Ricky Stuart was on the Rush Hour tonight. He made a few interesting comments, however he didn't give too much away - and rightly so. However he did say the following:
1. He has a pretty good idea of who the 1,6,7 and 9 are going to be. However he did note that two players are coming back from injury in the 1 that could throw a spanner in the works - does this suggest that his current number 1 is not Dugan or Stewart?
2. He found plenty of excuses for Haynes poor game yesterday. He put it down to needing the run, because of his injuries. He said he got shifted to the wing because he was rooted, and needed a break. Apparently Stuart is happy with this, because he really thought Hayne needed the hit out. It sounds like he is going to find a spot for Hayne somewhere.
3. Seemed to hose down any suggestion of Woods or Sims getting a run this year. He is stoked because they have come through the Origin Development squads and he is certain that they will play many Origin games - he just wasn't sure whether it would be this year.
4. Was very impressed with Pearce's and Farah's combinations yesterday. Said it was Farah's best game this year. I would say Pearce is a lock for the halfback spot - don't think Farah will squeeze in for Origin 1 due to the return of Grandpa Bedsy.
5. He and Fittler attributed Carney's slow start to the game yesterday to nerves. It sounds like he is pretty much locked in for the 6.
6. Some players played themselves out of Origin yesterday. No idea who this might have been - Josh Morris perhaps? Maybe Creagh or Scott?
That seemed to be most of the important stuff.
1) It was probably either Hayne or BMoz. The spanner in the works will be Dugs or Stewart as you said. Hopefully we see Stewart get the nod.
2) I think he will find a spot somewhere in the 17. It will probably be on the wing. With Uate the opposite.
3) Not a good or bad thing. They will be there eventually and their time will come. I'm confident he will pick a good squad while trying to keep a consistent team while making necessary changes.
4) Farah has what it takes if he has a strong forward pack that get's the meters. He has good spark, is a great rake and a tackling machine. I think Bedsy will get the nod though.
5) Carney needs to be our 5/8 I think. He has the attack spark and go-forward we need. He seemed to improve heaps in the 2nd half. So I can see what he means by saying that.
6) Morris bros maybe? Maybe a few of the forwards as well? Hard to know but he should have a pretty solid idea of his team by now.
It made for an interesting interview.
