2009 State of Origin - Game I

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Gallen given until Friday to prove fitness

Gallen given until Friday to prove fitnessRugby League Live, AustraliaHowever Gallen is the only fitness concern for the game and Bellamy won't take any risks if the Cronulla forward doesn't show significant improvement before the weekend. "Gallen is a bit more serious. We will give him to until Friday or Saturday to see ...

Source: http://rugbyleaguelive.com.au/Articles/5214/2009/05/26/Gallen_given_until_Friday_to_prove_fitness.aspx

Gallen given until Friday to prove fitness
AAP
26/05/09

NSW forward Paul Gallen will be given until Friday to prove his fitness for next Wednesday's State of Origin opener with the lock struggling to overcome a shoulder injury.

Blues coach Craig Bellamy said Gallen must show signs of improvement in his shoulder injury otherwise he will be ruled out of the clash at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues will have their first training run later on Tuesday but Bellamy said there would be "five or six" players who will miss the session including skipper Kurt Gidley (knee).

However Gallen is the only fitness concern for the game and Bellamy won't take any risks if the Cronulla forward doesn't show significant improvement before the weekend.

"Gallen is a bit more serious. We will give him to until Friday or Saturday to see how he is," said Bellamy.

"If there is not too much improvement before Friday we will make a change.

"We will have a light run today and five or six won't train. By Friday and Saturday will be when we pick the intensity up. Hopefully he will be able to do some of that.

"If the medical staff are confident he can do contact by Monday and Tuesday we will stick with him. He is a pretty important part of our team."

Penrith's Luke Lewis will slot into the Blues 17-man squad if Gallen is ruled out, however the utility could earn his position much sooner with interchange forward Glenn Stewart to face the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.

"We are not overly confident," said Bellamy of Stewart's hearing.

"Manly is reasonably confident he can get off or they would not be going there. Glenn is very keen to play in this game. Hopefully they will have a good defence."



"If there is not too much improvement before Friday we will make a change".....Craig Bellamy, Blues coach

 

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NSW forward Glenn Stewart to fight dangerous throw charge at NRL ...

NSW forward Glenn Stewart to fight dangerous throw charge at NRL ...Courier Mail, AustraliaHowever Gallen is the only fitness concern for the game and Bellamy won't take any risks if the Cronulla forward doesn't show significant improvement before the weekend. "Gallen is a bit more serious. We will give him to until Friday or Saturday to see ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25540839-5003409,00.html

NSW forward Glenn Stewart to fight dangerous throw charge at NRL judiciary
May 26, 2009 02:37pm

BLUES forward Glenn Stewart will front the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night hoping to be cleared for Origin 1 while Paul Gallen has until Friday to prove his fitness.

Stewart has pleaded not guilty plea to a dangerous throw on Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers in Manly's narrow NRL loss to the Titans at Skilled Park on Sunday.

He is facing a one-match ban, which would rule him out of the Origin clash with Queensland at Etihad Stadium on June 3, unless he can beat the charge.

"We are not overly confident," NSW coach Craig Bellamy said of Stewart's hearing.

"Manly is reasonably confident he can get off or they would not be going there. Glenn is very keen to play in this game. Hopefully they will have a good defence."

Meanwhile fellow Blues forward Paul Gallen will be given until Friday to prove his fitness, with the lock struggling to overcome a shoulder injury.

Bellamy said Gallen must show signs of improvement in his shoulder injury otherwise he will be ruled out of the clash at Etihad Stadium.

The Blues will have their first training run later on Tuesday but Bellamy said there would be "five or six" players who will miss the session including skipper Kurt Gidley (knee).

<EDITED>

 

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NRL teams - hot off the wire! Round 12

NRL teams - hot off the wire! Round 12League Unlimited, AustraliaJeremy Latimore SHARKS: 1. Nathan Stapleton 2. Blake Ferguson 3. Matthew Wright 4. Reece Williams 5. Luke Covell 6. Trent Barrett 7. Scott Porter 8. Kade Snowden 9. Tony Caine 10. Johnny Mannah 11. Atelea Vea 12. Luke Douglas 13. ...

Source: http://www.leagueunlimited.com/article.php?newsid=17962

NRL teams - hot off the wire! Round 12
Written by: Phil Essam & Tim Costello
May 26, 2009 5:16pm

Round 12 National Rugby League: 29 May - 1 June 2009
National Rugby League teams, fixtures & referees for Round 12 2009

NSW Aussie Blues v XXXX Queensland Maroons
Wednesday 3 June 2009 20:00 - Etihad Stadium
Referees: Tony Archer & Shayne Hayne
Sideline Officials: Steve Chiddy & Jeff Younis
Video Referee: Bill Harrigan & Tim Mander

BLUES: 1. Kurt Gidley (c) 2. James McManus 3. Jamie Lyon 4. Michael Jennings 5. Jarryd Hayne 6. Terry Campese 7. Peter Wallace 8. Brent Kite 9. Robbie Farah 10. Luke Bailey 11. Ben Creagh 12. Luke O’Donnell 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Craig Wing 15. Justin Poore 16. Glenn Stewart 17. Michael Weyman; 18th Man: Luke Lewis
MAROONS: 1. Billy Slater 2. Darius Boyd 3. Greg Inglis 4. Justin Hodges 5. Israel Folau 6. Darren Lockyer (c) 7. Johnathan Thurston 8. Steven Price 9. Cameron Smith 10. Petero Civoniceva 11. Ashley Harrison 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Dallas Johnson
Interchange: 14. Karmichael Hunt 15. Ben Hannant 16. Nate Myles 17. Michael Crocker

<EDITED> Full article can be found here

 

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New South Wales stars in doubt for State-of-Origin opener

New South Wales stars in doubt for State-of-Origin openerMelbourne Herald Sun, AustraliaAnd Bellamy has injury concerns with his captain Kurt Gidley, who hurt his knee playing for Newcastle on Monday night, while Cronulla captain Paul Gallen will not train with the Blues until Friday because of a shoulder injury. The experienced trio are ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/nrl/story/0,27074,25543932-14823,00.html

New South Wales stars in doubt for State-of-Origin opener
Russell Gould with AAP
May 27, 2009 12:00am

INJURIES and a possible suspension could rob New South Wales coach Craig Bellamy of three experienced players for next Wednesday's State-of-Origin opener.

