2009 State of Origin - Game I

[Google News]

NSW team for State of Origin IDaily Telegraph, AustraliaInterchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Michael Weyman, Ben Creagh Gallen though is in doubt for the game after having an MRI scan yesterday on a shoulder injury sustained playing for Cronulla against St George Illawarra last Saturday. ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,25536504-5001023,00.html

NSW team for State of Origin I
By Dean Ritchie
May 25, 2009 12:00am

NSW has unveiled a fresh-new side to halt Queensland's three year State of Origin domination - but already there are dramas over the Blues' back-row.

Selectors have put a broom through the NSW ranks, with 14 players who turned out for the state in Origin I last year dropped from this year's side.

NSW will send out eight Origin debutants - James McManus, Michael Jennings, Glenn Stewart, Terry Campese, Robbie Farah, Ben Creagh, Michael Weyman and Justin Poore - in a team hell-bent on attacking the Maroons.

Glenn Stewart has been named on the interchange bench, with Luke O'Donnell and Paul Gallen in the second-row - but Stewart and Gallen find themselves in doubt for the June 3 opener at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

NSW team for State of Origin I on June 3 in Melbourne:

Kurt Gidley (c), James McManus, Jamie Lyon, Michael Jennings, Jarryd Hayne, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Paul Gallen, Luke O’Donnell, Ben Creagh . Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Glenn Stewart, Michael Weyman. 18th man: Luke Lewis.

Gallen though is in doubt for the game after having an MRI scan yesterday on a shoulder injury sustained playing for Cronulla against St George Illawarra last Saturday.

He has told Cronulla officials the bruising could settle after four days - or four weeks.

Log on tomorrow for the Queensland Origin side - due to be named at 12.45pm

Stewart was yesterday charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers during Sunday's match at Skilled Park.

He is facing a one match suspension - ruling him out of Origin I with Manly having the bye this weekend. Stewart must plead not guilty and fight the charge at an judiciary hearing tomorrow night to have any chance of playing.

He is expected to be represented by leading Sydney SC Geoff Bellew.

O'Donnell's inclusion meant the omission of Australian back-rower Anthony Laffranchi, who played for the Kangaroos against New Zealand just three weeks ago.

Last year's team for State of Origin I:

Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby.

 

[ROB SHARK]

Last year's team for State of Origin I:

Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby.

doesn't that bring back memories

 

[hitman124]

They are going to get absoloutely smashed.

 

[sandman77]

whats with wing in the team

 

[ROB SHARK]

why is lewis 18th man that is a joke, wing is rubbish and lewis is alot more versitile to NSW. All i can say is its going to be 4 straight to QLD!

 

[Google News]

Campese one of eight debutants for Blues

Campese one of eight debutants for BluesBrisbane Times, AustraliaLewis will come into the side if backrower Glenn Stewart fails to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday. Test forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough, who played in Australia's win over New Zealand this month, ...

Source: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/campese-one-of-eight-debutants-for-blues-20090525-bkpf.html

Campese one of eight debutants for Blues
Liam Fitzgibbon
May 25, 2009 - 9:09PM

Canberra star Terry Campese won the hotly-contested race for the NSW five-eighth jersey to become one of eight debutants named to face Queensland in next Wednesday's State of Origin series opener at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Campese will partner Brisbane's Peter Wallace in the halves in a fresh-looking side Blues side, which is out to stop the Maroons claiming an unprecedented fourth straight series win.

The 24-year-old beat Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen and Penrith's Luke Lewis to the No.6 jersey and said it was a dream come true.

"It's unbelievable," Campese told AAP.

"It is the best game of rugby league there is and to be selected in the side, there's no better feeling.

"There are eight debutants so everyone will be very excited and there's a lot of young blokes there too, so there will be heaps of enthusiasm.

"Hopefully we can go out there and get the victory."

Among the other debutants were Penrith flyer Michael Jennings, Newcastle winger James McManus, Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah and St George Illawarra trio Ben Creagh, Justin Poore and Michael Weyman.

Blues coach Craig Bellamy said it was time to take risks with team selection if NSW were to end the Maroons' recent dominance.

"It's a worry I suppose if you're looking at experience but all those guys have been in really good form so we're pretty confident they can get the job done," Bellamy said.

"It's a pretty exciting time for us."

