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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,15128660%5E2722,00.html
City likely to pick Gower and Orford
Brent Read and Stuart Honeysett
April 30, 2005
CITY selectors are ready to eliminate a selection headache by including both Craig Gower and Matt Orford in their side for next week's City-Country Origin game.
Gower and Orford have been among the best halfbacks in the NRL this season but only one can wear the No.7 jersey against Country in Lismore on Friday night.
Selectors are expected to get around that dilemma by naming Gower at five-eighth and moving incumbent No.6 Braith Anasta to lock.
That would allow Orford - the subject of an eligibility debate earlier this week - to play halfback.
City coach Graham Murray was playing his cards close to his chest last night when contacted by The Australian. "They have both been spoken about very highly in selection meetings and I wouldn't be surprised if they were both in the 17," he said.
The other option for City selectors would be to name Gower at hooker rather than Mark Riddell. Orford would then be able to play alongside Anasta, renewing the partnership from last year.
However, Penrith coach John Lang said he felt Gower - the Test No.7 last year before injury cost him his spot on the Tri-Nations tour - should be considered as a halfback.
"I'd be surprised if they picked him (at hooker)," Lang said. "I really can't see them doing it. It's a bit of a non-issue with me to be perfectly honest.
"Personally I think Craig should be considered in his position. Maybe they should play Orford hooker."
While City has an embarrassment of riches at halfback, Country selectors are likely to hand the job to either Manly's Michael Monaghan or St George Illawarra's Mathew Head.
Their options were greatly reduced through the unavailability of Brett Kimmorley (Test exemption) and Brett Finch (suspension).
The match-up in the centres shapes as the most intriguing on the night. City is expected to go with Mark Gasnier and Ryan Cross while Country could pair Matt Gidley with Gasnier's team-mate Matt Cooper.
The other contentious position in the Country side is fullback, with Manly's Brett Stewart, the Bulldogs' Luke Patten and St George Illawarra's Ben Hornby all contenders.
Stewart has been a central figure in the Sea Eagles' rise to the top of the ladder this season while Patten and Hornby are consistent.
The likely teams are:
City: Brett Hodgson, Eric Grothe, Ryan Cross, Mark Gasnier, Luke Lewis, Craig Gower, Matt Orford, Joel Clinton, Mark Riddell, Jason King, Anthony Watmough, Steve Menzies, Braith Anasta. Interchange: Ryan Hoffman, Sam Harris, John Skandalis, Luke O'Donnell.
Country: Brett Stewart, Matt King, Matt Gidley, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu, Trent Barrett, Michael Monaghan, Jason Ryles, Danny Buderus, Luke Bailey, Andrew Ryan, Glenn Morrison, Scott Hill. Interchange: Brent Kite, Steve Simpson, Anthony Tupou, Kurt Gidley.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Good one Johnny....tell us another one mate!
City likely to pick Gower and Orford
Brent Read and Stuart Honeysett
April 30, 2005
CITY selectors are ready to eliminate a selection headache by including both Craig Gower and Matt Orford in their side for next week's City-Country Origin game.
Gower and Orford have been among the best halfbacks in the NRL this season but only one can wear the No.7 jersey against Country in Lismore on Friday night.
Selectors are expected to get around that dilemma by naming Gower at five-eighth and moving incumbent No.6 Braith Anasta to lock.
That would allow Orford - the subject of an eligibility debate earlier this week - to play halfback.
City coach Graham Murray was playing his cards close to his chest last night when contacted by The Australian. "They have both been spoken about very highly in selection meetings and I wouldn't be surprised if they were both in the 17," he said.
The other option for City selectors would be to name Gower at hooker rather than Mark Riddell. Orford would then be able to play alongside Anasta, renewing the partnership from last year.
However, Penrith coach John Lang said he felt Gower - the Test No.7 last year before injury cost him his spot on the Tri-Nations tour - should be considered as a halfback.
"I'd be surprised if they picked him (at hooker)," Lang said. "I really can't see them doing it. It's a bit of a non-issue with me to be perfectly honest.
"Personally I think Craig should be considered in his position. Maybe they should play Orford hooker."
While City has an embarrassment of riches at halfback, Country selectors are likely to hand the job to either Manly's Michael Monaghan or St George Illawarra's Mathew Head.
Their options were greatly reduced through the unavailability of Brett Kimmorley (Test exemption) and Brett Finch (suspension).
The match-up in the centres shapes as the most intriguing on the night. City is expected to go with Mark Gasnier and Ryan Cross while Country could pair Matt Gidley with Gasnier's team-mate Matt Cooper.
The other contentious position in the Country side is fullback, with Manly's Brett Stewart, the Bulldogs' Luke Patten and St George Illawarra's Ben Hornby all contenders.
Stewart has been a central figure in the Sea Eagles' rise to the top of the ladder this season while Patten and Hornby are consistent.
The likely teams are:
City: Brett Hodgson, Eric Grothe, Ryan Cross, Mark Gasnier, Luke Lewis, Craig Gower, Matt Orford, Joel Clinton, Mark Riddell, Jason King, Anthony Watmough, Steve Menzies, Braith Anasta. Interchange: Ryan Hoffman, Sam Harris, John Skandalis, Luke O'Donnell.
Country: Brett Stewart, Matt King, Matt Gidley, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu, Trent Barrett, Michael Monaghan, Jason Ryles, Danny Buderus, Luke Bailey, Andrew Ryan, Glenn Morrison, Scott Hill. Interchange: Brent Kite, Steve Simpson, Anthony Tupou, Kurt Gidley.
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Good one Johnny....tell us another one mate!
