Monday Buzz: Brad Fittler’s flawed reason for dropping Luke Keary, Souths lock in Latrell Mitchell but Dane Gagai to hit open market

South Sydney’s backline is taking shape following two crucial contract calls — with one player set to hit the open market.

Brad Fittler dropped Luke Keary for Game II. Picture: David Swift

The reasoning behind Blues coach Freddy Fittler’s decision to dump five-eighth Luke Keary from the NSW State of Origin team is seriously flawed.

Fittler revealed the five-eighth position was a touch-and-go call when the Blues squad was announced on Friday but gave Cody Walker the nod because ANZ Stadium is his home ground with the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

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Brad Fittler dropped Luke Keary for Game II. Picture: David Swift

“They (Keary and Walker) came in on par,” Fittler said, “They’re both fantastic players and they’re in great form. I just think we’re going to Cody’s ground (ANZ) and he’s been fantastic there this year.”

This theory, however, is nonsense. Keary has won three grand finals, a Clive Churchill Medal and is unbeaten in finals football on ANZ Stadium. He has won 67.6 per cent of his career games at the venue.

In comparison, Walker has a 60.4 per cent record.

The Blues have so much halves depth but they struggled to match Daly Cherry-Evans and Cameron Munster in game one.

Luke Keary. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Cody Walker. Picture: David Swift

Look at all the options.

Nathan Cleary and Walker, Cleary and Keary, Cleary and Jack Wighton or Cleary and Jarome Luai, his Panthers club mate. They won 18 games straight at the Panthers.

Or Keary and Walker, Keary and Wighton or Keary and Luai.

Moving Wighton to number six actually strengthens the side by allowing for the inclusion of Stephen Crichton in the centres. He was also Dally M champion playing five-eighth for the Raiders.

There is no question that Keary would be even more effective in the number seven jersey with ownership of the football side.

It’s where Roosters coach Trent Robinson plans to play him next year following the departure of Kyle Flanagan to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

CHASE FOR GAGAI

The Rabbitohs are soon to announce a three-year contract extension for superstar Latrell Mitchell.

However, they better keep some cash spare for Maroons Origin star Dane Gagai, the best player on the field in game one in Adelaide.

Gagai is off-contract next year and is now free to talk to rival clubs. Half a dozen clubs are waiting until after Origin to make their moves.

Souths must save some cash for Dane Gagai. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Latrell Mitchell is set to re-sign.

BELLAMY IN LOCKDOWN

Craig Bellamy will punch the air on the Gold Coast on Monday morning harder than when he won the grand final.

The Melbourne Storm super coach has been in isolation since the victory, including the last 11 days in lockdown at his daughter’s home in Coolangatta.

He’s even had Queensland health and COVID inspectors banging on the front door to make sure he is abiding by the rules and staying indoors

Craig Bellamy after the Storm’s grand final win. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty

“Gosh I’m looking forward to getting out,” Bellamy said, “it’s been a long year.

“We’ve been in isolation for five months. I’ve been tested about a dozen times all up.”

It was Storm’s trip to Sydney for the grand final a fortnight ago that meant Bellamy had to quarantine for two weeks.

“The inspectors come around and check on you,” he said, “They’ve been here three or four times in 10 days.

“I get a bit of fresh air on the balcony but that’s it. However you can’t complain because people have done it a lot tougher than I have.

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“I can’t wait to watch Origin from the pub on Wednesday night.”

Bellamy says he is still undecided on his future beyond next season.

He is tossing up a massive offer from the Broncos to join the wooden spooners in 2022 as a director of football. Storm wants him to stay in Melbourne in a similar role.

“It’s a decision for 2022 so there’s no urgency. There’s a couple of options people know about and they’ve both been giving me some space.

“I’ll give it more thought over the next couple of weeks and then make the call.”

Originally published as Monday Buzz: Brad Fittler’s flawed reason for dropping Luke Keary, Souths lock in Latrell Mitchell but Dane Gagai to hit open market