GAVIN Miller is bewildered by the non-selection of Todd Carney.
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Geoff Peterson says the Blues are a 10 point better side with the Goulburn raised playmaker in their ranks.
The most talked about position in the Blues squad for State of Origin one was supposed to be settled once and for all on Sunday night.
Instead, the selection of Sydney Roosters five-eighth James Maloney sat poorly with Miller, Goulburn’s finest rugby league product, and fired-up Peterson, a man who’s followed the peaks and troughs of Carney’s career with interest.
“I was surprised, not because I’m critical of Maloney, but because Todd got better as Origin went on last year,” Miller, a former NSW captain, explained.
“I thought he was entitled to be given another opportunity… The fact that Maloney plays with [Mitchell] Pearce at the Roosters shouldn’t matter. Todd’s played more games with Mitchell than Maloney, so that blows that theory out of the water.”
Equally perplexed by coach Laurie Daley’s decision was Peterson, a former teacher to Carney at Mulwaree High School.
“Todd’s first game last year was quiet; he blitzed them in the second game; and in the last he knocked a goal over from the sideline under pressure,” Peterson said.
“I thought his performance set them up nicely for this year.”
If omitting the Goulburn Stockmen junior from the initial 17 was surprising, not considering him for the vacant bench spot was dumbfounding.
The door to Origin one reopened on Monday morning when Knights utility Kurt Gidley withdrew due to injury.
Daley opted to call Rabbitohs five-eighth John Sutton and Bulldogs half Josh Reynolds into the squad.
“I think Todd’s out of favour,” Peterson continued.
“He’s one of those players who in tight situations will win you the game. I can’t see any other games breakers in our team except Jennings, and maybe Hayne.”
Miller agrees. He says selectors would be better served picking either Carney or Penrith prop Tim Grant.
“Todd can play fullback, fiveeighth and halfback,” Miller continued.
“But if you’re not going to take Todd or a genuine utility, why not take another big bopper? They groomed Tim Grant last year, why not bring him back?” As both a passionate New South Welshmen and proud Goulburn resident, Miller is torn.
On one hand he’d love to see Carney called back in the squad for game two. On the other, he’s desperate for a NSW win.
That latter scenario outweighs the first. Miller will gladly eat humble pie should Maloney perform and New South Wales take a 1-0 series lead.
Obtaining a series lead, a must if the Blues are to end Queensland’s seven year reign as champions, is easier said than done.
“When you’ve got Smith, Slater, Thurston, Inglis and Cronk, you’re hard to beat,” Miller said.
“Their forwards have only got to hold us to an arm wrestle and they’ve got the edge.
“My biggest concern for NSW, and this is something that might came back to bite us on the backside, is the fitness of Paul Gallen and Luke Lewis. Those guys bring a heap of Origin experience, but they risk being underdone.”
ORIGIN encounters are almost exclusively close. In 96 matches and 32 series, the Maroons have scored 1542 points; New South Wales 1454. The average score in a State of Origin match is 16-15 in favour of Queensland.
Miller expects another nailbiting series. Peterson, conversely, fears the Blues will get thumped.
“I think we’re going to get smashed. Those big Queensland forwards are going to run at Maloney and Pearce all night. I certainly hope I’m wrong, but that’s what my head says.”
Peterson, a man so passionate he once organised three busloads of people to travel and watch Carney’s under 18s NSW debut, believes Todd’s omission will be measured on the scoreboard.
“I’d give New South Wales, without Todd, a 10-and-a-half point start. With him, I’d give us half-a-point start,” he said.
“We’re a 10 point better side with Carney in our team.”