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Blues legend Mark Carroll chose a 10-game bolter for the State of Origin opener, while Laurie Daley questioned Brad Fittler’s selection approach in light of the crackdown. Scout >>
NSW legend Mark Carroll called on the Blues to move forward with form and picked a 10-game bolter for the home state opener.
Meanwhile, Laurie Daley believes Blues coach Brad Fittler may choose to change his selection approach in light of the NRL crackdown on high tackles.
Read on for all the latest Origin news in Origin Scout..
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BOLTER 10 SPUDD CARROLL GAMES FOR BLUES
NSW legend Mark Spudd Carroll has called for a reshuffle on the Blues side that came down to an oppressed Maroon squad in 2020.
Carroll believes Brad Fittler needs to go with form rather than proven players who missed out against an exhausted Maroons side last season.
“It’s a very different team from last year, but we lost,†Carroll told Foxsports.com.au.
“This team is individually fit.
“Penrith has four players, but you could say they deserve more, given their position on the ladder.”
Carroll found room for four newbies on his squad, with Panthers winger Brian To’o and teammate Jarome Luai, while Roosters lockdown Victor Radley was picked second.
However, Carroll’s biggest surprises were on the bench where he picked two full-backs, including a utility Manly who only played 10 freshman games.
“Clint Gutherson is on the bench to cover the back row,†Carroll said.
“You always need a bolter – for me it must be Josh Schuster.
“He’s a highly skilled rear rower who can also easily finish five-eighth. Josh is built for Origin. ”
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THE BLUES OF SPUDD 17
1. James Tedesco
2. Brian To’o
3. Tom Trbojevic
4. Latrell Mitchell
5. Josh Addo-Carr
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Damien Cook
10. Junior Paulo
11. Victor Radley
12. Isaah Yeo
13. Jake Trbojevic
14. Clint Gutherson
15. Nathan Brown
16. Payne Haas
17. Josh Schuster
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DALEY PONDERS FITTLER’S APPROACH AFTER CRACKDOWN
NSW legend Laurie Daley believes the NRL’s recent crackdown on high tackling could significantly influence the selection process for Blues coach Brad Fittler.
At Sky Sports, Daley wondered if NSW could go for a lighter, more mobile pack to cover multiple positions, as well as the added fatigue, which could become a factor if a player is sent to the trash of sin.
“I know you have guys like Junior Paulo and Daniel Saifiti, these types of guys who are tall and good, but can you wear too many of these types of players on your squad now? Daley said on The Big Sports Breakfast.
“All of a sudden, are you going for the front rower or the more mobile front mid?
“Do you pick more Isaah Yeos and Jake Trbojevics, guys with a little more speed in the legs and who can be a little more efficient in that regard?”
“Knowing that the game will be faster and you may lose more players in the trash.”
Fittler names his team for Origin I on May 31 with the season opening scheduled for June 9 at the MCG.
