State of Origin 2024: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart fires up over Hudson Young’s ’disgraceful’ NSW axing

For the second time in as many years, Canberra second-rower Hudson Young was dumped from the NSW Origin team. Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has described his treatment as ‘disgraceful’.

Ricky Stuart has launched to the defence of Raiders forward Hudson Young by describing the treatment of him by the NSWRL over the past two series as “disgraceful.”

Young, who received 22-minutes in Origin I after being named on the NSW interchange bench, was overlooked for the Blues game two clash with Queensland on Wednesday night at the MCG.

It’s understood NSW coach Michael Maguire spoke with Young on Friday about areas of his game that could help him return to the Origin arena.

The Raiders forward has also been invited by the Blues to be among the team at the MCG next Wednesday night.

Connor Watson has replaced Young on the NSW bench.

Hudson Young was limited to just 22 minutes in State of Origin I. Credit: NRL Images.

“I thought his treatment by NSW over the last two series has been disgraceful,’’ Stuart said on Saturday.

“It’s either a wrong decision to pick him or if you want loyalty and passion for the jumper, you’ve got to show a bit too.

“He hasn’t been given the opportunity through any type of time or minutes, as well as having to play in the centres, to show his Origin worth.

“Obviously they don’t feel he is up to it.

“However, the one thing I know about Hudson is, and all of his teammates is, he might be wearing green with us, but that doesn’t mean he’s not up to wearing blue.’’

It is the second time Young has been dropped from a Blues side after featuring in games one and two in last year’s series.

Ricky Stuart believes Hudson Young's treatment at Origin level has been disgraceful. Picture: NRL Images

Young was named as the Blues starting backrower in Origin I and II last year under former coach Brad Fittler.

The robust forward was given 31-minutes and 62-minutes respectively in each of his two previous appearances.

Stuart – renowned for being hugely protective of his players – says that Young has handled his dropping with great maturity.

“Hudson has taken this a lot better than I would be,’’ Stuart said.

“Fans wouldn’t know how much wearing the Blues jersey meant to Hudson. He’s about as passionate a player as I’ve seen.’’

Young will line-up for the Raiders against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.

Originally published as State of Origin 2024: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart fires up over Hudson Young’s ’disgraceful’ NSW axing