Matty Johns: Why Jake Trbojevic should pick Brad Fittler’s State of Origin forward pack
I’m certain Brad Fittler won’t make the same selection mistakes as last year - and the NSW Blues coach should lean on the Origin warrior he overlooked for Game I last year.
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Origin selection time has almost arrived.
All the speculation in who’s in, who’s out, who’s a chance, and who’s not, has begun.
For the players at the centre of the speculation, it’s a time of uncertainty, and if you’re not careful, distraction.
Jack Wighton has checked out … “No Mas.”
Jack has certainly been classy in explaining his reasons, stating his respect for coach Brad Fittler, but no doubt Jack’s non-selection at the end of last year’s series, and all the dialogue that came with it, left a sour taste, and has helped bring him to the decision that he no longer needs the Soap Opera.
For most of Origin history, the selection process has been problematic for the Blues.
The number of players who have been selected and soon after, cast-off, has led to a culture of uncertainty.
There’s always a core of players certain of selection, but most walk into camp on uneven ground, a sense that a loss could see their Origin career over before it really begins.
For Queensland, the process is always more low-key, more certain because they know the type of football they play, and therefore know the type of player they want.
When Queensland discuss selecting a player, the first thing they look at is character.
For the Blues, it’s talent.
I asked Cooper Cronk what he would look for if he were picking a team.
“Players who revel in adversity, players who can still perform when placed under the pump … because in Origin, you’re under the pump for the whole 80 minutes,” he said.
The words, size, speed and talent, never got a mention.
I often wonder how many Origins Gary Larson and Billy Moore would’ve played if they were Blues. Or in fact, how many Origins, the lion-hearted Alan Tongue would’ve played if he were a Maroon.
A team needs talent, but it needs character and heart to win. I’m certain Brad Fittler won’t make the same mistakes as last year, in particular the non-selection of Josh Addo-Carr for the series, and Jake Trbojevic in Game I.
Not only did it effect the performance of the side, it created that sense of uncertainty.
“Geez, if you’re gonna axe Jake and Josh….”
It’s not just about selecting the best players, the important thing is selecting players that will form the best team.
Every footballer strives to prove themselves as a player others want to play alongside, then, seeking the opinion of a couple of key individuals you trust, getting their insights, is good practice.
When it comes to the forward pack, ironically, I’d chat to the man who was left out initially last year, Jake Trbojevic. Discreetly asking his opinion on which players are made of the right stuff... takes one to know one.
In other matters, the decision as to who wears No.6 is shaping as a big one, and a difficult one.
The incumbent, grand final winner Jarome Luai. Or last year’s Dally M Medallist, who’s on his way to having an even better season, Nicho Hynes.
Nathan Cleary is the Blues’ most vital player, and it’s a given that he should at least have a say in the conversation, on who he will partner alongside. At the end of the day though, it’s the coach’s decision.
If I was selecting the squad, Hynes would be my six. Nicho would excel in any combination, and any team. But he also has great character. He’s walked a tough road, he knows what it’s like to perform under the pump.
Addo-Carr’s injury is a blow, although reports are, that he’s hoping to return before the team is picked.
It’s a longshot, but there’s been speculation that he may miss selection anyway, as he did last year. With NSW, nothing is straight forward.
That’s sparked a lot of debate on the merits of selecting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. I wouldn’t have Suaalii on a wing, and that’s nothing to do with his Wallabies contract. He is indeed a special talent, but he’s still developing. There are players of greater experience who are performing better at the moment.
If no Addo-Carr, I’d select Tom Trbojevic on a wing. He’s been considered more as a centre, but in the Origin grind, wingers have greater involvement and impact on the result.
Trbojevic on the wing would give him kick-return opportunities, operating in combination with Tedesco and To’o.
It would also allow Trbojevic freedom to roam, his best work is through the centre field, creating mismatches against tired, middle men.
Trbojevic on the wing, opens up a centre position. I’d opt for Latrell Mitchell and Campbell Graham.
Campbell has been outstanding this season, and deserves selection.
One thing’s for certain, there’s going to be a lot more twists and turns before the names are finally read out.
Who need Days of Our Lives.
Originally published as Matty Johns: Why Jake Trbojevic should pick Brad Fittler’s State of Origin forward pack
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