Fittler ready for Origin
By Paul Kent
June 7, 2004
BRAD FITTLER last night stunned the rugby league world with news of his intended comeback to State of Origin football, setting off a chain of events that ended in mass confusion.
Fittler ... no certainty to be selected.
As the dust settled late last night it appeared Fittler would only be considered as an 18th man to be brought into the side if either Shaun Timmins or, failing that, Scott Hill, failed today's medical tests.
"That's my understanding," Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said last night.
It is understood Roosters chairman Nick Politis is reluctant for Fittler to play in the second Origin game at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week.
Pouring more confusion on Fittler's comeback is the fact that if he does play it is certain, win or lose, that he will not be allowed to play in a possible Game III decider.
Given that scenario it then creates doubt as to whether Fittler would be willing to play Game II, running the risk of staging a dramatic comeback only to lose and have the series squared - and then be unavailable to lead the Blues to victory in Game III.
Given the hysteria his comeback will undoubtedly provoke, there is a fear it would provide an emotionally flat postscript to his career.
That is why last night's manoeuvrings set off a series of events that created a delicate political situation for all involved, with nobody wanting to embarrass Gould or Fittler.
However, if he did make a return it would provide a massive boost to an Origin series which was badly damaged by the phone-message scandal prior to the first game. A Fittler return would have the same impact as Allan Langer's did for Queensland in 2001.
"My understanding of it all is that it is wait and see the outcome of the medicals tomorrow morning," Canavan said. "If Shaun Timmins and Scott Hill are ruled out then Freddy comes into the picture.
"That's the way it reads to me, that he is covering a crisis if it happens to occur."
Gould stunned many when he revealed on Channel 9 last night that he had approached Fittler about a comeback and received confirmation from the player.
"Obviously he hasn't been selected yet," Gould said on Nine.
"We're going to run this by the selectors but you would think once he makes himself available for such a big occasion as this that it is big news."
Gould was motivated by the injury crisis facing NSW, most notably that of Timmins, who suffered bruising to his spinal cord in Saturday night's loss to North Queensland.
"It's the worst injury toll that I've seen at this time of year for rep football, for both teams, particularly us," Gould said.
"We've got 15 or 16 players considered unavailable.
"To have a player of Brad Fittler's stature, to make himself available, is great news.
"We'll see how Timmins and Gasnier are, how Timana Tahu pulls up, but it is big news and it's great for the game and I'm very happy for Freddy and hope the selectors see it his way tomorrow."
The Blues still look like naming a strong squad this morning.
Timana Tahu will come into the side after missing Game I through injury, Brett Kimmorley will be halfback, while Jason Stevens' performance against Brisbane yesterday appears enough to snatch the front-row position from Ryan O'Hara.
Anthony Minichiello has also come back into contention, as has Dragons star Matt Cooper, who missed Game I through injury.
Those who look likely to miss out from Game I are O'Hara, Michael De Vere and the injured Craig Gower.
"Brett Kimmorley was terrific today, I would say he will be named at No.7 tomorrow if he is fit and well and the selectors can now consider Brad Fittler as an alternative to five-eighth," Gould said on Nine.
Queensland have also been savaged by injury with centres Shaun Berrigan (hamstring) and Brent Tate (shoulder) in doubt for selection.
Tate last night made a plea for selection but Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said his player could be out for two to three weeks.
"It feels good at the moment and I'd like to think in 10 days time I'd be confident of playing," Tate said.
"But if I'm not 100 per cent I won't play."
With Justin Hodges almost certain to be suspended, Queensland's outside backs are in tatters.
Matt Sing will probably come in on the wing while North Queensland's Josh Hannay and the Bulldogs' Willie Tonga will press to partner Paul Bowman at centre.
The Daily Telegraph
It will be interesting to see what transpires.
Perhaps Gus is just creating some headlines? At the end of the day it's up to Freddy to decide what is important to him. If he got hurt in SOO, I would be ropeable. It would be a gamble for him to play SOO, but if it IS what he REALLY wants to do, then I hope that he walks away a winner !!
