Fitzgibbon wants more efficiency
8 June 2005
Having racked up a phenomenal 59 tackles in Origin I, workaholic NSW second rower Craig Fitzgibbon is craving quality rather than quantity in Wednesday night's rematch at Telstra Stadium.
Fitzgibbon says he needs to be more effective in what he does in Origin II, with his presence out on the field vital for the Blues for his goalkicking as much as his general play.
The Sydney Roosters veteran and backrow running mate Nathan Hindmarsh were forced to tackle to a standstill in game I due to Queensland's dominance of possession and field position.
But their extra work in defence left them with nothing in the tank for attack, and their running game faltered as a result.
"I probably want to cut them (the tackles) in half, just make them more effective," Fitzgibbon said.
"My main position in the team is to tie up the ruck area and shut the gate, do the little things and keep it safe around that area. But obviously we'd like a bit more ball just to halve that number.
"It certainly makes you less effective when you get the ball, just through fatigue. But in saying that I'm probably not going to go out there and break the line every time I get the ball.
"That's what Origin football is all about, you've got to learn to play under those circumstances, you just have to deal with it and if it comes about again we're just going to have to do it."
Hindmarsh, who was physically sick at halftime after completing 33 tackles in the opening 27 minutes in Brisbane, said there was no holding back once the whistle blew to start the game.
"I don't know if you can pace yourself in Origin footy," Hindmarsh said.
"I'd love to play 80 (minutes) but I've never played 80 in Origin footy before so I don't think it will happen.
"Just the way I'm playing at the moment, it's just go out there, do what I can in the time I get, and get put back on the bench. That's fine by me, as long as I'm out there making a contribution."
While Hindmarsh can expect a breather on Wednesday night, the lack of a recognised back-up goalkicker means Fitzgibbon, who played all but nine minutes of the opening match, may be forced to stay out there for the long haul.
Centre Mark Gasnier and new pivot Braith Anasta are the only other players in the Blues squad who have kicked for goal in first grade before, but they are hardly what you would describe as genuine kickers.
Gasnier has made seven of 15 attempts for St George Illawarra, while Anasta has been successful with his only attempt in six seasons with the Bulldogs.
But Fitzgibbon dispelled the notion he'd be able to have a breather while still out on the field.
"There's no where to hide in Origin, especially not in the forward pack," Fitzgibbon said.
"Mark Gasnier can kick the ball all right, so if I have a rest I'm pretty sure he'll be able to take over."
The Blues camp was rocked today by news that assistant coach Laurie Daley had been hospitalised with pancreatitis.
Daley was taken to hospital early this morning after suffering acute stomach pain. He will remain there for the next few days but is hopeful of making a full recovery ahead of Wednesday night's clash.
Fitzgibbon (corked thigh) and Sydney Roosters teammate Craig Wing (calf) both missed today's morning training session, and were limited to light duties in the afternoon, but it is believed both will be right to go tomorrow.
The side will train in Sydney tomorrow before flying out to Dubbo in the evening, where they will stay until Friday afternoon.