Lewis was named 18th man after also losing out on a bench spot to South Sydney's Craig Wing but Bellamy said the Panthers star would come into the side if backrower Glenn Stewart fails to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.

Test forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough, who played in Australia's win over New Zealand this month, were also controversial omissions.

Newcastle star Kurt Gidley will captain the side at fullback as part of an exciting backline that also includes Manly's Jamie Lyon and in-form Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne.

Bellamy admitted the side had been picked with a view to countering Queensland's brilliant attacking weapons like Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges and Billy Slater.

"We all know how strong that Queensland backline is so we've got to find ways to combat that," Bellamy said.

"There's players in there, Hayne, young Jennings and Jamie Lyon, they've been in wonderful form this year and might give the Queensland backline something to think about as well."

Test backrower Stewart, who was named on the bench, could also make his NSW debut but only if he successfully contests his charge.

He faces a one-match ban after he was charged with a grade one dangerous throw for a sixth-minute tackle on Mat Rogers in the Titans' controversial 18-17 win on Sunday.

Manly's Brent Kite, Gold Coast's Luke Bailey, North Queensland's Luke O'Donnell and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen were all named to give the Blues' pack some representative experience.

Campese earned selection after he returned to form in leading Canberra to a 38-12 win over the Warriors on Sunday.

"I've tried to focus on improving my game in the last few weeks and we got the win on the weekend which I think might have just got me over the line," he said.

Queensland will name their squad on Tuesday.

NSW: Kurt Gidley (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Jamie Lyon, Michael Jennings, James McManus, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Ben Creagh, Luke O'Donnell, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Glenn Stewart, Michael Weyman.

 

[Google News]

Eight new faces in Blues Origin line-up

Eight new faces in Blues Origin line-upBrisbane Times, AustraliaManly's Brent Kite, Gold Coast's Luke Bailey, North Queensland's Luke O'Donnell and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen will give the Blues pack some representative experience. Campese earned selection after he returned to form in leading Canberra to a 38-12 ...

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/eight-new-faces-in-blues-origin-lineup-20090525-bkou.html

Eight new faces in Blues Origin line-up
May 25, 2009 - 8:34PM

Canberra star Terry Campese won the hotly-contested NSW five-eighth jersey as selectors named eight debutants to face Queensland in next Wednesday's State of Origin series opener at Melbourne's Etihad Stadium.

Campese will partner Brisbane's Peter Wallace in the halves in a fresh-looking side Blues side, which is out to stop the Maroons claiming an unprecedented fourth straight series win.

The Raiders captain was preferred at No.6 to Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen and in-form Penrith utility Luke Lewis, who was named 18th man after also losing out on a bench spot to South Sydney's Craig Wing.

Lewis will come into the side if backrower Glenn Stewart fails to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.

Test forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough, who played in Australia's win over New Zealand this month, were also controversial omissions.

Newcastle star Kurt Gidley will captain the side at fullback as part of an exciting backline that includes Penrith flyer Michael Jennings and Newcastle winger James McManus.

Jennings will partner Manly's Jamie Lyon in the centres, after Matt Cooper was overlooked, while in-form Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne was named on the wing.

Joining Campese, Jennings and McManus on Origin debut will be Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah, who edged out Michael Ennis for the No.9 jersey, as well as St George Illawarra forward trio Ben Creagh, Justin Poore, and Michael Weyman.

Stewart, who was named on the bench, could also make his NSW debut but only if he successfully contests his charge.

The Test forward faces a one-match ban after he was charged with a grade one dangerous throw for a sixth-minute tackle on Mat Rogers in the Titans' controversial 18-17 win on Sunday.

Manly's Brent Kite, Gold Coast's Luke Bailey, North Queensland's Luke O'Donnell and Cronulla captain Paul Gallen will give the Blues pack some representative experience.

Campese earned selection after he returned to form in leading Canberra to a 38-12 win over the New Zealand Warriors on Sunday.

Mullen was denied a final chance to impress selectors as he was playing in Newcastle's match against North Queensland in Townsville on Monday night.

Queensland will name their squad on Tuesday.

 

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Three Dragons make State of Origin cut

Three Dragons make State of Origin cutIllawara Mercury, Australia... after barnstorming performances against the Bulldogs and Cronulla in the past fortnight. Wests Red Devils junior Stewart, facing a one-match ban, is likely to contest the dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary tomorrow night. No comments yet. ...