Manly back-rower Glenn Stewart will fight his charge for a dangerous throw tomorrow night at the NRL judiciary in order to escape the one-game suspension that could keep him out of the match.

And Bellamy has injury concerns with his captain Kurt Gidley, who hurt his knee playing for Newcastle on Monday night, while Cronulla captain Paul Gallen will not train with the Blues until Friday because of a shoulder injury.

The experienced trio are crucial parts of Bellamy's side, which will include eight Origin debutants.

While confident Gidley would be OK, Bellamy is not sure Stewart or Gallen will be available to play.

"Our medical people seem to think Kurt will be no problems," Bellamy said.

"I'm not overly confident (about Stewart). Manly is reasonably confident he can get off, and Glenn is very keen to play. Fingers crossed. (Gallen) is a little bit more serious. We will probably give him until Friday or Saturday just to see how he is improving."

Penrith's Luke Lewis is with the team and would come in for Stewart or Gallen, while Bellamy said back-rowers Anthony Watmough and Anthony Laffranchi will be considered if need be.

While Gallen struggles with injury, Queensland centre Justin Hodges says the Australian Test forward should face tougher punishment than a $10,000 fine for racial vilification and questioned whether he should be allowed to play in the opener.

Hodges said Gallen had been let off lightly for allegedly racially vilifying St George Illawarra's Mickey Paea at Toyota Park on Saturday night.

"Maybe he probably might need a tougher penalty than that," Hodges said.

 

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Gallen race row fires up Maroons

Gallen race row fires up MaroonsBrisbane Times, AustraliaQUEENSLAND'S indigenous stars have backed the NRL's tough stance on racism in the wake of Cronulla and NSW rep Paul Gallen's $10000 fine. There was a predictable split along colour lines yesterday - maroon and blue rather than black and white - when it ...

Source: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/league/gallen-race-row-fires-up-maroons-20090527-bmdj.html

Gallen race row fires up Maroons
Glenn Jackson in Melbourne With Jamie Pandaram and Jacquelin Magnay
May 27, 2009 - 12:20AM

QUEENSLAND'S indigenous stars have backed the NRL's tough stance on racism in the wake of Cronulla and NSW rep Paul Gallen's $10,000 fine.

There was a predictable split along colour lines yesterday - maroon and blue rather than black and white - when it came to the criticism of Gallen over his alleged indiscretion.

While NSW's Polynesian players said they did not have any problem taking the field alongside Gallen after he was fined for allegedly racially abusing Dragon Mickey Paea last Saturday night, Maroons centre Justin Hodges said the league could have come down even harder on the Sharks skipper.

"It [racial abuse] should be squashed out of the game altogether," Hodges said. "They probably need a tougher penalty than that ? it's something that needs to be stamped out of the game forever. There's no need for that in the game."

That sentiment was echoed by Greg Inglis, the Queensland and Melbourne centre. "It shouldn't happen in our game," Inglis said. "What happens if one of us turns around and calls a white fella a white 'c'? What's going to happen then? We don't want to get this game out of control."

And Petero Civoniceva, who was at the centre of a racism row last year after a Parramatta fan called him a "monkey", said officials had a duty to act.

"The NRL had to step in there and I'm glad they did," Civoniceva said. "Obviously it's something that I don't want as a part of our game and I'm happy with the course of action that they've taken. You have to make a stand on it ? and hopefully this'll show all players that kind of stuff is not wanted in our game."

Amid the outcry though, there was reason for optimism, with many players saying they had never been racially abused on the NRL field, while Civoniceva, in his 12th NRL season, said the proliferation of comments had diminished over time.

"It's probably something that doesn't feature in our game any more," Civoniceva said. "But if it does rear its head, players now know that there's going to be ramifications."

Maroons coach Mal Meninga praised the NRL for acting "quickly and strongly". "Paul Gallen's a decent bloke off the field, but in the heat of battle he becomes a very aggressive beast and he's very competitive," Meninga said. "He wants to win all the time and then obviously, regretfully at times, you say some things that you're not very proud of."

Saying he hoped Gallen would feel embarrassment and guilt, Meninga said "society demands that there's no racial vilification".

"There's no racism at all tolerated. I played in an era when it was tolerated ? He crossed the line on this occasion, but I think he'll be forgiven," Meninga said, maintaining he did not believe Gallen was racist.

Gallen refused to comment on the matter yesterday, while his Blues teammates reacted more lightheartedly than the Queenslanders. Prop Brent Kite, who has a Tongan mother, admitted he shared a joke with Gallen about the episode at Sydney Airport when they shook hands yesterday morning.

"I said, 'Are we going to have a problem mate?' just stirring him up. It was the first thing I said to him," Kite said. "From what I hear, it was quickly forgiven by Mickey, so if he's willing to get on with it, I am."

Centre Michael Jennings added: "They've sorted it out, so it's got nothing to do with me."

Blues coach Craig Bellamy was tight-lipped about the potential impact the allegations would have on Gallen. Asked whether the lock's head was right, Bellamy said: "His head's on his shoulders, so that's always a plus."

Gallen is far from guaranteed a start next Wednesday, regardless of the racism row. The back-rower is battling a shoulder injury. Bellamy said he would give the embattled Shark until Friday to prove his fitness.

Meanwhile, Gallen's fate as Cronulla captain will be left to coach Ricky Stuart but the matter still had not been discussed by club officials last night.

"[It] hasn't been a discussion point yet," a Sharks spokesman said. "Once we receive the breach notice it might be a board discussion but ultimately it's going to be a decision for Ricky."

Gallen has five business days to respond to the NRL breach notice, which was formally issued yesterday.

 

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Dragons props to take up charge

Dragons props to take up chargeIllawara Mercury, AustraliaBY TIM BARROW They are the fearsome front-row tag team that have swept all before them in the NRL this season. Now inseparable Dragons hardmen Michael Weyman and Justin Poore are charged with the task of taking on the best in the business - Queensland ...

Source: http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/dragons-props-to-take-up-charge/1523728.aspx

Dragons props to take up charge
BY TIM BARROW
27/05/2009 4:00:00 AM

They are the fearsome front-row tag team that have swept all before them in the NRL this season.

Now inseparable Dragons hardmen Michael Weyman and Justin Poore are charged with the task of taking on the best in the business - Queensland and Australian props Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price in State of Origin I next Wednesday.

