Mitchell Pearce has revealed his desire to be selected in the City-Country clash
JOSH MASSOUD
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
APRIL 21, 2014 10:00PM
Rooster Mitchell Pearce has expressed his desire to play for City. Source: News Corp Australia
MITCHELL Pearce has thrown a cat amongst the pigeons in the NSW Origin halves puzzle, revealing his desire to be selected in Sunday week’s City-Country clash in Dubbo.
Considered a certainty to retain his No.7 Blues jersey, Pearce is widely expected to be quarantined from the traditional selection trial.
In his absence, NSW halves candidates Josh Reynolds, Aiden Sezer, Adam Reynolds and John Sutton are tipped to be rotated through the City playmaking ranks to showcase their wares.
But having missed last year’s match in Coffs Harbour because of a calf injury, Pearce yesterday declared his wish to be involved.
Mitchell Pearce tackles Michael Gordon. Source: Getty Images
He also said Blues coach Laurie Daley had not spoken to him about being rested for the 3 May encounter, which would pit him against Roosters and current NSW halves partner James Maloney.
The 25-year-old also said he would be delighted to re-unite with former Roosters coach Brad Fittler, who has guided City Origin since 2012.
"I honestly don’t know someone just mentioned (being rested) before but I haven’t even seen it in the paper,” Pearce said.
“I was injured last year, I hurt my calf, that’s what happened last year.
“I’d love to play, it’s an awesome week and I love spending time with Freddie, and he’s the coach.
“It’s great getting in teams like that with all the boys form other teams, I’d love to play.
“We’ll see what happens.
"Like I said, it’s great mixing with other players, just being in that rep environment is always a great buzz.
"You appreciate every opportunity you get.”
With Origin I just over a month away, Pearce knows talk will soon turn to the arena that has divided so many opinions on his performances.
Pearce admitted he’d been guilty of over-analysing his preparation, a self-inhibiting habit he’s vowed to change this year.
“I’ve noticed the last couple of years it’s probably done my head in at times over that stuff, not just in Origin, even in first grade,” he said.
“If you over analyse things it can do your head in, just like life I suppose, so for me that’s something I’ve tried to take out of it, just try not to over analyse things, try to live in the present, sounds a little bit hippie but I reckon that's the way to do it.”
With Jarrod Mullen, Albert Kelly and Todd Carney also in the mix for Country, next weekend’s game will be key to Maloney’s chances of keeping his Origin partnership with Pearce in tact.
No stranger to criticism himself, Pearce said he could empathise with Maloney and believed the five eighth’s last-up effort against Cronulla marked a big step forward.
“As the halves you get used to that sort of criticism, it’s just the norm, and I think it probably hurt jimmy a little bit,” Pearce said.
“He performed really well the other night and I thought he was back to his confident best.”
By Jack Brady & Staff Writers
NRL.com
3:40pm Thu 24th April, 2014
At just 21, rising star Boyd Cordner is set for a lengthy career in rep footy. Credit: Colin Whelan Copyright: NRL Photos
Trent Barrett take note: After hours of form research and not a small amount of soul-searching, NRL.com has come up with the following Country Origin team for the annual City v Country clash at Dubbo's Caltex Oval on Sunday May 4.
Selectors will name their actual squads at approximately 5pm this Sunday.
1. Josh Dugan
The incumbent NSW fullback, Dugan has been given the nod in our team ahead of Manly fullback Brett Stewart by the skin of his teeth.
What the Dragons No.1 lacks in ball-playing skill he makes up for with pure explosiveness and will be a welcomed acquisition for the Country side next Sunday afternoon.
2. James McManus
Knights winger James McManus was born in Scotland, grew up in the Darwin, lives in Newcastle and should be off to Dubbo next Sunday afternoon following a solid start to the year.
The incumbent NSW winger has produced 15 tackle breaks and averaged 116.4 metres in 2014.
3. Josh Morris
Josh Morris has found himself in an unusual predicament when it comes to the NSW side this year.
With Jarryd Hayne showcasing he has what it takes to be a phenomenal centre for the Kangaroos and Michael Jennings having a mortgage on the other Blues centre spot, Morris could be facing the prospect of missing out on a sky blue jersey for the first time since 2012.