Source: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/three-dragons-make-state-of-origin-cut/1522475.aspx

Three Dragons make State of Origin cut
BY TIM BARROW
25/05/2009 8:46:00 PM

Dragons trio Michael Weyman, Justin Poore and Ben Creagh are among eight NSW debutants named to play in State of Origin I in Melbourne next week after the team was announced last night.

Having been in scintillating form this year, Creagh will start in the back-row, while powerhouse St George Illawarra props Poore and were included on the bench.

However, experienced Dragons centre Matt Cooper, who played in the last three unsuccessful Origin series, missed out on the team in preference for Panthers emerging star Michael Jennings.

Blues coach Craig Bellamy is still facing some selection concerns, with lock Paul Gallen battling a shoulder injury out of Saturday night's loss to the Dragons and Manly lock Glenn Stewart charged with a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary.

Flying to Melbourne to join Origin camp today, Creagh, Poore and Weyman will be part of a supercharged NSW pack which also includes Shellharbour junior Luke Bailey and Sea Eagles prop Brent Kite.

It continues a remarkable transformation for Weyman, who has developed into one of the NRL's best front-rowers under new Dragons coach Wayne Bennett.

Until this season, Weyman played just 47 first grade games since debuting with Canberra in 2003, after struggling with form and fitness during his time with the Raiders.

Poore forced his way into the NSW team ahead of Penrith's Trent Waterhouse and Newcastle's Chris Houston after barnstorming performances against the Bulldogs and Cronulla in the past fortnight.

Wests Red Devils junior Stewart, facing a one-match ban, is likely to contest the dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary tomorrow night.

 

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Laffranchi axed by NSW - Gold Coast News

Laffranchi axed by NSWGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.au, AustraliaGallen is carrying a shoulder injury sustained playing for Cronulla against St George Illawarra last Saturday while Manly forward Stewart was yesterday charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers during Sunday's match ...

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/05/25/82145_gold-coast-sport.html

Laffranchi axed for NSW Origin
Luke Turgeon
May 25th, 2009

TITANS rugby league back rower Anthony Laffranchi has been controversially axed from the NSW State of Origin side despite representing Australia just three weeks ago.

In a selection bombshell, NSW have gone with eight debutants for the State of Origin opener in Melbourne on June 3 in an attempt to stop Queensland's attempt for an unprecedented fourth-straight series win.

The only good news for the Titans is co-captain Luke Bailey received an Origin re-call after missing last year's series through injury and will start in the front row

The eight debutants are James McManus, Michael Jennings, Glenn Stewart, Terry Campese, Robbie Farah, Ben Creagh, Michael Weyman and Justin Poore.
Laffranchi, who played all three games for NSW last year, has been replaced in the Blues pack by former Cowboys Test forward Luke O'Donnell, who will partner Ben Creagh in the second-row.

However, all hope is not yet lost for Laffranchi, with doubts lingering over the availability of lock Paul Gallen and rookie Stewart.

Gallen is carrying a shoulder injury sustained playing for Cronulla against St George Illawarra last Saturday while Manly forward Stewart was yesterday charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers during Sunday's match at Skilled Park.

He is facing a one match suspension and if found guilty, will be ruled out of Origin 1 as Manly have the bye this weekend.

Stewart must plead not guilty and fight the charge at a judiciary hearing tomorrow night to have any chance of playing.

NSW team for State of Origin 1 on June 3 in Melbourne at Etihad Stadium:
Kurt Gidley (capt)
Jarryd Hayne
Jamie Lyon
Michael Jennings
James McManus
Terry Campese
Peter Wallace
Brent Kite
Robbie Farah
Luke Bailey
Ben Creagh
Luke O'Donnell
Paul Gallen.

Interchange:
Craig Wing
Justin Poore
Glenn Stewart
Michael Weyman

 

[Capital_Shark]

We can beat that.

QUEENSLANDER!!!!

 

[chunk67]

i would replace:
McManus --> Monaghan
Campese --> Mullen
Wing --> Lewis

 

[brad]

not confident at all about this series. pretty small backline up against the beasts from qld. we will probably compete for most of it but thurston will carve us up down the stretch again

 

[sharkiesfreak]

wheres tupou in the team?

