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http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...to-top-in-mix-for-the-six-20120403-1way2.html
Carney's the one to top in mix for the six
Michael Chammas
April 4, 2012
Todd Carney is considered the favourite for the NSW No.6 jersey. Photo: Getty Images
Todd Carney has one hand on Jamie Soward's NSW No.6 jersey.
The pair will square-off in the battle for the Blues five-eighth jumper, quite possibly in front of NSW coach Ricky Stuart, at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night when St George Illawarra goes head to head with Cronulla.
Fairfax understands Soward is at long odds to retain his position in the Country and NSW team, with Carney the front-runner in a five-man race which also includes Canberra's Terry Campese, the Warriors' James Maloney and the Knights' Jarrod Mullen, all eligible to represent Country against City in Mudgee on April 22.
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This weekend will be pivotal in the battle for the NSW No.6 jersey, not only with Carney and Soward going toe-to-toe on Saturday night, but with Campese and Maloney clashing at Canberra Stadium the following afternoon.
But the position is Carney's to lose, and this Saturday night's match-up against Soward could well determine whether he finally breaks into the Origin arena after threatening to do so in previous seasons.
''I'm not sure yet which games I'll physically be at this weekend,'' Stuart said.
''But you can be sure that wherever I am I'll be watching the Sharks-Dragons game. It should be a high-quality game and Todd Carney and Jamie Soward are two key players who will have a lot to play for, at club level and beyond that.''
After this weekend's match the Sharks are scheduled to play the Eels next Sunday afternoon, a couple of hours before the Country team is announced, which will be determined before Carney takes the field.
Soward next week has the luxury of playing two nights before the Country team is named on April 15, but it's unlikely to count for much.
Stuart met with Country coach Laurie Daley a fortnight ago to discuss the players in the frame for selection, which NSW Origin manager Trent Barrett believes will dictate the make-up of the Blues side.
''Whoever gets picked in the City-Country game is going to be a fair indicator as to who Ricky is going to be looking at,'' Barrett said.
''You'd like to get all of them in if you could because it will be a genuine trial for the Origin game. Fingers crossed we can get them through to mid-May without injury.''
Carney, who made his Test debut for the Kangaroos in 2010, has many things working in his favour, including the backing of Sharks teammate and NSW skipper Paul Gallen, who is very close with Stuart having played under him at Cronulla.
Also in Carney's favour is his combination with former Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce, who is expected to retain his position at halfback.
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...for-the-six-20120403-1way2.html#ixzz1qyvRHFcs
I mean what the f**k seriously, Soward has done nothing wrong and is the incumbent yet here we go again, out of favour. As much as i love Soward to remain with us and not play origin id love to see him become a legend of origin as well. But theyll keep out of form Mitchell Pearce. go figure.
Carney's the one to top in mix for the six
Michael Chammas
April 4, 2012
Todd Carney has one hand on Jamie Soward's NSW No.6 jersey.
The pair will square-off in the battle for the Blues five-eighth jumper, quite possibly in front of NSW coach Ricky Stuart, at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night when St George Illawarra goes head to head with Cronulla.
Fairfax understands Soward is at long odds to retain his position in the Country and NSW team, with Carney the front-runner in a five-man race which also includes Canberra's Terry Campese, the Warriors' James Maloney and the Knights' Jarrod Mullen, all eligible to represent Country against City in Mudgee on April 22.
Advertisement: Story continues below
This weekend will be pivotal in the battle for the NSW No.6 jersey, not only with Carney and Soward going toe-to-toe on Saturday night, but with Campese and Maloney clashing at Canberra Stadium the following afternoon.
But the position is Carney's to lose, and this Saturday night's match-up against Soward could well determine whether he finally breaks into the Origin arena after threatening to do so in previous seasons.
''I'm not sure yet which games I'll physically be at this weekend,'' Stuart said.
''But you can be sure that wherever I am I'll be watching the Sharks-Dragons game. It should be a high-quality game and Todd Carney and Jamie Soward are two key players who will have a lot to play for, at club level and beyond that.''
After this weekend's match the Sharks are scheduled to play the Eels next Sunday afternoon, a couple of hours before the Country team is announced, which will be determined before Carney takes the field.
Soward next week has the luxury of playing two nights before the Country team is named on April 15, but it's unlikely to count for much.
Stuart met with Country coach Laurie Daley a fortnight ago to discuss the players in the frame for selection, which NSW Origin manager Trent Barrett believes will dictate the make-up of the Blues side.
''Whoever gets picked in the City-Country game is going to be a fair indicator as to who Ricky is going to be looking at,'' Barrett said.
''You'd like to get all of them in if you could because it will be a genuine trial for the Origin game. Fingers crossed we can get them through to mid-May without injury.''
Carney, who made his Test debut for the Kangaroos in 2010, has many things working in his favour, including the backing of Sharks teammate and NSW skipper Paul Gallen, who is very close with Stuart having played under him at Cronulla.
Also in Carney's favour is his combination with former Roosters teammate Mitchell Pearce, who is expected to retain his position at halfback.
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rug...for-the-six-20120403-1way2.html#ixzz1qyvRHFcs
I mean what the f**k seriously, Soward has done nothing wrong and is the incumbent yet here we go again, out of favour. As much as i love Soward to remain with us and not play origin id love to see him become a legend of origin as well. But theyll keep out of form Mitchell Pearce. go figure.
