State of Origin 2016: Ricky Stuart rejects approach for Joey Leilua to join Blues squad

RICKY Stuart rejected an approach from the Blues to name Joey Leilua as a NSW development player because the Canberra coach believes “he’s past that.’’

• Buzz Rothfield: Laurie Daley’s loyalty should be applauded
• Paul Kent: Why are NSW so big on loyalty, when they keep losing?
• Sharks dominate NSW Blues selection for State of Origin game two

RICKY Stuart has rejected an approach from the NSWRL to name damaging centre Joey Leilua as an Origin II development player because the Canberra coach believes “he’s past that.’’

Championed by Immortal Andrew Johns, former NSW halfback Peter Sterling and Fox Sports commentator Matthew Johns as a must inclusion for the Blues, Leilua has been overlooked by the Blues hierarchy for the June 22 blockbuster.

Equal first for average tackle busts in the NRL (5.8 per game), alongside his Raiders teammate Jordan Rapana, Leilua sits alone for the most offloads in the competition with three per game.

Joey Leilua has been in the development side before.

And it was as a result of that devastating form that most, including Stuart, believed Leilua would be the ideal selection for a NSW side seeking points against a confident Queensland outfit.

However, Leilua will now need to bide his time after Canterbury’s Josh Morris retained the Blues right centre jumper.

NSW officials contacted the Raiders football department yesterday to ask if they would release the 24-year-old to be part of the team build-up and to experience the preparation in Coffs Harbour ahead of game two as a development player.

Without wanting to disrespect his close mate, NSW coach Laurie Daley, Stuart declined the offer after he filled the role of Blues development player four years ago.

“I’m a bit surprised because I think BJ is past being a development player,’’ Stuart said.

“He’s been in that position (development player) before in 2012, I think, and he’s certainly showed since coming to Canberra that he’s a better player than what he was four years ago.

Leilua has been in superb form this season.

“BJ is not a development player — he’s past that.’’

A passionate Blues supporter and critical to the shift in culture and belief within NSW as head coach between 2005 and 2012, Stuart was clear in pointing out that he was fully supportive of Laurie Daley’s attempt to square the series 1-1 all.

“I don’t get involved in team selections, I’ve had my time (as a NSW coach),’’ Stuart said.

“Everybody knows that Loz and I are mates and always will be, his success and the Blues‘ success is what I’m cheering for as well.

“As a mate, I’m right behind him.

Ricky Stuart says Leilua is beyond being a development player.

“I want all the players chosen to play well for NSW, but do I think BJ should be there?

“Yes, but it’s not like Laurie doesn’t know that.

“BJ won’t be there for game two, he’ll be disappointed, but he’ll use that for motivation going forward for the Raiders.’’

NSW officials have instead turned to Cronulla’s Jack Bird and Penrith back-rower Bryce Cartwright as their development players.

FULL BLUES SQUAD FOR GAME TWO:

1 Matt Moylan (1 Origins), 2 Blake Ferguson (2), 3 Michael Jennings (16), 4 Josh Morris (14), 5 Josh Mansour (1), 6 James Maloney (1), 7 Adam Reynolds (1), 8 Aaron Woods (9), 9 Robbie Farah (14), 10 Paul Gallen (20), 11 Wade Graham (0), 12 Josh Jackson (4), 13 Greg Bird (17). Reserves: 14 Dylan Walker (1), 15 James Tamou (12), 16 David Klemmer (4), 17 Andrew Fifita (5), 18 Jack Bird (0)*, 19 Bryce Cartwright (0)*.

*Development players