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http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1264&storyid=269383
By DEAN RITCHIE
October 1, 2003
SYDNEY Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has called for eight of his players to be considered for the Kangaroos as player burnout claimed another big name yesterday in Gorden Tallis.
In a dramatic day, Tallis, the Queensland captain, announced his retirement from all representative football.
The shock development throws a greater spotlight on Sunday night's grand final as the last chance for players to impress for the Kangaroo tour of New Zealand, France and Britain from October 14.
Stuart last night nominated hardman Michael Crocker as the player to replace Tallis. "Michael's versatility of being able to play hooker or in the back row would make him an ideal tourist," Stuart said.
"Obviously his chances now increase with Gorden out. I certainly think we should have eight players chosen or at least considered."
The Panthers are also calling for a strong Kangaroo representation with at least six players under consideration.
While calling for eight Roosters to tour, Stuart also took a fierce swipe at Australian coach and rival Chris Anderson.
Anderson said in Tuesday's Daily Telegraph that Penrith's forwards could run over the top of the Roosters.
Stuart fired back: "It wasn't surprising coming from him. He'd do anything for us to get beaten this weekend."
With 15 stars already out of the Kangaroo tour, the Roosters and Panthers could have up to 14 representatives between them on the tour.
Both clubs trained in front of fans yesterday. The Roosters drew 3000 supporters to Aussie Stadium while thousands were also on hand at Penrith Stadium to cheer the Panthers.
Crocker said of his Kangaroo hopes: "It would be a dream but at the moment I'm just focused on the grand final."
Stuart said his halfback Brett Finch should be considered along with rival halfbacks Craig Gower and Brett Kimmorley.
"Brett Finch has done his chances no harm recently," Stuart said. "His level of maturity has grown immensely.
"And his combination with Craig Wing would be a huge benefit for any tour side."
The Panthers under consideration are Gower, Girdler, Rhys Wesser, Luke Lewis, Joel Clinton and Preston Campbell.
Panthers chief executive Shane Richardson said: "If we play and win the grand final they will be forced to pick more of our players. That is a motivating factor for us."
The Kangaroos play a Test against New Zealand on October 18 before leaving for France on October 20.
The ultimate goal is a three-Test Ashes series against England. The squad will be announced Monday.
After announcing his decision not to tour, Tallis said: "Leading Australia on a Kangaroo tour is the highest honour, but my body is telling me it's just not up to it.
"I've got one year left on my contract with the Broncos and want to give that my best shot."
With Tallis and Andrew Johns unavailable, Darren Lockyer is expected to be named Kangaroo captain.
__________________________________________________________
At first I thought it was April Fools Day, when I read this.
The SAD part about this story is Stuart believes it.
The only way Crocker & Finch will get picked is all the better players have withdrawn from the Tour.
By DEAN RITCHIE
October 1, 2003
SYDNEY Roosters coach Ricky Stuart has called for eight of his players to be considered for the Kangaroos as player burnout claimed another big name yesterday in Gorden Tallis.
In a dramatic day, Tallis, the Queensland captain, announced his retirement from all representative football.
The shock development throws a greater spotlight on Sunday night's grand final as the last chance for players to impress for the Kangaroo tour of New Zealand, France and Britain from October 14.
Stuart last night nominated hardman Michael Crocker as the player to replace Tallis. "Michael's versatility of being able to play hooker or in the back row would make him an ideal tourist," Stuart said.
"Obviously his chances now increase with Gorden out. I certainly think we should have eight players chosen or at least considered."
The Panthers are also calling for a strong Kangaroo representation with at least six players under consideration.
While calling for eight Roosters to tour, Stuart also took a fierce swipe at Australian coach and rival Chris Anderson.
Anderson said in Tuesday's Daily Telegraph that Penrith's forwards could run over the top of the Roosters.
Stuart fired back: "It wasn't surprising coming from him. He'd do anything for us to get beaten this weekend."
With 15 stars already out of the Kangaroo tour, the Roosters and Panthers could have up to 14 representatives between them on the tour.
Both clubs trained in front of fans yesterday. The Roosters drew 3000 supporters to Aussie Stadium while thousands were also on hand at Penrith Stadium to cheer the Panthers.
Crocker said of his Kangaroo hopes: "It would be a dream but at the moment I'm just focused on the grand final."
Stuart said his halfback Brett Finch should be considered along with rival halfbacks Craig Gower and Brett Kimmorley.
"Brett Finch has done his chances no harm recently," Stuart said. "His level of maturity has grown immensely.
"And his combination with Craig Wing would be a huge benefit for any tour side."
The Panthers under consideration are Gower, Girdler, Rhys Wesser, Luke Lewis, Joel Clinton and Preston Campbell.
Panthers chief executive Shane Richardson said: "If we play and win the grand final they will be forced to pick more of our players. That is a motivating factor for us."
The Kangaroos play a Test against New Zealand on October 18 before leaving for France on October 20.
The ultimate goal is a three-Test Ashes series against England. The squad will be announced Monday.
After announcing his decision not to tour, Tallis said: "Leading Australia on a Kangaroo tour is the highest honour, but my body is telling me it's just not up to it.
"I've got one year left on my contract with the Broncos and want to give that my best shot."
With Tallis and Andrew Johns unavailable, Darren Lockyer is expected to be named Kangaroo captain.
__________________________________________________________
At first I thought it was April Fools Day, when I read this.
The SAD part about this story is Stuart believes it.
The only way Crocker & Finch will get picked is all the better players have withdrawn from the Tour.