 

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Bellamy backing his inexperienced Blues

Bellamy backing his inexperienced BluesThe Age, Australia... in line for his NSW debut, failed to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday. Lock Paul Gallen is also reportedly in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury suffered in the Sharks loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday. ...

Source: http://news.leaguehq.com.au/breaking-news-sport/campese-one-of-eight-debutants-for-blues-20090525-bkpf.html

Bellamy backing his inexperienced Blues
May 25, 2009 - 8:07PM

NSW State of Origin coach Craig Bellamy is confident his inexperienced Blues line-up has got what it takes to stop Queensland claiming an unprecedented fourth successive series win.

NSW selectors on Monday night named eight new faces in a fresh-looking side to face the Maroons in the series opener at Etihad Stadium on June 3.

There were few surprises with the most hotly-contested jersey, five eighth, going to Canberra's Terry Campese, who was preferred to Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen and Penrith's Luke Lewis.

"It's unbelievable," Campese, 24, told AAP.

"It is the best game of rugby league there is and to be selected in the side, there's no better feeling."

Newcastle's Kurt Gidley was named as fullback and captain while Penrith flyer Michael Jennings, Newcastle winger James McManus and St George Illawarra forward trio Ben Creagh, Justin Poore and Michael Weyman were all given debut call-ups.

Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah edged out Michael Ennis for his first Origin call up.

South Sydney utility Craig Wing earned a representative return after being named on the bench in place of Lewis, who was named 18th man.

Bellamy admitted the selectors had to take some risks if they were any chance of ending Queensland's reign of dominance.

"It is a team low on Origin experience but we want a team to get the job done and there are some guys in there for specific reasons and I am really excited about this side, " he said.

"All of those guys have been in really good form and hopefully they can get the job done, it is a really exciting time for us."

Lewis was named 18th man but Bellamy said the Panthers star would come into the side if Test backrower Glenn Stewart, also in line for his NSW debut, failed to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.

Lock Paul Gallen is also reportedly in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury suffered in the Sharks loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday.

Among the most controversial omissions were Test forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough, but they could come back into contention if both Stewart and Gallen are ruled out.

Selector Bob McCarthy admitted it had been a tough call to leave them out.

"It was a tough choice, four weeks ago they were in the Australia side but everyone in this team is in form," McCarthy said.

"We think these guys are in form and there are at least 10 good backrowers - there's a lot of toughness in that backrow and a lot of strike.

McCarthy also said Farah was given the nod over Ennis because of his better all-round football ability.

"They are two different kind of footballers Robbie has a bit of football coming from dummy half whereas Ennis is a kind of Danny Buderus type - tough, made for State of Origin," he said.

Bellamy said he hoped Queensland may look at the inclusion of the exciting Jennings and in-form Jamie Lyon and Jarryd Hayne in his backline with some concern.

"We all know how strong Queensland's backline we've got to find ways to combat that but some of our players like Hayne, young Jennings and Jamie Lyon might give the Queensland backline something to worry about," he said.

A delighted Jennings said he couldn't wait to face the Maroons' star-studded backline.

"It's going to be a big challenge to take on those guys but we've got a really talented backlines ourselves," Jennings said.

Campese believed the inexperience of the side could even work in its favour.

"There are eight debutants so everyone will be very excited and there's a lot of young blokes there too, so there will be heaps of enthusiasm," Campese said.

The Blues suffered a slight scare when Gidley injured his knee in the Knights' 36-10 loss to North Queensland on Monday night, but the skipper played down the problem.

Queensland will name their squad on Tuesday.

NSW: Kurt Gidley (capt), Jarryd Hayne, Jamie Lyon, Michael Jennings, James McManus, Terry Campese, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Robbie Farah, Luke Bailey, Ben Creagh, Luke O'Donnell, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Craig Wing, Justin Poore, Glenn Stewart, Michael Weyman.

© 2009 AAP

 

[hitman124]

We can beat that.

QUEENSLANDER!!!!

Can? Will more like it mate. Its in the bag.

 

[gosharks]

go the blues

i had i high hopes for the sharks at the beginning of season and so far have provided nothing but disappointment, i hope the blues can give me something to cheer about.

