Ben Creagh is an ok player but his selection (esp if it carries over to the actual 17) is about as ridiculous as Brent Kite's last year. Now Kite didn't disgrace himself in the 3 games last year but he hardly made an impact and I still can't figure out what the NSW staff see in him (then again I'm not the one coaching or selecting NSW so clearly my opinion is far less useful).
But honestly if they can't find at least 10 better options than Ben Creagh for NSW I'd be questioning whether this is the most even comp in history as the media incessantly proclaims.
Of those that missed out - tell me the following players couldn't offer more than Creagh (I have NOTHING against the kid but he's no Origin player at this point in his career).
I've listed backrowers mainly although some can play prop and some centre
Phil Bailey
Paul Gallen
Steve Simpson
Jason Croker
Ryan Hoffman
Adam Woolnough
Glenn Morrison
Mark Riddell
Bryan Fletcher
Lance Thompson
Dean Young
Anthony Laffranchi
Again let me stress this is not a Ben Creagh bash-a-thon but it is pretty amazing to think he can beat out the players above EVEN considering the talent that was picked in the 30 man squad. In 2003 they named Jason King as an emerging player but in my opinion he hadn't earned that at the time, and although injuries are a factor he hasn't reached that level of form since - was it right to put that juicy carrot out there when in all likelihood (and eventuality) he was not going to be picked in that series?
I realise this is just letting off a bit of steam and won't make a speck of difference but felt I had to say something more so on behalf (whether its my place or not) of the players that missed out again.
As for the squad Watmough, Menzies, King, Tupou and O'Donnell really earned this recognition, while Kite, Lewis, Clinton and Creagh are doing well to make it based on this year's form. Nothing against them but they just don't stack up against the other players picked or the case of some players not picked.
One final point however, in Origin 3 last year Phil Gould picked the side HE wanted (heck we won the decider so can you fault the man?), it would be interesting to see how much of this squad is purely Ricky Stuart's feelings - I know he listed Ben Creagh in a pre-season publication about players to watch so his selection in the City-Country and this squad aren't a total surprise.
The proof is in the result pudding, and I am behind Stuart as NSW coach but like anyone who watches league - you're entitled to your opinion.
