Granty
27-05-2006, 11:48 AM
http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,19269648-23214,00.html
Thurston set for pivot role
By Ben Dorries
May 27, 2006
THE heat has been turned up on Queensland selectors to choose the right team to prevent the Maroons from slipping into State of Origin's blackest hole.
And the cornerpiece of the plan - trying to prevent an unprecedented four consecutive series losses - could involve shifting skipper Darren Lockyer from five-eighth to fullback.
It is understood there is a renewed push for Lockyer to wear the No.1 jersey, allowing Johnathan Thurston to switch to five-eighth and Scott Prince to play halfback in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on June 14.
Selectors have come under fire for the side that crashed 17-16 to New South Wales on Wednesday night, with former coach Wayne Bennett leading criticism of the selection broom that swept seven rookies into the team.
In his column for The Courier-Mail today, Bennett claims the Maroons were beaten at the selection table before the heartbreaking loss in the Origin series opener.
The former Queensland coach believes selectors should have resisted the urge to blood so many first-gamers.
"I think NSW might have had us beaten at the selection table this time around," Bennett writes.
"The Blues have got a bit of a formula going for them at the moment when it comes to picking teams.
"The formula is based on a core of players who come from different NRL clubs but who have developed a real mateship and trust in one another.
"Queensland has to try to develop the same sort of base or formula and I don't believe choosing seven rookies at once is the way to do it."
Another former coach, Mark Murray, said: "If we don't do something and try some other blokes I am worried we will be beaten again."
The stakes are high for the Maroons, who can't ignore their bleak record since Wally Lewis finished his era of dominance in 1991.
Queensland has won just three Origin series since then.
The calls for Lockyer to be switched from five-eighth to fullback - coach Mal Meninga's original preference before Origin I - are getting louder. Maroons legend Paul Vautin is a strong supporter of moving Lockyer to the No 1 jersey.
It is understood that incumbent fullback Matt Bowen's place is on the line because of his lack of size and his suspect skills under the high ball.
If Lockyer doesn't assume the role, Karmichael Hunt or Greg Inglis will replace Bowen.
Selectors will be busy this weekend.
Gene Miles will attend tonight's clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra in Townsville, Des Morris will be in Brisbane for the Broncos-Bulldogs game and Alan Smith will be in Sydney tomorrow to watch the Roosters play Parramatta.
Smith is expected to keep a close watch on Roosters forward David Shillington, who is expected to figure heavily in discussions before the next Maroons team is announced on Monday week.
Selectors must decide whether to stick with the same side or pepper more experience into the ranks.
The Courier-Mail
Thurston set for pivot role
By Ben Dorries
May 27, 2006
THE heat has been turned up on Queensland selectors to choose the right team to prevent the Maroons from slipping into State of Origin's blackest hole.
And the cornerpiece of the plan - trying to prevent an unprecedented four consecutive series losses - could involve shifting skipper Darren Lockyer from five-eighth to fullback.
It is understood there is a renewed push for Lockyer to wear the No.1 jersey, allowing Johnathan Thurston to switch to five-eighth and Scott Prince to play halfback in Origin II at Suncorp Stadium on June 14.
Selectors have come under fire for the side that crashed 17-16 to New South Wales on Wednesday night, with former coach Wayne Bennett leading criticism of the selection broom that swept seven rookies into the team.
In his column for The Courier-Mail today, Bennett claims the Maroons were beaten at the selection table before the heartbreaking loss in the Origin series opener.
The former Queensland coach believes selectors should have resisted the urge to blood so many first-gamers.
"I think NSW might have had us beaten at the selection table this time around," Bennett writes.
"The Blues have got a bit of a formula going for them at the moment when it comes to picking teams.
"The formula is based on a core of players who come from different NRL clubs but who have developed a real mateship and trust in one another.
"Queensland has to try to develop the same sort of base or formula and I don't believe choosing seven rookies at once is the way to do it."
Another former coach, Mark Murray, said: "If we don't do something and try some other blokes I am worried we will be beaten again."
The stakes are high for the Maroons, who can't ignore their bleak record since Wally Lewis finished his era of dominance in 1991.
Queensland has won just three Origin series since then.
The calls for Lockyer to be switched from five-eighth to fullback - coach Mal Meninga's original preference before Origin I - are getting louder. Maroons legend Paul Vautin is a strong supporter of moving Lockyer to the No 1 jersey.
It is understood that incumbent fullback Matt Bowen's place is on the line because of his lack of size and his suspect skills under the high ball.
If Lockyer doesn't assume the role, Karmichael Hunt or Greg Inglis will replace Bowen.
Selectors will be busy this weekend.
Gene Miles will attend tonight's clash between the North Queensland Cowboys and Canberra in Townsville, Des Morris will be in Brisbane for the Broncos-Bulldogs game and Alan Smith will be in Sydney tomorrow to watch the Roosters play Parramatta.
Smith is expected to keep a close watch on Roosters forward David Shillington, who is expected to figure heavily in discussions before the next Maroons team is announced on Monday week.
Selectors must decide whether to stick with the same side or pepper more experience into the ranks.
The Courier-Mail