Brissy Bulldog
Proud to be a Bulldog
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2004
- Messages
- 1,060
- Reaction score
- 2
Origin stars put on notice
By DEAN RITCHIE
June 1, 2005
FOUR players have been placed on standby for NSW after coach Ricky Stuart last night conceded the club performances last weekend of several incumbent players did not deserve selectors' loyalty.
The move represents a stunning about-face given the NSW camp has, for nearly a week, claimed the 17-man squad from Origin I would be retained for the return match in Sydney on June 15.
Privately, NSW officials say some players were not hungry enough last weekend in NRL matches and were in the "comfort zone" after hearing they would automatically be kept for Origin II.
Among those under pressure to keep their spots are props Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey, winger Luke Rooney, halfback Brett Kimmorley, centre Mark Gasnier and forwards Anthony Watmough and Andrew Ryan.
Proving he is serious about introducing new players, Stuart has contacted two forwards and two backs to explain how close they are to selection.
Stuart would not reveal the four but it is understood those in contention include Braith Anasta, Ryan Cross, Anthony Tupou, Steve Menzies and Craig Gower.
"I told the boys from day one they had to be loyal to their club coach and their club teammates," Stuart said. "They had to play well when they returned to club football.
"Some did last weekend, some didn't. Some dished up poor quality football on the weekend. If changes have to be made, then I understand what the selectors are thinking.
"You can't just turn up at club level and expect selectors to choose you if you haven't played well.
"I don't think what some dished up was what they should have dished up. It wasn't the quality of football we expect.
"I have asked the selectors to show loyalty, but loyalty is a two-way street. You can only ask for so much loyalty."
Stuart said he watched video of all NRL matches last weekend before declaring that changes could be made.
"What concerns me is that [players] left Origin and didn't go back to their club sides and perform," he said.
"Their teammates deserved a better effort from these guys."
Asked about the four players from outside the squad he had contacted, Stuart said: "I told them to make sure they played well this weekend and they will be a lot better off than if they don't.
"They are now aware how close they are – and it may not only be four players."
Ryles and Gasnier last night admitted they feared being dropped.
"I don't think I played that poorly [for St George Illawarra against Melbourne] but would love another opportunity and would do a few things differently," Ryles said.
Gasnier added: "You never take Origin selection for granted."
Stuart said he was "peeved" at suggestions NSW were good things to win Origin II and set up a decider in Brisbane.
"What is very difficult for me is that we are playing a game here in Sydney that everyone is telling us we are going to win," Stuart said.
"Everyone is saying what a great game the decider will be in Brisbane.
"It's not going to be like that.
"Queensland will come down with plenty of confidence. We're in for a tough ride."
Stuart said his side must start strongly in Origin II and could not expect to make another miracle comeback.
"It was an outstanding comeback by the players [in Origin I] but you can't gloss over the fact we were 19 points down in an Origin match. That is unacceptable," he said.
"We can't start like that again. If we do in Sydney, we'll be on the end of the same scoreline.
"There's no way in the world we can come back from that scoreline in Sydney."
By DEAN RITCHIE
June 1, 2005
FOUR players have been placed on standby for NSW after coach Ricky Stuart last night conceded the club performances last weekend of several incumbent players did not deserve selectors' loyalty.
The move represents a stunning about-face given the NSW camp has, for nearly a week, claimed the 17-man squad from Origin I would be retained for the return match in Sydney on June 15.
Privately, NSW officials say some players were not hungry enough last weekend in NRL matches and were in the "comfort zone" after hearing they would automatically be kept for Origin II.
Among those under pressure to keep their spots are props Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey, winger Luke Rooney, halfback Brett Kimmorley, centre Mark Gasnier and forwards Anthony Watmough and Andrew Ryan.
Proving he is serious about introducing new players, Stuart has contacted two forwards and two backs to explain how close they are to selection.
Stuart would not reveal the four but it is understood those in contention include Braith Anasta, Ryan Cross, Anthony Tupou, Steve Menzies and Craig Gower.
"I told the boys from day one they had to be loyal to their club coach and their club teammates," Stuart said. "They had to play well when they returned to club football.
"Some did last weekend, some didn't. Some dished up poor quality football on the weekend. If changes have to be made, then I understand what the selectors are thinking.
"You can't just turn up at club level and expect selectors to choose you if you haven't played well.
"I don't think what some dished up was what they should have dished up. It wasn't the quality of football we expect.
"I have asked the selectors to show loyalty, but loyalty is a two-way street. You can only ask for so much loyalty."
Stuart said he watched video of all NRL matches last weekend before declaring that changes could be made.
"What concerns me is that [players] left Origin and didn't go back to their club sides and perform," he said.
"Their teammates deserved a better effort from these guys."
Asked about the four players from outside the squad he had contacted, Stuart said: "I told them to make sure they played well this weekend and they will be a lot better off than if they don't.
"They are now aware how close they are – and it may not only be four players."
Ryles and Gasnier last night admitted they feared being dropped.
"I don't think I played that poorly [for St George Illawarra against Melbourne] but would love another opportunity and would do a few things differently," Ryles said.
Gasnier added: "You never take Origin selection for granted."
Stuart said he was "peeved" at suggestions NSW were good things to win Origin II and set up a decider in Brisbane.
"What is very difficult for me is that we are playing a game here in Sydney that everyone is telling us we are going to win," Stuart said.
"Everyone is saying what a great game the decider will be in Brisbane.
"It's not going to be like that.
"Queensland will come down with plenty of confidence. We're in for a tough ride."
Stuart said his side must start strongly in Origin II and could not expect to make another miracle comeback.
"It was an outstanding comeback by the players [in Origin I] but you can't gloss over the fact we were 19 points down in an Origin match. That is unacceptable," he said.
"We can't start like that again. If we do in Sydney, we'll be on the end of the same scoreline.
"There's no way in the world we can come back from that scoreline in Sydney."