The pair travelled to Melbourne yesterday morning where they joined the rest of the NSW squad in camp at Werribee.

NSW coach Craig Bellamy selected both of them on the Blues bench in the hope of recreating the devastating impact they have for the Dragons in the Origin battle at Etihad Stadium.

"We're here today because the team has been playing well," Poore said from Melbourne yesterday.

"If I'm not taking the ball up, it's Mick, or the other forwards, or big Dell or someone else, all the boys have put in.

"Mick has done the hard yards this year and I'm pretty happy to be selected in the team with him.

"I'm ecstatic to be here, it's great that it's all fallen into place.

"I'm just stoked and hopefully I can do a job next week."

With Dragons team-mate Ben Creagh winning a place in the starting line-up, Poore and Weyman now form a heavyweight front-row combination with Port Kembla-bred Gold Coast prop Luke Bailey and Manly's Brent Kite.

After being named in the 40-man preliminary squad last month, it appeared Poore's star was fading as he battled a thumb injury and was only chosen on the bench for Country Origin.

But that all changed when Poore produced two sensational efforts against the Bulldogs and Sharks to barge the selection door down.

Poore said: "To be totally honest I didn't really think of (Origin).

"I still got 50 minutes (for Country) and the Dragons are going well, so I wasn't sure."

His representative call-up comes as Poore faces one of the biggest decisions of his career, with Parramatta and the embattled Sharks making big money offers to steal him from the Dragons.

While Poore's rise to prominence has been a steady progression over the past two seasons, Weyman's NSW selection is nothing short of remarkable.

Last year Weyman struggled for form and fitness at Canberra, spending much of the year in the Queensland Cup.

But the move to Wollongong this year has given the Moruya junior a new lease of life.

Both 24, Poore and Weyman are close friends, playing Australian Schoolboys together in 2002.

However, Poore admitted his bond with the man known as "Horse" had its moments.

"I enjoy my time away from big Michael," Poore said, with Weyman standing just metres away.

"I can't get rid of him, he turns up at my place and I have to get my missus to tell him I've gone out just to get some peace.

"He's always stalking me."

 

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New blood means new hope for NSW

New blood means new hope for NSWThe Roar, AustraliaAnd despite plying his trade in a struggling Cronulla Sharks side, Paul Gallen has shown enough individually this season to see him retain his spot in the Blues second row. Cowboys forward Luke O'Donnell also makes a return to the representative arena, ...

Source: http://www.theroar.com.au/2009/05/27/new-blood-means-new-hope-for-nsw/

New blood means new hope for NSW
By Alan Nicolea
27-May-2009

Eight Origin debutants will be charged with guiding a revamped NSW side to their first series victory against Queensland since 2005. It was the only way to go.

The NSW selectors have finally come to terms with the current crisis the Blues find themselves in, and have selected a team, that at last, should wake NSW up from its three year slumber.

The blooding of inform players such as James McManus, Michael Jennings, Ben Creagh, Michael Weyman, Justin Poore, Terry Campese, Robbie Farah and Glenn Stewart should provide NSW with the attacking spark necessary to really trouble the Maroons this series.

The entire Blues line-up provides a unique blend of toughness and flare that has not been apparent in the past three seasons.

Fullback and captain Kurt Gidley is as tough as they come, while Knights team-mate McManus is also a courageous customer that plays much in the same vein as Storm winger Anthony Quinn when in form.

The centre pairing of Jamie Lyon and Michael Jennings is easily NSW’s most potent partnership in years, considering both possess the capabilities to change the course of a game with a brilliant offload or raw speed.

Terry Campese and Peter Wallace provide the Blues with a halves combination that will ensure quality ball movement, and a flawless kicking game, that on form, is currently more precise than that of Maroon halves Darren Lockyer and Johnathon Thurston.

Campese and Wallace will have the necessary time and space to imply their respective games, courtesy of a very talented, and mobile NSW forward pack.

The inclusion of Dragons second rower Ben Creagh has been long overdue by the selectors, but it is one that should no doubt reap dividends based on his present form.

And despite plying his trade in a struggling Cronulla Sharks side, Paul Gallen has shown enough individually this season to see him retain his spot in the Blues second row.

Cowboys forward Luke O’Donnell also makes a return to the representative arena, thanks mainly to his great form over the past three weeks that has seen his club register three wins on the trot leading into their bye.

Arguably the most contested position in the NSW line-up was at hooker, where Michael Ennis, Issac De Gois and Robbie Farah were all in the running for selection.

In the end, the selectors opted for Farah in a decision that was, ultimately, the correct one, given the attacking prowess the Tigers captain has shown, not just this season, but throughout his career.

The interchange bench for NSW is also very impressive.

Craig Wing was at his dynamic best when he played for City earlier this season, while he has also displayed consistent form for the Rabbitohs.

Dragons duo Justin Poore and Michael Weyman are arguably the top two props in the NRL at the moment, and one feels these two could provide NSW with that extra bit of muscle that could just help wrestle Origin supremacy away from QLD.

 

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Mick's Moruya's first true Blue

Mick's Moruya's first true BlueBatemans Bay Post Star, AustraliaEspecially proud is Weyman's father, Moruya Sharks legend Ack Weyman. “He's stoked, he's so happy,” Amber said. “He's even happier that he has done it playing for the Dragons, because he is a Dragons fan.” Batemans Bay's Ben Cross, who made his Origin ...

Source: http://moruya.yourguide.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/micks-moruyas-first-true-blue/1524826.aspx

Mick’s Moruya’s first true Blue
BY JOSH GIDNEY AND TIM BARROW
27/05/2009 3:01:00 PM

Moruya has produced its first State of Origin player with the selection of St George Illawarra star Michael Weyman in the NSW team to take on Queensland in Melbourne on Wednesday next week.
Weymans’s rise in 2009 has been nothing short of astounding, and his form for the Dragons has been impossible for the selectors to ignore.

He has scored a spot on the bench, and he will be feeling right at home with fellow Dragons players Ben Creagh and Justin Poore in the team.

Weyman played only 47 first grade games in his six seasons in Canberra, but has flourished under Wayne Bennett and is a big part of the Dragons’ 2009 success.

“Poorey and Horse (Weyman) are in career-best form - they’re two of the best front-rowers going around and I’m sure they’re equally excited (to be named),” Creagh said.

