Adam Reynolds, Lachlan Coote in line for City selection
ADAM and Josh Reynolds will be selected in the halves for City as the duo push for State of Origin call ups.
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ADAM Reynolds will push for a NSW jersey when he is named as City’s halfback but Lachlan Coote’s claims for a debut Origin spot could be put on hold with injury set to rule him out of the City versus Country clash next Sunday.
Veteran hookers Robbie Farah and Michael Ennis plus NSW incumbent half Trent Hodkinson are expected to be rested from the State of Origin trial while injuries threaten to derail a host of players’ chances to push for an Origin jersey.
Already fullback frontrunner James Tedesco has been ruled out of the City team after fracturing his shoulder in the Tigers 30-22 win against South Sydney on Thursday. Coote, Tedesco’s replacement, has an ongoing rib injury while Penrith skipper Matt Moylan is also understood to be in doubt.
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Reynolds’ likely halves partner is Canterbury’s Josh Reynolds but he too may be a late withdrawal with ongoing knee and back injuries. The Reynolds’ combined for City in a 26-all draw in 2014.
Impressive youngsters Jake Trbojevic and Bryce Cartwright are in line to play their first representative games when the City squad is announced tomorrow morning. Jake’s brother Tom was set to play on the wing before injury dashed his hopes. Nathan Peats should be named at hooker while the likes of Josh Mansour, James Roberts and Dylan Walker are expected to make up part of the Brad Fittler coached backline.
After being overlooked for Test selection, Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita wants to use the game to push for an Origin recall. Fifita was dumped after the Blues’ opening game last year.
“I love playing for City,” Fifita said. “I think I’ve played in three City Origin teams before and I’ve been able to play for NSW and I’m going to try and do it the same way I did in 2013.
“I’ve got to get that jersey (NSW) back first and that comes with my football getting better and better, week to week.
“If I have to start by playing for City, then I’ll do that and go from there.”
The City team will travel to Tamworth on Thursday ahead of next Sunday’s game.
Originally published as Adam Reynolds, Lachlan Coote in line for City selection
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