 

[Google News]

From Souths Logan to Blues enforcer for reborn Dragon Michael Weyman

From Souths Logan to Blues enforcer for reborn Dragon Michael WeymanCourier Mail, AustraliaOverlooked to play NRL by his club side Canberra, Weyman was sent back to the Raiders feeder team, where he played before a couple of hundred fans at Meakin Park in suburban Brisbane. Who would have believed that just eight months later Weyman would be ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25538137-10389,00.html

From Souths Logan to Blues enforcer for reborn Dragon Michael Weyman
Dean Ritchie
May 26, 2009 12:00am

NEW South Wales State of Origin forward Michael Weyman finished last season playing for Souths Logan in the Queensland Cup.
Overlooked to play NRL by his club side Canberra, Weyman was sent back to the Raiders feeder team, where he played before a couple of hundred fans at Meakin Park in suburban Brisbane.

Who would have believed that just eight months later Weyman would be playing for NSW in the State of Origin series opener in Melbourne?

Weyman is one of three Dragons - the others being Justin Poore and Ben Creagh - chosen on the Blues interchange bench.

"It is amazing - it's difficult to get my head around," Weyman said last night.

The Raiders must still be depressed at watching Weyman walk out the door and move on to bigger, and certainly better, things.

Weyman and Poore actually played Australian Schoolboys together seven years ago.

They have worked brilliantly in tandem for the Dragons this season.

"I'm just happy playing footy this season," Weyman said.

NSW selectors chose veterans Luke Bailey and Brent Kite as the starting props, surprising former NSW prop Steve "Blocker" Roach.

"I don't know why they are going backward to go forward," Roach said last night. "Three years ago Queensland manhandled Luke Bailey.

"Why would they pick him when they've got the two young Saints props who work so well in tandem."

Creagh toured with the Kangaroos on the ill-fated 2005 Tri-Nations tour but has not played senior rep football since.

Poore will decide his future this week having received substantial offers from Parramatta and Cronulla.

 

[Google News]

Anthony Laffranchi overlooked but still a chance for NSW Origin ...

Anthony Laffranchi overlooked but still a chance for NSW Origin ...Courier Mail, AustraliaWests Tigers' British import Gareth Ellis has also been cited for dangerous contact from Friday night's loss to Brisbane but the NRL is awaiting a misconduct record from his time in Super League before confirming his points situation.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,25538350-10389,00.html

Anthony Laffranchi overlooked but still a chance for NSW Origin selection
Karl deKroo, Steve Ricketts
May 26, 2009 12:00am

TITANS and Test back-rower Anthony Laffranchi last night was a controversial omission from the New South Wales side for State of Origin I, but could yet earn a late reprieve with major doubts surrounding the inclusion of Paul Gallen and Glenn Stewart.

Selectors named Gallen at lock and resurgent Cowboys enforcer Luke O'Donnell in the second-row with Dragon Ben Creagh.

Manly's Glenn Stewart was named on the bench.

But Gallen, who was yesterday slugged with a $10,000 fine for racially vilifying Dragons forward Micky Paea, is in major doubt for the series opener after having an MRI scan on a shoulder injury sustained on Saturday night.

Stewart's place is also in jeopardy after the Manly lock was charged with a grade-one dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers during Sunday's match at Skilled Park.

He is facing a one-match suspension. Stewart must plead not guilty and fight the charge at a judiciary hearing tomorrow night to have any chance of playing.

He is expected to be represented by leading Sydney SC, Geoff Bellew.

O'Donnell's inclusion meant there was no place for Laffranchi, who played for the Kangaroos against New Zealand just three weeks ago.

On Sunday against Manly, Laffranchi made 43 tackles, a figure exceeded only by teammate Nathan Friend (47).

Laffranchi also topped the hit-ups for the match with 21, one more than teammate Luke Bailey and six more than his nearest Manly rival Anthony Watmough.

Titans football manager Scott Clark said Laffranchi was disappointed, especially as he is the incumbent Test back rower.

"He would have thought he was a good chance," Clark said."But there are a lot of good back rowers going for the NSW spot.

"Anthony started the season a bit slowly but his form in the last month has been excellent."

In other judiciary news, Parramatta centre Krisnan Inu is facing a two-game suspension after being charged with a grade-two dangerous throw. Even with an early plea Inu will miss two matches, while he risks a three-game ban if he opts to contest the charge.

Melbourne winger Anthony Quinn (contrary conduct) will get a one-match ban even if he enters an early guilty plea, while Stewart's Sea Eagles teammate Jason King has also been slapped with a dangerous contact charge but will avoid suspension with an early plea.