Back in Moruya, Weyman’s family are understandably delighted at his selection.

“He’s done so well this year and it’s all good,” sister Amber Weyman said.

“The news was leaked early out west, so we had relatives ringing up from Canberra, Orange and Cowra.”

Especially proud is Weyman’s father, Moruya Sharks legend Ack Weyman.

“He’s stoked, he’s so happy,” Amber said.

“He’s even happier that he has done it playing for the Dragons, because he is a Dragons fan.”

Batemans Bay’s Ben Cross, who made his Origin debut last year, had simple advice for Weyman.

“My advice would be just to enjoy it,” he said.

“It may be the pinnacle of rugby league, and exceed the quality of international matches, but in the end, it is just a game of footy. The reason he is there, and Craig (NSW coach Craig Bellamy) will tell him this, is what he has been doing at club level, and if he does that he’ll be right.”

 

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Laffranchi in late Origin call-up - Gold Coast News

Laffranchi in late Origin call-upGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.au, Australia... of Blues interchange forward Glenn Stewart by the NRL judiciary last night. Penrith's Luke Lewis comes into the starting 17 for Stewart, while Laffranchi is on standby for Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, who is in doubt with a shoulder injury. ...

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/05/28/82991_gold-coast-titans.html

Laffranchi in late Origin call-up
Luke Turgeon
May 28th, 2009

TITANS back rower Anthony Laffranchi has today been called into the NSW State of Origin squad as 18th man for Game I in Melbourne on Wednesday.

After originally being overlooked, the Australian Test forward answered an SOS following the suspension of Blues interchange forward Glenn Stewart by the NRL judiciary last night.

Penrith's Luke Lewis comes into the starting 17 for Stewart, while Laffranchi is on standby for Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, who is in doubt with a shoulder injury.

Glenn Stewart had been one of eight new faces in the Blues side, but he and his representative Geoff Bellew were unable to convince the three-man judiciary panel - which included former NSW backrower Brad Clyde - that Sea Eagles teammate Shane Rodney was to blame for the tackle which sent Gold Coast five-eighth Mat Rogers plummeting to the ground head first.

``I'm very disappointed with the result, but there's not much I can do about it,'' a dejected Stewart said following the hearing.

``I just want to wish the rest of the boys all the best for game one and look forward to my chances for the rest of the series.''

The biggest winner out of the decision was no doubt Penrith utility Lewis, who played the last of his three matches for NSW way back in 2004.

``We are all really disappointed for Glenn, he's a great bloke and we will miss him in the camp,'' Lewis said.

``It's not the way you want to get a start but I am excited to be playing and I plan to make the most of the opportunity.''

 

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Laffranchi in late Origin call-up - Gold Coast News

Laffranchi in late Origin call-upGold Coast News - goldcoast.com.au, Australia... of Blues interchange forward Glenn Stewart by the NRL judiciary last night. Penrith's Luke Lewis comes into the starting 17 for Stewart, while Laffranchi is on standby for Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, who is in doubt with a shoulder injury. ...

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/05/28/82991_gold-coast-titans.html


PLAY State of Origin game: Cane toads v Cockroaches

 

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New-look Luke Lewis back for the Blues

New-look Luke Lewis back for the BluesBrisbane Times, AustraliaStewart was ruled out of Origin I at Etihad Stadium after being suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary. By Lewis's reckoning, he had been named 18th man for NSW four times since 2004 - and twice for Australia - without ...

Source: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/newlook-luke-lewis-back-for-the-blues-20090528-bobt.html

New-look Luke Lewis back for the Blues
John Salvado
May 28, 2009 - 3:19PM

It will be a very different Luke Lewis who returns to the NSW State of Origin lineup on Wednesday after a five-year absence.

Back in 2004, Lewis weighed in at just 89kg and played his football mostly on the wing or in the centres.

The versatile Penrith star now tips the scales at 102kg and will likely slot in at lock against Queensland after taking the luckless Glenn Stewart's spot on the bench.

"The game has changed a bit, it's very hard to get the ball in the centres at the moment unless they're firing the ball out there," said Lewis.

"I'm really enjoying playing lock and in the middle of the field.

"I probably never thought I'd be there, but I'm enjoying it."

Stewart was ruled out of Origin I at Etihad Stadium after being suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary.

By Lewis's reckoning, he had been named 18th man for NSW four times since 2004 - and twice for Australia - without getting the final call-up.

Until now.

And he was quick to pay tribute to Stewart, who gave him plenty of encouragement and advice in the last few days.

"He was pretty good to me at the start of the week giving me a heads-up and that helped me mentally," Lewis said on Thursday at Skilled Stadium, the home ground of AFL club Geelong.

"I've just been trying to prepare for the game as much as I can.

"I appreciate it heaps. Glenn's an unreal bloke and the way he handled everything was really good.

"He just said `prepare to play' and gave me a good indication of how to prepare and that's probably just the experience coming through and helping me out."

Having spent so long on the representative sidelines in recent times, Lewis plans to keep it simple against the star-studded Maroons, who are chasing a record fourth straight series victory.

"I just want to go out and rip in for the guys I'm playing next to," he said.

"Do everything I possibly can, try and play tough and hard and bring something to the team, anything really.

"So long as I can do my best and help out the bloke beside me, I'm happy."

He attributes his change of luck at the NSW selection table to the recent good form shown by the Panthers, who sit fourth on the NRL table.

"Full credit to my team out at Penrith, all the boys that helped me get here," he said.

"We're playing goody footy and the forward pack is going well.

"If you're playing good footy some of your players get recognised."

Queensland forward Ben Hannant said NSW would lose nothing with the inclusion of Lewis.

"There's no better backrower in the competition at the moment than Luke Lewis," he said.

Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi is the Blues' new 18th man.

Paul Gallen is the biggest fitness concern for NSW, with the Cronulla lock still struggling with a shoulder injury.

In other news, five-eighth Terry Campese said being named in the NSW team was the highlight of his career to date and he was now looking forward to the huge challenge of taking on champion Queensland five-eighth Darren Lockyer.

Campese will be one of eight Blues making his Origin debut on Wednesday night.

"I'm excited to go out there and play against him on such a big occasion," said the Canberra playmaker.

"He's probably one of the best five-eighths to ever play the game and I'm excited by the challenge."

