.
Who comes in?
One out of left field is whether the Blues try and convince 30-year-old Jack Wighton to return in an SOS call. Wighton confirmed his retirement before the 2023 series started but has stated it’s “for now”.
The Raiders five-eighth has been one of the Blues’ best ever since he debuted in 2019 and it still astonishes many pundits that he was 18th man in game three last year.
As mentioned, the form of Campbell Graham is irresistible, and it’s amazing he’s yet to appear in a blue jersey despite being part of Australia’s World Cup triumph.
Matt Burton was also part of the World Cup squad, and offers the utility value the Blues may crave while another half in Nicho Hynes can’t be ignored anymore. He’s the reigning Dally M medallist and deserves another opportunity.
Spencer Leniu’s form over the past couple of years for the Panthers has to be considered too, and it’s a surprise Tevita Pangai Junior and Stefano Utoikamanu have been picked ahead of him.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
State of Origin II 2023 in pictures: All the colour of the Blues v Maroons game two
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
