Titanium_BD1103
14-05-06, 09:07 PM
Well Queenslanders have one... so should we... ;)
From: www.foxsports.com.au
Anasta will get the nod
By David Riccio
May 14, 2006
BRAITH Anasta will be named as NSW five-eighth today - just weeks after admitting that he was struggling for club form at the Sydney Roosters.
Anasta, the Blues five-eighth for the final two games last year, will partner Craig Gower in the halves.
Wests Tigers captain Brett Hodgson will be named at fullback for his goalkicking prowess, with Roosters forward and Blues stalwart Craig Fitzgibbon left out of the side.
Fitzgibbon will be placed on standby for injured North Queensland forward Luke O'Donnell, who has a rib cartilage injury he sustained in the Anzac Test.
Anasta will win the No6 jumper for Wednesday week's Origin opener at Telstra Stadium despite being selected at lock in City's narrow loss to Country on Friday night.
Selectors believe Anasta is the best option at five-eighth, despite considerable pressure from some quarters to select Jamie Lyon from England, Dragons star Mark Gasnier or even Newcastle's Kurt Gidley.
The Sunday Telegraph understands that selectors will choose the Anasta-Gower partnership as a low-risk combination going into game one on May 24.
Anasta's selection will leave high-profile Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford once again on the outer at representative level.
Manly's key signing failed to leave his mark on the City-Country match and selectors will opt for a pairing who have extensive Origin experience.
Anasta's smooth transition after replacing Trent Barrett following game one of last year's 2-1 series win was a huge consideration for the selectors.
Former NSW captain Steve Mortimer backed Anasta's retention.
"Braith deserves his chance," Mortimer said.
"Of all the possibilities and options that played on Friday night, he was most deserving of the five-eighth job.
"Although he's probably not playing his best footy at the Roosters, he's a player who has the ability to rise up to the occasion of State of Origin. Once he pulls on that Blues jersey, his game will go to that next level."
Hodgson is also set for a return to Origin after a four-year hiatus.
The Tigers captain is believed to have beaten off the late challenge of Dragons utility and Country fullback Ben Hornby.
Hodgson felt his form warranted selection after another solid performance for City on Friday night.
"I was very happy with my game," Hodgson said.
"I've been pleased with my form this season and believe I'm capable of doing the job in the Blues jersey."
The NSW team for Origin I will be announced tomorrow at 11am.
The Sunday Telegraph
From: www.foxsports.com.au
Anasta will get the nod
By David Riccio
May 14, 2006
BRAITH Anasta will be named as NSW five-eighth today - just weeks after admitting that he was struggling for club form at the Sydney Roosters.
Anasta, the Blues five-eighth for the final two games last year, will partner Craig Gower in the halves.
Wests Tigers captain Brett Hodgson will be named at fullback for his goalkicking prowess, with Roosters forward and Blues stalwart Craig Fitzgibbon left out of the side.
Fitzgibbon will be placed on standby for injured North Queensland forward Luke O'Donnell, who has a rib cartilage injury he sustained in the Anzac Test.
Anasta will win the No6 jumper for Wednesday week's Origin opener at Telstra Stadium despite being selected at lock in City's narrow loss to Country on Friday night.
Selectors believe Anasta is the best option at five-eighth, despite considerable pressure from some quarters to select Jamie Lyon from England, Dragons star Mark Gasnier or even Newcastle's Kurt Gidley.
The Sunday Telegraph understands that selectors will choose the Anasta-Gower partnership as a low-risk combination going into game one on May 24.
Anasta's selection will leave high-profile Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford once again on the outer at representative level.
Manly's key signing failed to leave his mark on the City-Country match and selectors will opt for a pairing who have extensive Origin experience.
Anasta's smooth transition after replacing Trent Barrett following game one of last year's 2-1 series win was a huge consideration for the selectors.
Former NSW captain Steve Mortimer backed Anasta's retention.
"Braith deserves his chance," Mortimer said.
"Of all the possibilities and options that played on Friday night, he was most deserving of the five-eighth job.
"Although he's probably not playing his best footy at the Roosters, he's a player who has the ability to rise up to the occasion of State of Origin. Once he pulls on that Blues jersey, his game will go to that next level."
Hodgson is also set for a return to Origin after a four-year hiatus.
The Tigers captain is believed to have beaten off the late challenge of Dragons utility and Country fullback Ben Hornby.
Hodgson felt his form warranted selection after another solid performance for City on Friday night.
"I was very happy with my game," Hodgson said.
"I've been pleased with my form this season and believe I'm capable of doing the job in the Blues jersey."
The NSW team for Origin I will be announced tomorrow at 11am.
The Sunday Telegraph