 

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Origin replacement praises Stewart

Origin replacement praises StewartSky News Australia, AustraliaLewis came into the Blues' lineup after Stewart was suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary. Lewis was on the wing in 2004 when he played the last of his three Origins. Having put on 13kg in the intervening years, ...

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/article.aspx?id=336637

Origin replacement praises Stewart
Updated: 19:49, May 28, 2009

Penrith's Luke Lewis has paid tribute to Glenn Stewart after replacing the suspended Manly backrower on the NSW bench for the opening State of Origin clash.

Lewis came into the Blues' lineup after Stewart was suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary.

Lewis was on the wing in 2004 when he played the last of his three Origins.

Having put on 13kg in the intervening years, he is set to slot in at lock for Origin I at Etihad Stadium.

Lewis said Stewart had given him plenty of advice and support since he was listed as 18th man when the NSW team was announced on Monday night.

'He was pretty good to me at the start of the week, giving me a heads-up and that helped me mentally,' Lewis said on Thursday at Skilled Stadium, the home ground of AFL club Geelong.

'I've just been trying to prepare for the game as much as I can.

'I appreciate it heaps. Glenn's an unreal bloke and the way he handled everything was really good.

'He just said prepare to play and gave me a good indication of how to prepare and that's probably just the experience coming through and helping me out.'

Meanwhile, Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi has been called into the NSW State of Origin rugby league camp as 18th man following the suspension of Test lock Stewart.

Laffranchi, dumped from the NSW team despite starting for Australia in the Test win over New Zealand earlier this month, will join the Blues in camp at Werribee later on Thursday as the new 18th man.

Lock Paul Gallen is the biggest fitness concern for NSW, with the Cronulla forward still struggling with a shoulder injury.

He has until Friday to prove his fitness with Laffranchi on standby to come into the side.

 

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Terry Campese's made it own merits

Terry Campese's made it own meritsCourier Mail, AustraliaI've taken more interest since I was away as a backs coach for the Sharks in South Africa. Do I like watching him play? It's interesting. For the last couple of years, the coaches at the Raiders have never given him much of a chance. ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/sport/nrl/story/0,26746,25553905-5016374,00.html

Terry Campese's made it on own merits
By David Campese
May 29, 2009 12:00am

TERRY and I have never been really close but like the rest of the family I'm proud of what he has achieved - especially with him about to play State of Origin for NSW.

I admit it wouldn't be easy for him to carry the Campese name. It's a different code, but I can imagine it's tough.

I spoke to him when he first started to play under-20s and he said he gets sledged because of it. I don't know if he's still copping it, but he's in this side on his own merits.

Terry is the son of my younger sister, Lisa, but I haven't always had the opportunity to advise him. When he started to play I took an interest but not a lot. I had things to do. I'm married with two kids and have a business.

I do remember him playing rugby at school, especially when he trialled for Australian Schoolboys. And if I remember correctly, one of the coaches from Queensland never liked him, that's why he played league. It is rugby's loss.

Still, I'd like to think he knows I've always been here to offer advice. It's not commonly known, but a few years ago he had a chance to play league in England.

I thought he should go to get out of Queanbeyan, otherwise he would stay there for the rest of his life. He was young and could come back with more experience.

I've taken more interest since I was away as a backs coach for the Sharks in South Africa. Do I like watching him play? It's interesting. For the last couple of years, the coaches at the Raiders have never given him much of a chance. They've been fart-arsing him around. But I thought he was playing very well towards the end of last year. Now, he's made a name for himself he has to continually prove himself. People watch him closely.

We've been speaking regularly since I moved back from Durban five months ago. My knowledge of league isn't great, but the game's always been in the family. From under-8s to under-16s, I represented the ACT in every rugby league representative side available. Yes, I was a mungo. Rugby league and union aren't difficult games. Coaches make them difficult.

I watched his game against the Storm and, let's face it, it wasn't great. I rang Terry and said: "You have to start mixing it up. Everyone knows what you're going to do. Why don't you get in the 22m, fake to kick and have someone running short off the outside of you? If you're going to shape to kick, they're all ready to run."

He said someone scored off that play from the next game.

Now he's arrived at this level, Terry has to step up. Everyone knows what he can do. But he has to take it to the next level. That's the difference between a good player and a great player. Darren Lockyer is a great player. You have to watch him because you don't know what he's going to do next. Terry has to become that kind of player.

He's also discussed with me his contract negotiations at the Raiders. I'm not going to get involved with that because I find it difficult.

The only thing I've been talking to him about are opportunities after he retires.

What I have said is to enjoy it. Forget about professionalism. The reason why you play the sport is because you love the sport. If he wants to stay at Canberra, stay there. But tell them: "If you're not going to look after me, I have to go."

He told me some rugby guys were sniffing around and he was offered the chance to go to Japan. I said no to that one straight away. The language is a joke and they only play 10 games a year. I rang a friend of mine in Italy and there were opportunities there, but I know Terry wants to stay in Canberra. I said when he's near the end of his career and if he wants to head overseas, let me know.

But there's is no way I will say, "Rugby's after you - you should do it".

 

[Google News]

'Cheap-shot merchant' Weyman earns Bailey's approval

'Cheap-shot merchant' Weyman earns Bailey's approvalSydney Morning Herald, AustraliaBlues doctor Dave Givney said the Cronulla back-rower had improved significantly over recent days and continued to have physiotherapy yesterday while the rest of his teammates were given a day off training. "We weren't overly confident before, ...

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/lhqnews/cheapshot-merchant-weyman-earns-baileys-approval/2009/05/28/1243456684110.html

'Cheap-shot merchant' Weyman earns Bailey's approval
Glenn Jackson
May 29, 2009

LAST year he labelled him a liability and a cheap-shot merchant, but this week NSW prop Luke Bailey has called a halt to hostilities with his new front-row partner Michael Weyman in the name of securing victory in Melbourne next Wednesday night.

Bailey was heavily critical of Weyman after he was sent off for punching Titan Daniel Conn during his Canberra playing days a year ago. The Gold Coast captain admitted he broke bread with Weyman at the recent briefing for members of the NSW preliminary squad following his comments, which were aimed at the actions of Weyman but also his ability as a footballer. Calling Weyman's hit on Conn - which resulted in a six-match suspension - a "cheap shot" and a "king hit", Bailey said last April: "He has a brain snap whenever he gets tired, which happens quite regularly. He's only good for five to 10 minutes of the game. He always costs them [Canberra] more than he pleases them."