Canberra's Jarrod Croker (dangerous throw) and Sydney Rooster Willie Mason (knee lift) can also escape bans with an early plea.

Wests Tigers' British import Gareth Ellis has also been cited for dangerous contact from Friday night's loss to Brisbane but the NRL is awaiting a misconduct record from his time in Super League before confirming his points situation.

 

[ROB SHARK]

i had i high hopes for the sharks at the beginning of season and so far have provided nothing but disappointment, i hope the blues can give me something to cheer about.

I wouldnt get your hopes up too much.

 

[Google News]

Bellamy backs his inexperienced Blues to stand tall

Bellamy backs his inexperienced Blues to stand tallLIVENEWS.com.au, Australia... in line for his NSW debut, failed to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday. Lock Paul Gallen is also reportedly in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury suffered in the Sharks loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday. ...

Source: http://livenews.com.au/sport/bellamy-backs-his-inexperienced-blues-to-stand-tall/2009/5/26/207816

Bellamy backs his inexperienced Blues to stand tall
26 May 2009 12:56 PM
AAP

NSW State of Origin coach Craig Bellamy is confident his inexperienced Blues line-up has got what it takes to stop Queensland claiming an unprecedented fourth successive series win.

NSW selectors on Monday night named eight new faces in a fresh-looking side to face the Maroons in the series opener at Etihad Stadium on June 3.

There were few surprises with the most hotly-contested jersey, five eighth, going to Canberra's Terry Campese, who was preferred to Newcastle's Jarrod Mullen and Penrith's Luke Lewis.

"It's unbelievable," Campese, 24, told AAP.

"It is the best game of rugby league there is and to be selected in the side, there's no better feeling."

Newcastle's Kurt Gidley was named as fullback and captain while Penrith flyer Michael Jennings, Newcastle winger James McManus and St George Illawarra forward trio Ben Creagh, Justin Poore and Michael Weyman were all given debut call-ups.

Wests Tigers hooker Robbie Farah edged out Michael Ennis for his first Origin call up.

South Sydney utility Craig Wing earned a representative return after being named on the bench in place of Lewis, who was named 18th man.

Bellamy admitted the selectors had to take some risks if they were any chance of ending Queensland's reign of dominance.

"It is a team low on Origin experience but we want a team to get the job done and there are some guys in there for specific reasons and I am really excited about this side, " he said.

"All of those guys have been in really good form and hopefully they can get the job done, it is a really exciting time for us."

Lewis was named 18th man but Bellamy said the Panthers star would come into the side if Test backrower Glenn Stewart, also in line for his NSW debut, failed to beat a dangerous throw charge at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.

Lock Paul Gallen is also reportedly in doubt for the match with a shoulder injury suffered in the Sharks loss to St George Illawarra on Saturday.

Among the most controversial omissions were Test forwards Anthony Laffranchi and Anthony Watmough, but they could come back into contention if both Stewart and Gallen are ruled out.

Selector Bob McCarthy admitted it had been a tough call to leave them out.

"It was a tough choice, four weeks ago they were in the Australia side but everyone in this team is in form," McCarthy said.

"We think these guys are in form and there are at least 10 good backrowers - there's a lot of toughness in that backrow and a lot of strike.

McCarthy also said Farah was given the nod over Ennis because of his better all-round football ability.

"They are two different kind of footballers Robbie has a bit of football coming from dummy half whereas Ennis is a kind of Danny Buderus type - tough, made for State of Origin," he said.

Bellamy said he hoped Queensland may look at the inclusion of the exciting Jennings and in-form Jamie Lyon and Jarryd Hayne in his backline with some concern.

"We all know how strong Queensland's backline we've got to find ways to combat that but some of our players like Hayne, young Jennings and Jamie Lyon might give the Queensland backline something to worry about," he said.

A delighted Jennings said he couldn't wait to face the Maroons' star-studded backline.

"It's going to be a big challenge to take on those guys but we've got a really talented backlines ourselves," Jennings said.

Campese believed the inexperience of the side could even work in its favour.

"There are eight debutants so everyone will be very excited and there's a lot of young blokes there too, so there will be heaps of enthusiasm," Campese said.

The Blues suffered a slight scare when Gidley injured his knee in the Knights' 36-10 loss to North Queensland on Monday night, but the skipper played down the problem.