NSW coach Brad Fittler has defended his decision to make seven changes to his Blues squad after the narrow loss in the State of Origin series opener
NSW coach Brad Fittler has defended his decision to make seven changes to his Blues squad after the narrow loss in theseries opener, insisting he could not afford not to “reassess” for Game 2 against Queensland, who have made just two changes to their winning team.
Fittler has yet to name his 17 but confirmed Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton would form a new-look centre pairing. The duo has only one game of Origin experience between them – Crichton came off the bench in a lukewarm showing in Sydney. Fittler explained he had dropped Sims with one eye on the years ahead; Sims will be 33 in February and could choose to retire when his contract expires after 2023. “He’s done a fantastic job for NSW. We really appreciate what he’s been doing but we’re looking towards the future,” Fittler said.
“[Angus Crichton] is playing really powerfully at the moment. There are different ways he can play, in the middle or on an edge, but I’m really happy with the way he’s going.” For Queensland, recalled forward Jai Arrow has earned his redemption shot while Murray Taulagi will debut as the Maroons aim to seal the series in Perth.
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