The NSW squad charged with winning the Blues' first State of Origin series in more half a decade will not be finalised til the end of the week after Ricky Stuart named an extended 20-man squad today.
Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway, Brett Morris, Glenn Stewart and Michael Jennings were added to the squad that won Origin II.
Jennings will take the injured Will Hopoate’s spot at left centre in the July 6 decider if he can overcome an ankle injury of his own.
Second rowers Ben Creagh and Beau Scott and utility Kurt Gidley are also carrying injuries, forcing Stuart to “cover all bases”.
Seven members of the team will play in tomorrow’s St George Illawarra v Manly-Warringah blockbuster at WIN Stadium.
Stuart said the final squad would be named when he was “comfortable” with a players' fitness.
“We wanted a bit of a squad this time to cover as many bases as possible if there are injuries,” Stuart said.
“We’ve still got seven players playing tomorrow.
“This isn’t a trick shot type of thing, it’s just us covering our bases.”
The ex-Kangaroos and premiership-winning coach took aim at the NRL’s scheduling, claiming the Monday blockbuster meant NSW wouldn’t have a full squad for training til Thursday, less than a week before the most important Origin in recent memory.
“It’s an awkward time for our preparation, it will be Thursday or Friday before we have a full training session,” he said.
“Our preparation has been turned upside down for the most important game of the series.”
Paul Gallen (c), Greg Bird, Ben Creagh, Michael Ennis, Keith Galloway, Mark Gasnier, Kurt Gidley, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Tim Mannah, Trent Merrin, Anthony Minichellio, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Jamie Soward, Glenn Stewart, Akila Uate, Anthony Watmough.
No comments:
Post a Comment