Josh Addo-Carr is in a race against time to be fit for State of Origin I after injuring his ankle on Good Friday as debate rages over NSW’s best backline to start the series.
Addo-Carr was thought to be in a head-to-head battle with rugby union-bound Joseph Suaalii for the Blues’ wing position opposite Brian To’o but the Bulldogs star’s uncertain recovery timeline and opposition to Suaalii’s claims on a representative jersey have clouded the conversation.
Speaking on Nine’s 100% Footy, former Blues captain Paul Gallen raised a left-field solution, arguing the case for NSW coach Brad Fittler to pick Tom Trbojevic on a wing to make room for the selection of Jack Wighton at centre.
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That would complete a NSW back five jammed with superstars playing out of position. It would read Tedesco, Trbojevic, Mitchell, Wighton, To’o – with only Tedesco and To’o playing the roles they play at club level.
Gallen argued that despite Trbojevic’s Origin heroics at centre -where he won the Wally Lewis Medal in 2021 – he could be even more effective as a winger, where he would return kicks and be used as a battering ram early in the tackle count.
However Gould countered that the Blues had already found Trbojevic’s perfect role in Origin and said Roosters winger Daniel Tupou was a more logical replacement for Addo-Carr.
“Turbo’s been man of the match in the centres every time they play him there, why wouldn’t you play him there” a perplexed Gould said.
“Bring another winger in, don’t move a fullback who was playing in the centres out there.
“You’ve got the best winger in the competition at Penrith, what’s his name, Brian To’o, and you’ve got Daniel Tupou who’s an Origin class winger.”
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Gallen agreed that Tupou, who has played 10 Origin matches for the Blues since making his debut in 2014, was a worthy option but said Wighton was too good a player to leave out if a position could be found for him.
If Wighton is not picked at five-eighth – where incumbent Jarome Luai and reigning Dally M Medallist Nicho Hynes are favoured – or centre, he would become an option for Fittler’s bench.
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However, should Luai partner Nathan Cleary in the halves as expected, it is unlikely the selectors would pick both Wighton and Hynes in the 17.
Fittler has traditionally carried a utility and three forwards on his bench yet Gould said it wouldn’t be crazy to pick Wighton on the bench and plan to use him in the back row, while also picking Hynes to cover the fullback and halves.
“Jack Wighton could play back row, bloody oath he could,” Gould said.
Gould’s point perhaps gains more credibility in 2023 than it would have in years gone by given the impact concussions are having on bench rotations.
Rather than carrying a third forward on the bench, Fittler could opt to name a middle at 18th man and activate him if a player is ruled out by a head knock.
It’s a scenario that will likely test both Origin coaches this year, adding to the value of the utilities the two states have at their disposal.
While the ‘best NSW backline’ debate will undoubtedly continue to rage in the weeks leading up to selection for the series-opener in Adelaide, the notable omission of Suaalii’s name for much of the 100% Footy debate further cements his status as a pariah in rugby league, despite the fact that he is still a contracted NRL player for the next 18 months.
Before signing a lucrative deal with Rugby Australia last month, the 19-year-old Roosters star was firming to make his Origin debut after establishing himself as one of the best all-round wingers in the game.
Gould has been among his chief detractors since his signing with the 15-man code was announced, calling for him to “go now” rather than waiting until 2025.
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“Every time he scores a try, anything he does in our game, people are going to refer to the fact that he’s going to rugby,” Gould said on 100% Footy back in March.
“Why do we need that? Go now. You made your decision. Go now. Go now. Go now. Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out. See ya later. Gone. He’s made his decision.”
Fittler will pick his first NSW squad for the 2023 series on Sunday May 21. The series opener will be played at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday May 31.
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