As we approach State of Origin Three, which in terms of the series doesn’t really matter, players seem to be putting their club futures at risk.
Josh Morris has taken extraordinary measures to be fit for Origin Three after suffering a potentially season altering injury in the first game of the series.
Luke Lewis will have played as many games for NSW as he has for the Sharks this season when he plays on Wednesday Night.
Cooper Cronk returns to Origin three having not turned out once for the Storm since his injury in the series opener.
Paul Gallen missed games for the Sharks but was able to back up for Origin Two after copping a Josh Papalii shot.
I could go on, as a mass of players continue to risk missing club games to compete in the interstate clash.
By no means am I having a go at these players. If anything it shows just how highly regarded Origin football is.
Players will do almost anything to be able to take part in the show piece event of our game. Other codes can only dream of such a concept.
In saying that, how do Cowboys fans feel hearing that Thurston may have injured himself training for a game that does not affect the series outcome, when their season hangs by a thread.
They’ve already lost Brent Tate for the season, and possibly longer, due to his involvement.
Injuries are always going to occur in such high intensity games, but with finals spots on the line at club level, will we ever see a time where a player puts his rep aspirations aside to fight for his club’s survival?
I dont think so …
Robbie’s Big Call
Robbie Farah has come out and said fellow Tiger Aaron Woods is the best prop in the world. Although Woods has had an amazing season, I would argue he’s not even the best run on prop for his side this Wednesday Night.
Paul Gallen should make a permanent shift to the front row for club and country. He’s already the game’s biggest metre eater, and with the emergence of Wade Graham at lock for Cronulla, I think it’s time for Gal to take up the mantle of the best prop in the game.
Coach of The Year Question
Phil Rothfield posed the question of who would be named coach of the year this season, mentioning it was the most open comp on recon.
Fair call, but surely Ivan Cleary is leading the race seeing as his Panthers side sits atop the NRL ladder without a Thurston, Inglis or Cronk.
Cleary has worked to bring out the best in his players and far exceeded the expectations of even the biggest Panther’s fan.