A good showing for the Country side is vital.
4. Jarrod Croker
Although the likes of Raiders teammate Jack Wighton and the Panthers' Jamal Idris are pushing for selection, we've decided to hand Jarrod Croker his first representative jumper.
Croker has been in sublime form for the Green Machine this season and his five tries in seven appearances is an apt reward for the threatening young gun.
5. Michael Gordon
Brett Stewart can't catch a break.
For some, the solution for the NSW fullback problem was to have the Manly No.1 on the wing for Country, but it wasn't enough.
The Sharks' 'Flash' Gordon has just edged out Stewart on the wing in our team and may perhaps capture a second Country jumper.
Consider it an award for his three try assists and 22 tackle breaks in 2014 while playing for a struggling side.
6. James Maloney
"If you had one shot, one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted, one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip?"
Roosters five-eighth James Maloney should heed the advice of Eminem if he has any hope of reclaiming the No.6 jersey for NSW.
He will need to improve enormously in the coming weeks if he is to keep his Origin spot from City counterpart Josh Reynolds.
Jarrod Mullen was very unlucky to miss out on our side.
7. Todd Carney
Sharks half Todd Carney will surely go close to earning another Country cap.
Carney – who has struggled with a troublesome hamstring injury and a backlash from his decision to bleach his hair blonde – has tried his best for a struggling Cronulla side, having recorded three try assists so far in 2014.
8. Trent Merrin
Is it a lock? Is it a second-rower? No, it's Trent Merrin!
With the Dragons utility comfortable with the majority of positions in the pack, Merrin may be picked in the front row to accommodate others in the Country side.
An incumbent NSW player, Merrin has done his selection chances no harm by averaging 145.1 metres and 41.4 tackles per game this season.
9. Michael Ennis
Michael Ennis would have to be one of the first players to come to mind when you think of a typical Country player – he's a niggler.
Raised in Newcastle, Ennis is the incumbent Country captain and with his old-sparring partner Robbie Farah under an injury cloud for NSW expect a big game from the Bulldogs skipper.
10. Aiden Tolman
Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman never gets the raps he deserves.
Often confused for lookalike teammate James Graham, the 25-year-old prop is his own man.
His 159.3 metres per game this season may shock some people as he looks to capture his maiden sky blue jumper.
11. Boyd Cordner
The softly-spoken Roosters second-rower has already played for NSW and Australia so a second consecutive Country game would be another inevitable notch on the punishing 21-year-old's belt.
His average of 115.4 metres per game for the reigning premiers could be enough to see him reclaim his spot in the Origin side come late-May.
12. Glenn Stewart
Consider this a dress rehearsal, Glenn. Obviously by signing with the Rabbitohs for the next two years, the current Sea Eagles back-rower will get the opportunity to go up against several of his future teammates next Sunday in the unfamiliar surroundings of Dubbo's Caltex Oval.
The 30-year-old will add an abundance of experience to Country's forward pack.
13. Shaun Fensom
Surely 2014 is the year that Shaun Fensom finally gets an opportunity to play for Country.
The Raiders lock is arguably the NRL's best player yet to be rewarded with any representative honours, having impressed again this year with an average of 39.1 tackles and 106.4 metres per game for the Green Machine in 2014.
14. Kurt Gidley
This is the Knights captain's chance at redemption. The former NSW skipper has failed to represent his state since 2011 due to injury.
While his minutes have been cut in half to maintain the 31-year-old's fitness, Gidley could prove to be a perfect foil in a bench utility capacity if the opportunity arises.
15. Beau Scott
Wayne Bennett called him the form back-rower in the competition a fortnight ago.
While this might be a stretch from the aging super coach, Beau Scott has sky-rocketed into contention to build on his already solid representative CV off the back of his four line-breaks and 13 offloads this season.
16. Tariq Sims
When he's not bashing into opponents with his brother for the Cowboys or Fiji, Sims has shown he is more than capable of taking his game to the next level.
By producing just under 30 tackles per game and 15 tackle breaks for North Queensland this season, another chance in the Country jersey appears likely for Sims after failing to be named in Fiji's squad for next weekend's Test against Samoa.