But yesterday, Bailey said he had changed his opinion after Weyman's impressive form since he joined St George Illawarra led to him earning a spot on the NSW bench. "I gave him a bit of a blast year, but he turned out to be an Origin player," Bailey said. "It's great for him. I had a chat to him at the 40-man squad, and there's no ill feeling there. I said to him there's no hard feelings. It's sweet.

"He's a gentle country bloke. Off the field, he's a pretty different man. He's pretty relaxed and laid back, and the boys at the Dragons who I talk to quite regularly say he loves his training and is training the house down. Full respect to him.

"What I said [last year], I don't apologise for that, but I applaud the bloke for what he's done. He's turned it around, along with [Dragons coach] Wayne Bennett, and he's turned out to be probably the form forward of the competition over the first nine rounds."

Bailey's incendiary comments had the potential to drive a wedge between two NSW players ahead of a critical Origin match. "I did fire up a bit, because I had a teammate that was smashed, but he had his reasons," Bailey said. "He copped it on the chin, he didn't argue back - he just went about doing his business. I think he apologised [ to Conn] and now, a year later, he's going to debut for NSW. It's worked out well."

Weyman, 24, an impressive but injury-prone player, was less expansive when asked about his conversations with Bailey. "That was last year," Weyman said. "That's forgotten about. Let it go."

Both players will have critical roles for the Blues, charged with stopping the Queensland go-forward which would enable their star-studded back line to fire. Bailey admitted Maroons props Petero Civoniceva and Steve Price were "like wine - they're just getting better with age". "They have that self confidence, they know what's needed to be done," he said. "There's talk they might be too old or too slow but, knowing those blokes, if they felt they couldn't do it, they wouldn't put their hand up.

"They know they've got their best football ahead of them. But enough rapping them. We've just got to give ourselves a chance and hold onto the ball. The last couple of years, their forwards have made a lot more metres than we have. It's just a matter of stopping that, playing together as a team [and] hunting as a pack."

Whether that pack includes lock Paul Gallen remains uncertain, although the Sharks skipper is expected to have his first run with the side today. He will, however, continue to avoid contact work as he attempts to recover from a shoulder injury.

Blues doctor Dave Givney said the Cronulla back-rower had improved significantly over recent days and continued to have physiotherapy yesterday while the rest of his teammates were given a day off training.

"We weren't overly confident before, but he's going quite well now," Givney said.

Test back-rower Anthony Laffranchi, who missed out on an original spot in the squad named on Monday night, was brought in as the new 18th man yesterday after Luke Lewis replaced the suspended Glenn Stewart on the bench.

 

[Google News]

Lewis is back as a NSW forward

Lewis is back as a NSW forwardThe Canberra Times, AustraliaStewart was ruled out of Origin I at Docklands after being suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary. By Lewis's reckoning, he had been named 18th man for NSW four times since 2004 and twice for Australia without getting the ...

Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/sport/lewis-is-back-as-a-nsw-forward/1526452.aspx

Lewis is back as a NSW forward
BY JOHN SALVADO
29/05/2009 12:00:00 AM

It will be a very different Luke Lewis who returns to the NSW State of Origin lineup on Wednesday after a five-year absence.

Back in 2004, Lewis weighed in at 89kg and played his football mostly on the wing or in the centres.

The versatile Penrith star now tips the scales at 102kg and will likely slot in at lock against Queensland after taking the luckless Glenn Stewart's spot on the bench.

''The game has changed a bit, it's very hard to get the ball in the centres at the moment unless they're firing the ball out there,'' Lewis said.

''I'm really enjoying playing lock and in the middle of the field.

''I probably never thought I'd be there, but I'm enjoying it.''

Stewart was ruled out of Origin I at Docklands after being suspended for one match for a dangerous throw by the NRL judiciary.

By Lewis's reckoning, he had been named 18th man for NSW four times since 2004 and twice for Australia without getting the final call-up. Until now.

And he was quick to pay tribute to Stewart, who gave him plenty of encouragement and advice in the past few days.

''He was pretty good to me at the start of the week giving me a heads-up and that helped me mentally,'' Lewis said yesterday at Skilled Stadium, the home ground of AFL club Geelong, where the Blues and Cats lightly trained together.

''I've just been trying to prepare for the game as much as I can.

''I appreciate it heaps. Glenn's an unreal bloke and the way he handled everything was really good.

''He just said 'prepare to play' and gave me a good indication of how to prepare and that's probably just the experience coming through and helping me out.''

Having spent so long on the representative sidelines in recent times, Lewis plans to keep it simple against the star-studded Maroons, who are chasing a record fourth straight series victory.

''I just want to go out and rip in for the guys I'm playing next to,'' he said. ''Do everything I possibly can, try and play tough and hard and bring something to the team, anything really. So long as I can do my best and help out the bloke beside me, I'm happy.''

He attributes his change of luck at the NSW selection table to the recent good form shown by the Panthers, who sit fourth on the NRL table.

''Full credit to my team out at Penrith, all the boys that helped me get here,'' he said.

''We're playing goody footy and the forward pack is going well.

''If you're playing good footy some of your players get recognised.''

Gold Coast forward Anthony Laffranchi is the Blues' new 18th man.

Paul Gallen is the biggest fitness concern for NSW, with the Cronulla lock still struggling with a shoulder injury.

Queensland forward Ben Hannant said NSW would lose nothing with the inclusion of Lewis.

''There's no better backrower in the competition at the moment than Luke Lewis,'' he said.

But Hannant questioned how NSW's rookie front-rowers Justin Poore and Michael Weyman would handle the added physicality and speed of Origin football.

Hannant played all three games off the bench last year and said it took him at least 10-20 minutes to adapt to the higher intensity.

''Origin football is a different game of football and we have to wait and see how they handle the pace and physical side of the game,'' Hannant said.

''It's definitely a lot faster and a lot more physical, but in saying that you definitely lift for these games and it brings out the best in all players. They're in form at the moment and we're going to have a tough job to handle them.''

 

[Google News]

Queensland v NSW Origin Preview

Queensland v NSW Origin PreviewNRL.COM, AustraliaThey also need to watch for his damaging runs from dummy-half – he's made 75 so far this season to top the NRL. Where it will be won: The forwards first. Then the backs. And the tactical kicking games of both sides – and not just those used in attack ...

