DIEHARD
30-03-06, 06:44 AM
Kimmorley wants another chance
By Dean Ritchie
Brett Kimmorley - the man who was dumped after throwing a wild intercepted pass in last year's State of Origin series - last night appealed to selectors to be given another chance as Blues halfback.
The Blues' No.7 jersey is up for grabs after The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that Andrew Johns has played his final game of Origin football.
Sharks half Kimmorley is adamant he's the man for the job.
"Definitely, yes. I can't change what happened last year but now there's a spot available I'd love to continue in rep football," Kimmorley said. "Craig Gower would be in the same position, as would Matt Orford and Trent Barrett.
"There wasn't a free spot there because Joey would have been there for sure. But he's not in contention now."
Asked did he stand a better chance of representing NSW with Ricky Stuart no longer coach, Kimmorley said: "Ask Ricky. I don't want to go there."
Kimmorley was sacked after the opening Origin match last season after throwing an intercept pass for Matt Bowen to score and give Queensland a dramatic golden-point victory.
Sharks coach Stuart Raper is adamant Kimmorley deserves another chance.
"I said after last year's series I thought he was treated poorly," Raper said. "I know Brett has never given up the desire to play State of Origin.
"Every player has made errors in matches but you don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
"I don't think he worries about last year - there has been plenty of water under the bridge since then.
"He'd love to play Origin again. Not just to make amends but because he wants the opportunity.
"This is the best I have seen Brett look since I've been at Cronulla."
Gower is considered a slight favourite for the Blues' halfback job ahead of Kimmorley and Orford, but selectors may also consider Barrett as a halfback.
NSW coach Graham Murray was last night cautious to push any player ahead of the other.
"I noticed that Brett Kimmorley, Craig Gower and Matt Orford were all put into a bracket of possible NSW halfbacks," Murray said.
"I would have to agree with that and I mention them in no particular order.
"All three have credentials at that level.
"I have coached the three of them.
"They are all very clever and are good operators as No.7s.
"I admire the way they play the game."
Johns revealed he would play the one-off Test against New Zealand in Brisbane on May 5 before quitting representative football to focus on a possible second NRL premiership with the Knights.
The Daily Telegraph
By Dean Ritchie
Brett Kimmorley - the man who was dumped after throwing a wild intercepted pass in last year's State of Origin series - last night appealed to selectors to be given another chance as Blues halfback.
The Blues' No.7 jersey is up for grabs after The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday that Andrew Johns has played his final game of Origin football.
Sharks half Kimmorley is adamant he's the man for the job.
"Definitely, yes. I can't change what happened last year but now there's a spot available I'd love to continue in rep football," Kimmorley said. "Craig Gower would be in the same position, as would Matt Orford and Trent Barrett.
"There wasn't a free spot there because Joey would have been there for sure. But he's not in contention now."
Asked did he stand a better chance of representing NSW with Ricky Stuart no longer coach, Kimmorley said: "Ask Ricky. I don't want to go there."
Kimmorley was sacked after the opening Origin match last season after throwing an intercept pass for Matt Bowen to score and give Queensland a dramatic golden-point victory.
Sharks coach Stuart Raper is adamant Kimmorley deserves another chance.
"I said after last year's series I thought he was treated poorly," Raper said. "I know Brett has never given up the desire to play State of Origin.
"Every player has made errors in matches but you don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
"I don't think he worries about last year - there has been plenty of water under the bridge since then.
"He'd love to play Origin again. Not just to make amends but because he wants the opportunity.
"This is the best I have seen Brett look since I've been at Cronulla."
Gower is considered a slight favourite for the Blues' halfback job ahead of Kimmorley and Orford, but selectors may also consider Barrett as a halfback.
NSW coach Graham Murray was last night cautious to push any player ahead of the other.
"I noticed that Brett Kimmorley, Craig Gower and Matt Orford were all put into a bracket of possible NSW halfbacks," Murray said.
"I would have to agree with that and I mention them in no particular order.
"All three have credentials at that level.
"I have coached the three of them.
"They are all very clever and are good operators as No.7s.
"I admire the way they play the game."
Johns revealed he would play the one-off Test against New Zealand in Brisbane on May 5 before quitting representative football to focus on a possible second NRL premiership with the Knights.
The Daily Telegraph