17. Luke Douglas
Titans prop Douglas raised the bat for the second time in his career earlier in the season when he reached his 200th consecutive game of first-grade.
His 86.6 metres per game is an illustration of his solid contribution he brings to a side, especially in his recent appearances for Scotland, who achieved an unlikely quarter-final berth in last year's World Cup.
NRL.com's Country Origin team
1. Josh Dugan
2. James McManus
3. Josh Morris
4. Jarrod Croker
5. Michael Gordon
6. James Maloney
7. Todd Carney
8. Trent Merrin
9. Michael Ennis
10. Aiden Tolman
11. Boyd Cordner
12. Glenn Stewart
13. Shaun Fensom
14. Kurt Gidley
15. Beau Scott
16. Tariq Sims
17. Luke Douglas
By Jack Brady & Staff Writers
NRL.com
3:40pm Thu 24th April, 2014
Nathan Peats is a genuine chance of playing his way into a Blues jersey after some standout performances for Parramatta this season. Copyright: NRL Photos
Brad Fittler take note: After hours of form research and not a small amount of soul-searching, NRL.com has come up with the following City Origin team for the annual City v Country clash at Dubbo's Caltex Oval on Sunday May 4.
Selectors will name their actual squads at approximately 5pm this Sunday.
1. Matthew Moylan
Moylan should count his lucky stars if he gets the nod for City.
With James Tedesco currently on the shelf with a knee injury, it has paved the way for the Panthers No.1 to make his representative debut.
His five try assists in 2014 is a credit to his attacking capabilities.
2. Jorge Taufua
Two games back from a knee injury (three once the actual sides are named) Jorge Taufua is on track to be selected for the City side for his second consecutive year.
With his name being chucked around for a possible NSW Origin berth in recent seasons, Taufua has done his chances no harm with three tries for Manly in 2014.
3. Michael Jennings
Jennings will be without a shadow of a doubt one of the first picked for City.
The 26-year-old has played two Tests for Australia and he hit double figures for NSW appearances last year.
Jennings has broken 23 tackles for the reigning premiers in 2014 and will be looking to solidify his place in a sky blue jersey once again.
4. Joey Leilua
Knights centre Joey Leilua has notched a massive 38 tackle breaks so far in 2014, proving extremely hard to stop when he gets his hands on the ball.
His 13 tackle breaks against Canberra in Round 6 alone should be enough for Leilua to edge out Will Hopoate for his second City cap.
5. Josh Mansour
If Josh Mansour gets picked on the wing for City and combines with our centre selection of Leilua they would have combined for 70 tackle breaks between them in 2014.
Mansour has averaged an astounding 191.2 metres per game this season for the Panthers and will attract plenty of attention from Laurie Daley in the coming weeks as a possible NSW bolter.
6. Josh Reynolds
Josh Reynolds will get the opportunity to put Country to the sword and win his first starting sky blue jersey next Sunday afternoon at Dubbo's Caltex Oval.
His tenacity for the Bulldogs this season has been next to none and the five-eighth has gained plenty of punters' confidence to do a job as NSW's next five-eighth.
7. Adam Reynolds
With Mitchell Pearce having a reputation for avoiding the annual City-Country clash, Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds will get the chance to showcase his talent for the City side for the second consecutive year.
Reynolds will need to have an absolute corker of a game if he's to make his NSW debut in 2014.
8. Aaron Woods
Woods came into calculation when deciding our Australian side so it's no accident that he has been selected to lead from the front in the City side next Sunday.
His average of 147.6 metres for the Wests Tigers in 2014 is almost as impressive as his glorious beard.
9. Nathan Peats
Peats has shocked the masses with his performances for the Eels after arriving from South Sydney this season.
While he was handed his first City jumper last year to many people's surprise, Peats has definitely earned his opportunity this time around in the absence of NSW vice-captain Robbie Farah.
The 23-year-old has averaged 41.5 tackles per game in 2014.
10. Tim Mannah
The ever-reliable Parramatta captain has averaged 128.1 metres for the rejuvenated Eels side in 2014.
Mannah just nudges out Keith Galloway for the starting role in our side as the big man looks to add to his four Origin games for NSW.