Source: http://www.nrl.com/NewsViews/LatestNews/NewsArticle/tabid/10874/newsId/55103/Queensland-v-NSW-Origin-Preview/Default.aspx

Queensland v NSW Origin Preview
NRL.com
29 May 2009 11:10:00

Exclusive: Origin video preview
Queensland v New South Wales
Etihad Stadium
Wednesday 8pm

Queensland gets their chance to lay a concrete foundation on their bid for a record-making fourth straight series victory in Melbourne, with team selections on both sides of the border and Queensland’s tilt at Origin immortality generating more interest in Game One than any other game over the past decade.

No question this match-up has a bit of ‘ying’ and ‘yang’ about it.

In the Maroon corner lurks Mal Meninga’s all-Australian backline which, if you believe the press, is guaranteed unstoppable. It’s certainly taken some “heat” off their ageing – although it must be admitted still punchy – forward pack headed by 35-year-old Steven Price and 32-year-old Petero Civoniceva, a pack NSW will be desperate to get on top of from the kick-off.

In the Blues’ corner selectors have finally bitten the bullet and totally overhauled their squad with seven newcomers (it was eight originally before back-rower Glenn Stewart failed to beat his dangerous tackle charge at the judiciary). That includes Dragons’ props Michael Weyman and Justin Poore and their team-mate Ben Creagh, plus Wests Tigers hooker Roobie Farah in the engine room, while five-eighth Terry Campese, centre Michael Jennings and winger James McManus make their debuts in the backline.

Queensland (with no players on debut) will field an unrivalled set of backs, plenty are suggesting the Blues have the firepower in the engine room to even things out.

Coach watch: Mal Meninga has an impressive 66 per cent winning record from his nine games at the helm for Queensland. But this game looms as defining for NSW mentor Craig Bellamy who enters with a 1-2 record.

Watch out Queensland: Our tip is the opening 20 minutes will be as fierce as any opening stanza in the history of Origin, with NSW in particular looking to dominate the early exchanges in an effort to gain control of the ruck.

The key for the Blues will be to force their opponents backwards when defending and slow down the play-the-balls; this will limit the opportunities for playmakers Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston, who thrive when given good time to organise their troops while opposition defences are struggling to re-align. But when flustered? Like anyone, they can be forced into errors.

In attack NSW will look to gain a mountain of territory and give themselves good field position – and they have the ‘pig’ prop rotation to do it. To date Luke Bailey is making 142 metres a game, Michael Weyman 128, Justin Poore 116 and Brent Kite 104. Not to mention back-rowers Luke O’Donnell 125 metres, Ben Creagh 118 and Paul Gallen 141.

Watch out NSW: While the brilliant and creative Queensland backline threatens danger all around the park there are a few key areas the Blues can monitor.

The first is to watch out for Lockyer heading down the blindside, or switching the point of the attack down the short side. He’ll look to catch out Jennings in particular, who has a question mark over his defence; the youngster missed four tackles against the Sharks a fortnight ago.

Justin Hodges will use his strength and a big right-foot step to beat his man, so defenders on the inside will need to be attentive to ‘shut the gate’ and pick up any trailers looking for an offload.

The same applies for Inglis, although he likes to exploit blindsides with strength before offloading to the flanks.

Next, Billy Slater will run behind decoys in the Blues’ 30-metres zone, injecting himself as the second man to either take on the line or else suck in defenders and offload wide for wingers Folau and Boyd.

And Folau will be a go-to man in the air, so the Blues’ outside defenders need to swarm in numbers and legally shield their ball receivers as Folau chases. They also need to watch for his damaging runs from dummy-half – he’s made 75 so far this season to top the NRL.

Where it will be won: The forwards first. Then the backs. And the tactical kicking games of both sides – and not just those used in attack – will go a long way to determining a winner.

Whoever wins the battle up front will get good opportunities to post points – it then falls to the attacks to play their part.

Expect Robbie Farah (leading dummy-half line break exponent with six) and Cameron Smith (second behind Farah with three) to make plenty of inroads late in each half.

Both sides have superb kick returners. The Blues’ Kurt Gidley has made more overall runs than any other player in the NRL to date (210 times for a competition-high 1806 metres or 164 a game), while the Maroons’ Billie Slater (648 metres) and Darius Boyd (644 metres) are the best in the comp running the ball back from kicks.

Both camps need to make sure their kicks are mostly to space, to allow their defences time to group in the one line – or the dazzling array of talent on both sides of the park will let loose.

Also, look for the NSW kickers to go high on occasion to Billy Slater in general play – if the Melbourne custodian does have a weakness it’s his reliability under the high ball. Plus a good hang time will allow the kick-chasers the time to ensure they collar their man early.

The History: Played 84 (since 1980); NSW 40, Queensland 42, drawn 2. The Blues hold a 3-2 advantage over the Maroons in the five games played in Melbourne. Also, NSW have been victorious in Game I of a series on 15 occasions to Queensland’s 12.

Conclusion: It will be a fast, bruising and furious encounter. The match-ups across the park are stunning and it’s shaping as a game for the ages.

What’s certain is that both sides have players with specific strengths they will be looking to tap into.

Having selected new players like Creagh and Jennings, they’ll be looking for them to bring their unique skills to the party. For Creagh that means taking the ball one-off the ruck near the Maroons’ 10-metre line and carrying defenders as he takes giant strides for the line. For Jennings and Jarryd Hayne it means drawing on the explosive speed that has helped them each to a competition-high 12 line breaks.

Meanwhile Dallas Johnson will be called upon for the resolve that’s seen him notch more tackles than anyone else (515), Thurston will be a go-to man for line-break assists (11, tops in the NRL) and try assists (12, tops again).

We could go on, and we’ve missed plenty. But you get the picture.
Who will win? While Queensland deserve favouritism the Blues are in it up to their eyeballs. It doesn’t matter who you cheer for, we just know you’ll have plenty to cheer about.

Match officials: Referees – Tony Archer & Shayne Hayne; Sideline Officials – Steve Chiddy & Jeff Younis; Video Refs – Bill Harrigan and Tim Mander.

Televised: Channel Nine – Live from 7.30pm.

* Statistics: NRL Stats.

