My random thoughts on this article:
* I hear the calls for Matt Orford and Brent Sherwin before Kimmorley, whilst I do agree and have expressed my disgust at leaving Orford home, this is old news as Orford was not added to the train on squad in which Kimmorley was with selectors showing their hand on who was going to back up Gower.
* A possible non selection of Andrew Ryan is a joke. Australian selectors are in the catergory of the NRL judiciary, I don't try and understand their rationale or thinking. Ben Kennedy was a great player in his prime, arguably he still is when fit, but I personally feel Ben Kennedy is a liability we can ill afford to gamble on this tour. Ryan is 26, BK is 30, I would see this as a perfect opportunity to further Ryan's rep career after a career best season. Reward the guy on form alone for crying out loud and steer away from selecting on reputation :roll:
If this goes through, Ryan deserves to be disappointed. First of all he is cut from S.O.O. 3 despite playing brilliantly in games 1 and 2, now there is a possibility he will not make the 23 man squad ahead of an aging, injury riddled player who will be picked on reputation only if only for the reason "versatility and credentials as a lock outweigh those of Ryan." Lock and second row is basically the same position in the National team and wether or not BK wears 11, 12 or 13, he plays the SAME DAMN WAY! This is not a valid argument for mine. Give Ryan the 13 and he lets no one down and there is a 99% chance he will finish a match healthy...can that be said of BK ? No.
* The possible non selection of Willie Tonga I feel is not right. This kid is primed to go on this tour and perhaps make a name for himself on the international stage after making his S.O.O. debut for QLD this year. I would select Tonga ahead of Ryan Cross as I feel Tonga played better all year doubled with Cross's poor showing last night where as Tonga was strong if not spectacular.
* Braith Anasta ? I am not one to rate Anasta highly and even last night he was poor IMO. Personally, I would have Melbourne's Scott Hill ahead of him who can cover the same positions and is a more proven performer at all levels where unfortunately, Braith is not.
* No Michael Crocker ? Or has he been ruled out injury wise ? Crocker is a valuable tourist given he covers lock, second row, hooker and even five-eight if need be like the last tour he was on. He also adds some grunt off the bench. Again, I take Crocker before Anasta.
* Last of all, Shaun Timmins name in the article as a 'probable' tourist is a welcomed surprise as I was of the thinking he had been ruled out :?: That aside, I would have him in my 13 at lock.
I will be interested in the final decision, my biggest dissapointment will be the non selection of Ryan if this eventuates.