The 26-year-old will go close to captaining the side.
11. Anthony Watmough
With injury ruling him out of Australia's World Cup campaign at the end of last year, Watmough should consider himself unlucky not to making another appearance for the Kangaroos.
While he is currently in doubt with an elbow complaint, don't be surprised to see the Manly veteran make his first City appearance since 2007.
12. Wade Graham
There is a reason why Wade Graham is the Sharks' vice-captain.
His work rate and heart on a rugby league field is second only to the club's inspirational leader Paul Gallen.
He's skippered a depleted Cronulla side admirably in 2014 and could get the nod ahead of experienced campaigners Ryan Hoffman and Tony Williams in the starting side.
13. John Sutton
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has been flirting with the idea of playing John Sutton at lock throughout the 2014 season.
With Brad Fittler coaching City – a man himself who was capable of filling both five-eighth and lock competently – expect the future immortal to be in Sutton's ear trying to convince him that he belongs in the forward pack.
14. Jamie Buhrer
With a lone NSW Origin appearance to his name, Buhrer will not look out of place in another City jumper next Sunday afternoon.
Has had limited minutes in Geoff Toovey's Manly side in recent weeks although he has played brilliantly when gifted a rare starting chance for the Sea Eagles.
15. Ryan Hoffman
While the Storm haven't started in the usual fashion we're used to seeing them this season, last year's City captain Ryan Hoffman has performed well enough to secure a bench spot.
The back-rower has averaged 125.1 metres in 2014.
16. Tony Williams
We would tell Tony Williams his form has been down in recent seasons but we're afraid he might hurt us.
While Bulldogs fans aren't necessarily happy with his performances since he's joined the club, T-Rex has undeniably improved this year.
His 112.9 metres and 25 tackle breaks this season is a testament to this.
17. Keith Galloway
Big Keithy just missed out on a starting spot for our City team but more than deserves his spot on the bench.
A former Australian and NSW representative in his own right, Galloway has averaged smack-bang on 100 metres per game for the Wests Tigers this year.
NRL.com's City Origin team
1. Matthew Moylan
2. Jorge Taufua
3. Michael Jennings
4. Joey Leilua
5. Josh Mansour
6. Josh Reynolds
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Aaron Woods
9. Nathan Peats
10. Tim Mannah
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Wade Graham
13. John Sutton
14. Jamie Buhrer
15. Ryan Hoffman
16. Tony Williams
17. Keith Galloway
Gold Coast Titan Albert Kelly a perfect fit for Country bench spot, says Greg Bird
TODD BALYM
NEWS LIMITED
APRIL 26, 2014 12:00AM
Albert Kelly is in-form. Source: Getty Images
TITANS skipper Greg Bird has urged NSW Country selectors to take a chance on Gold Coast halfback Albert Kelly and give the livewire No.7 an opportunity to show his skills off the bench at rep level next week.
With NSW Origin quartet James Maloney, Todd Carney, Jarrod Mullen and Jamie Soward all fighting to be squeezed into the two starting halves positions, Bird believes Kelly shouldn’t be overlooked if they want someone to spark something from nothing.
Kelly has shown this year with his five tries, including four from either intercepts or turnovers, that he has an uncanny ability to create opportunities from very little and is thriving in the quicker play of the NRL ruck speeds in 2014.
“I think Albert Kelly has probably been one of the standout halfbacks for the year,” Bird said.
“I don’t know whether they’re thinking of starting him or putting him on the bench but I think he definitely deserves an opportunity to show his wares at rep level.
“The Country halves are quite strong - Maloney, Mullen and Carney.
"There is a few in there to start but I’m confident he wouldn’t look out of place in one of those bench spots.”
Frontrow Country Origin seat beckoning for Canberra prop Paul Vaughan
BARRY TOOHEY
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH
APRIL 27, 2014 12:00AM
HE was the Canberra Raiders rookie of the year in 2013 and Italy’s most dominant forward at the World Cup.
Now 23 year old prop Paul Vaughan is poised to take his first step towards possible future NSW Blues selection by winning a place in the Country Origin squad to meet City Origin in Dubbo next Sunday.