 

[rashark]

Origin at the leagues club

are they going to show soo1 at the leagues club?

 

[Google News]

Maroons' captains loom as an Origin ace

Maroons' captains loom as an Origin aceBrisbane Times, AustraliaThey have three players in charge of their NRL clubs - rookie hooker Robbie Farah, Newcastle's Kurt Gidley and Cronulla's Paul Gallen, who may yet be stripped of his captaincy in the fallout from his alleged racist remarks which have put him offside ...

Source: http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/breaking-news-sport/maroons-captains-loom-as-an-origin-ace-20090529-bq1f.html

Maroons' captains loom as an Origin ace
Wayne Heming
May 29, 2009 - 4:54PM

Queensland's elite "captains' club" could be its State of Origin ace card against an untested NSW side in next week's opening game of the series in Melbourne.

Apart from a massive edge in Origin experience across the park, the Maroons have five NRL club captains in their starting XIII who have shared in Origin, Test and premiership wins.

Darren Lockyer (Brisbane), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith), Steve Price (Warriors), Cameron Smith (Melbourne) and Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland) all captain their clubs.

It's a leadership brainstrust which between them boast 1,137 NRL games, 103 Origins and 124 Tests for Australia.

The Blues can't come within cooee of matching Queensland's leadership experience given their side for game one next Wednesday night contains seven rookies.

They have three players in charge of their NRL clubs - rookie hooker Robbie Farah, Newcastle's Kurt Gidley and Cronulla's Paul Gallen, who may yet be stripped of his captaincy in the fallout from his alleged racist remarks which have put him offside with some of his own teammates.

Prop Luke Bailey is co-captain of the Gold Coast with halfback Scott Prince.

Even including Bailey's record, the Blues leadership group can only muster 553 NRL games, 23 Origins and 15 Tests between them.

Another interesting statistic to note is the combined career winning average of Queensland's 17 players is up from 58.4 per cent from game three last year to 61.5 per cent while NSW have dropped from 56.2 per cent to 51.5 per cent.

Queensland's big-game experience may not guarantee them a win.

But it gives them an advantage should the result be in the balance in the crucial final minutes.

Shooting for an unprecedented fourth straight series win, Queensland can also claim a decided edge in the key 7-6-9-1 battle with Thurston (12 games), Lockyer (27 games), Smith (16) and Billy Slater (8) all having played Origin together.

In comparison, their inexperienced opponents, Peter Wallace (two games), Terry Campese (0), Farah (0) and Gidley (4) have a week to hone a winning combination.

"We can gel pretty quickly, it's important we do," said Brisbane No.7 Wallace, who has reclaimed his Origin jumper after missing last year's decider.

A shock selection for the opening game last year, Wallace took to Origin like a duck to water after a crash course from former halfback great Andrew Johns.

"I got the call late. I just got chucked in last year, it was all a bit rushed," he said.

"I played pretty well with Robbie (Farah) for City Origin and I'm sure we'll pick things up quickly.

"He's very good at getting forwards going forward and I just play off the back of that."

Wallace says going up against Lockyer will be a highlight.

"I was hoping to play against him last year because of the challenge he presents but he was injured," he said.

 

[Google News]

Queensland's captains loom as an Origin ace

Queensland's captains loom as an Origin aceRugby League Live, AustraliaThey have three players in charge of their NRL clubs - rookie hooker Robbie Farah, Newcastle's Kurt Gidley and Cronulla's Paul Gallen, who may yet be stripped of his captaincy in the fallout from his alleged racist remarks which have put him offside ...

Source: http://rugbyleaguelive.com.au/Articles/5267/2009/05/29/Queenslands_captains_loom_as_an_Origin_ace.aspx

Queensland's captains loom as an Origin ace
AAP
29/05/09

Queensland's elite "captains' club" could be its State of Origin ace card against an untested NSW side in next week's opening game of the series in Melbourne.

Apart from a massive edge in Origin experience across the park, the Maroons have five NRL club captains in their starting XIII who have shared in Origin, Test and premiership wins.

Darren Lockyer (Brisbane), Petero Civoniceva (Penrith), Steve Price (Warriors), Cameron Smith (Melbourne) and Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland) all captain their clubs.

It's a leadership brainstrust which between them boast 1,137 NRL games, 103 Origins and 124 Tests for Australia.

The Blues can't come within cooee of matching Queensland's leadership experience given their side for game one next Wednesday night contains seven rookies.

They have three players in charge of their NRL clubs - rookie hooker Robbie Farah, Newcastle's Kurt Gidley and Cronulla's Paul Gallen, who may yet be stripped of his captaincy in the fallout from his alleged racist remarks which have put him offside with some of his own teammates.

Prop Luke Bailey is co-captain of the Gold Coast with halfback Scott Prince.

Even including Bailey's record, the Blues leadership group can only muster 553 NRL games, 23 Origins and 15 Tests between them.

Another interesting statistic to note is the combined career winning average of Queensland's 17 players is up from 58.4 per cent from game three last year to 61.5 per cent while NSW have dropped from 56.2 per cent to 51.5 per cent.

Queensland's big-game experience may not guarantee them a win.

But it gives them an advantage should the result be in the balance in the crucial final minutes.

Shooting for an unprecedented fourth straight series win, Queensland can also claim a decided edge in the key 7-6-9-1 battle with Thurston (12 games), Lockyer (27 games), Smith (16) and Billy Slater (8) all having played Origin together.

In comparison, their inexperienced opponents, Peter Wallace (two games), Terry Campese (0), Farah (0) and Gidley (4) have a week to hone a winning combination.

"We can gel pretty quickly, it's important we do," said Brisbane No.7 Wallace, who has reclaimed his Origin jumper after missing last year's decider.

A shock selection for the opening game last year, Wallace took to Origin like a duck to water after a crash course from former halfback great Andrew Johns.

"I got the call late. I just got chucked in last year, it was all a bit rushed," he said.

"I played pretty well with Robbie (Farah) for City Origin and I'm sure we'll pick things up quickly.

"He's very good at getting forwards going forward and I just play off the back of that."

Wallace says going up against Lockyer will be a highlight.

"I was hoping to play against him last year because of the challenge he presents but he was injured," he said.

"I got the call late. I just got chucked in last year, it was all a bit rushed"........Peter Wallace, Blues halfback

 

[gosharks]

go the blues

go the blues