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Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward says Blues must pick Matt Cooper
May 24, 2009
St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward says Matt Cooper must be selected for New South Wales if the Blues are to have any chance of stopping a fearsome Queensland side claiming a fourth straight State of Origin series win.
Cooper was outstanding in the Dragons' 26-4 win over struggling Cronulla on Saturday, setting up Brett Morris' three tries and putting up a tireless defence display as his side weathered a wave of first half attacks from the Sharks.
But with Penrith flyer Michael Jennings devastating in the Panthers' big win over Sydney Roosters on Saturday, and Manly's Jamie Lyon also in red-hot form, doubts have been cast over the former Test star's selection on Monday.
"He is the best defensive centre in the world and he's had that tag for a while I think if NSW are looking for someone to stop (Greg) Inglis and (Israel) Folau or (Justin) Hodges he has got to be in there," Soward said.
"His defence and the way he holds up that left side so well is magnificent .. and to stop Hodges, who is always going to be a threat for Queensland, then there is no other option than Matt Cooper."
Soward bounced back to his best after an indifferent run of recent form and the 24-year-old said he was happy with his performance, which included a brilliant kick and chase that culminated in a superb reverse pass to Cooper to set up Morris' third try.
"I have had a few injuries and lost that little zip and tonight it was good to get out there and put in a good performance for the team," he said.
"I thought our second-half performance as a team was really polished.
"I was lucky that the little reverse pass to Coops came off.
"If I had the chance again I would probably have taken another option ... but unfortunately for the Sharks, I guess it is a sign of when you are down at the bottom things like that go against you.
"Wayne (Bennett) hit the mark ... I have been a bit quiet the last couple of weeks, coming back from the Country camp I was a bit injured.
"But I am just working off the back of the team as we are going really well at the moment.
"Our forwards were great again tonight and any half will tell you that really does help you."
Hat-trick hero Morris was also full of praise for Cooper and the 22-year-old, who was described by Wayne Bennett as one of the few genuine wingers in the modern game, said he felt fortunate to have Cooper alongside him.
"I have been a bit lucky lately with tries, just being in the right place at the right time and Coops has been great for my game, to have him beside me feeding me passes it has been brilliant," he said.
Morris also revealed he expected to have his future resolved late this week with his management and the club close to agreeing on new contract which will keep him at the club for three more years.
AAP
Dragons five-eighth Jamie Soward says Blues must pick Matt Cooper
May 24, 2009
St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward says Matt Cooper must be selected for New South Wales if the Blues are to have any chance of stopping a fearsome Queensland side claiming a fourth straight State of Origin series win.
Cooper was outstanding in the Dragons' 26-4 win over struggling Cronulla on Saturday, setting up Brett Morris' three tries and putting up a tireless defence display as his side weathered a wave of first half attacks from the Sharks.
But with Penrith flyer Michael Jennings devastating in the Panthers' big win over Sydney Roosters on Saturday, and Manly's Jamie Lyon also in red-hot form, doubts have been cast over the former Test star's selection on Monday.
"He is the best defensive centre in the world and he's had that tag for a while I think if NSW are looking for someone to stop (Greg) Inglis and (Israel) Folau or (Justin) Hodges he has got to be in there," Soward said.
"His defence and the way he holds up that left side so well is magnificent .. and to stop Hodges, who is always going to be a threat for Queensland, then there is no other option than Matt Cooper."
Soward bounced back to his best after an indifferent run of recent form and the 24-year-old said he was happy with his performance, which included a brilliant kick and chase that culminated in a superb reverse pass to Cooper to set up Morris' third try.
"I have had a few injuries and lost that little zip and tonight it was good to get out there and put in a good performance for the team," he said.
"I thought our second-half performance as a team was really polished.
"I was lucky that the little reverse pass to Coops came off.
"If I had the chance again I would probably have taken another option ... but unfortunately for the Sharks, I guess it is a sign of when you are down at the bottom things like that go against you.
"Wayne (Bennett) hit the mark ... I have been a bit quiet the last couple of weeks, coming back from the Country camp I was a bit injured.
"But I am just working off the back of the team as we are going really well at the moment.
"Our forwards were great again tonight and any half will tell you that really does help you."
Hat-trick hero Morris was also full of praise for Cooper and the 22-year-old, who was described by Wayne Bennett as one of the few genuine wingers in the modern game, said he felt fortunate to have Cooper alongside him.
"I have been a bit lucky lately with tries, just being in the right place at the right time and Coops has been great for my game, to have him beside me feeding me passes it has been brilliant," he said.
Morris also revealed he expected to have his future resolved late this week with his management and the club close to agreeing on new contract which will keep him at the club for three more years.
AAP