The Gungahlin Bulls junior is believed to be under consideration for a starting spot alongside Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman in the Country frontrow for the game.
It’s understood coach Trent Barrett had Vaughan already pencilled into his squad a few weeks ago with a view to possibly starting him off the bench.
But Vaughan’s matchwinning try for the Raiders last weekend, when he beat five Melbourne Storm defenders before crashing over next to the upright in the final minutes, may actually get him into the starting line-up against City with Country’s frontrow stocks not exactly bulging with contenders.
Barrett was still mulling over the make-up of his squad last night ahead of Sunday’s selection meeting with several positions thought to be still up for grabs and late impressions to count.
Fullback Josh Dugan, winger James McManus and centre Josh Morris are considered backline certainties although there is speculation Morris may be rested from the game.
With Knights winger Akuila Uate out injured, the other wing spot seems likely to be occupied by a Gordon, either Michael from the Sharks or Kevin from the Titans.
If Morris is chosen, he’s likely to partner Raiders’ youngster Jack Wighton in the centres.
The injury to Roosters five-eighth James Maloney will open the door for Knights No 6 Jarrod Mullen with Todd Carney expected to be the halfback despite some patchy form.
However an injury in Saturday’s match against Penrith has put him in grave doubt.
The smoky for the No 7 role is the Titans’ Albert Kelly but if he is chosen, it is more likely to be as a utility player off the bench.
Versatile Raider Josh McCrone is also vying for that role with Knights captain Kurt Gidley unlikely to be considered.
Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis seems certain to captain the Country side with the likes of Beau Scott, Trent Merrin and Boyd Cordner (provided he misses Kangaroo selection) the frontrunners for the backrow positions.
Barrett seems likely to use the interchange bench to blood some promising rookies with the likes of Dragons trio Tyson Frizell, Jack de Belin and Jack Stockwell, Bulldogs pair Josh Jackson and Dale Finucane, Panthers prop Jeremy Latimore and the Cowboys’ Tariq Sims all strongly in contention.
City Origin side ready to blood four debutants in representative fixture
JAMES HOOPER
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
APRIL 27, 2014 12:00AM
THE City Origin side is poised to blood four representative rookies in the form of Matt Moylan, David Klemmer, Aidan Sezer and Dylan Walker when the team for next Sunday’s clash in Dubbo is named at 5pm on Sunday.
The first taste of representative football will be a wonderful reward for Panthers fullback Moylan, Bulldogs prop Klemmer, Gold Coast five-eighth Sezer and South Sydney centre Walker, who have all shown flashes of brilliance over the opening rounds of the season.
The City side is expected to include Adam Reynolds and Josh Reynolds as its starting halves, with Parramatta hooker Nathan Peats a lock-in to be the starting hooker.
Newcastle centre Joey Leilua and Parramatta’s Will Hopoate will be the City centres, with Leilua strongly in contention for the NSW Blues left centre position.
With NSW Blues and Roosters centre Michael Jennings suffering an ankle injury in the Anzac Day clash, Leilua and the Bulldogs Josh Morris are the alternate front-runners to be the Blues left centre.
Even if Jennings is fit, the Roosters flyer may be pressured into retaining his position with the Blues leaning towards picking Jarryd Hayne at right centre and Josh Dugan at fullback at present.
That could push either Josh Morris to the left edge to partner his brother Brett Morris, who will be on the left wing, or possibly Leilua as the players who NSW may turn to.
The City Origin pack is expected to contain Aaron Woods, Peats, Tim Mannah, who will most likely be named captain, Tony Williams, Jamie Buhrer and Wade Graham.
NSW coach Laurie Daley has confirmed Bulldogs backrower Williams has pushed himself into the frame over the opening eight rounds.
Often criticised over the years as a pointless fixture, the City side will opt for a youth policy of picking emerging rookies and giving them a taste of life in a representative camp.
One player expected to narrowly miss selection who has been in tremendous touch is Dogs halfback Trent Hodkinson, with the City side opting to play it safe and reward last year’s halfback Adam Reynolds with another opportunity.
NSW Blues incumbent Mitchell Pearce will be given a leave pass despite putting his hand up to play while John Sutton is still in the NSW selection mix but has also been rewarded with a weekend off.
