Australian Test Team discussion thread

[Dakink]

Australian Test Team
Discussion thread

We had something like this not that long ago, but let's start afresh after the games played thus far. There is some really good posts coming out involving the Australian side, let's debate in here up until the side is named.

Here is the possibles:

Fullback: Anthony Minichiello, Matt Bowen
Wingers: Matt King, Eric Grothe, Luke Rooney, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu
Centres: Mark Gasnier, Justin Hodges, Matt Cooper, Steve Bell, Shaun Berrigan, Timana Tahu
Five-eights: Darren Lockyer, Johnathon Thurston
Halfbacks: Andrew Johns, Johnathon Thurston
Props: Mark O'Meley, Steve Price, Petero Civoniceva, Jason Ryles, Scott Tronc, Craig Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason, John Skandalis, Steve Simpson
Second Rowers: Luke O'Donnell, Nathan Hindmarsh, Craig Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason, Steve Menzies, Anthony Watmough, Ben Creagh, Steve Southern, Steve Simpson
Hookers: Danny Buderus, Craig Wing, Luke Priddis

There could be more there - good starting point though

Merged the two threads that were discussing the Aus team selections into the one to reduce doubling up on the same discussions in two threads. Above is Deegs original intro to the thread.


As we have come to expect from North of the border, the old "Everyone is against us" paranoia is alive and thriving ;-)

Lockyer to be captain and pivot
By Cameron Bell
April 23, 2006

DARREN Lockyer has survived a push to move him to fullback for next month's Test against New Zealand and will retain his five-eighth position when the team is announced next Sunday.

Lockyer will also keep the captaincy for the May 5 Test against Tri Nations conquerors New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium.

After a month of speculation, which involved moving Lockyer from his favoured pivot position to fullback - with last year's Golden Boot winner Anthony Minichiello moving to the wing - Lockyer has fended off a challenge from the game's form player Johnathan Thurston to keep the No.6 jersey.

Lockyer and Minichiello publicly voiced their opposition to change their positions.

Last weekend, Lockyer met with Test coach Ricky Stuart at Sydney's Clovelly Hotel. It was the first chance the pair had to meet and both walked away impressed.

Stuart refused yesterday to reveal if he told Lockyer he wanted him in the team as five-eighth and captain.

"There has been plenty of debate about his role in the team and, while I have my thoughts, it's ultimately up to the selectors to decide that," Stuart said.

"It's the selectors who pick the team and the captain is appointed by the ARL Board.

"The Australian coach has historically had input into the selections but, at the end of the day, it's the four-man panel that decides the composition of the team.

"It was important for me to get to know Darren and him to get to know me.

"As a player who has been the Test captain in recent years, it is important I have a good understanding with him ... we both walked away a lot more relaxed for having the chance to meet.

"I know how hurt he was at last year's Tri Nations defeat and how determined he is to ensure Australia regains its mantle as the premier rugby league nation."

Lockyer said he was more than happy with the outcome of the meeting.

"It went really well," Lockyer said yesterday. "It was a first opportunity for Ricky and I to get to know each other having only had brief chances to speak on earlier occasions."

Lockyer was coy when asked if he had an assurance he would retain his five-eighth position and the Test captaincy.

"Obviously I have been made no guarantees from anyone," he said about the No.6 jersey.

"But I am really keen to continue to captain the country."

Queensland and Test selector Des Morris confirmed he was prepared to fight for Lockyer to retain his role within the team.

"It's a matter of getting the balance of the team right," Morris said. "I will push for Darren to be retained at five-eighth.

"I don't know how the other selectors feel, but Darren has never let us down at five-eighth."

Stuart took aim at Queensland hysteria that only one Maroon - Lockyer - would make the team.

"I'm not sure where the talk started from and, if that's what they are saying, all I can say is they must be watching different games in Queensland to the ones I've been watching," Stuart said.

"A number of Queenslanders have really played their way into contention in the last couple of weeks ... you only have to look at the Cowboys, who are undefeated after six rounds and have some players in the form of their careers.

"One of the only things Queenslanders have been right about of late is the form of Johnathan Thurston.

"And I got a first-hand look last week at Brisbane, and a number of their players have clearly put up their hands for selectors to have a look at."

Additional reporting Peter Badel

The Sunday Telegraph

[DeeGan]

As we have come to expect from North of the border, the old "Everyone is against us" paranoia is alive and thriving ;-)

Stuart took aim at Queensland hysteria that only one Maroon - Lockyer - would make the team.

"I'm not sure where the talk started from and, if that's what they are saying, all I can say is they must be watching different games in Queensland to the ones I've been watching," Stuart said.

"A number of Queenslanders have really played their way into contention in the last couple of weeks ... you only have to look at the Cowboys, who are undefeated after six rounds and have some players in the form of their careers.

"One of the only things Queenslanders have been right about of late is the form of Johnathan Thurston.

"And I got a first-hand look last week at Brisbane, and a number of their players have clearly put up their hands for selectors to have a look at."

I have not read or heard that Lockyer would be the only Maroon in the test side - how is that possible when Thurston will have to be in the 17 as well? Petero Civoniceva will be in the 17 with Steve Price to be looked at as well. Justin Hodges is right on the cusp of selection to replace Matt Cooper in the centres. Matt Bowen is always there abouts.

Fact remains NSW have been the dominant State side for the past 2 years and they deserve the most representation in the Australian side. Those complaining are quite simply those living in a bubble with nothing better to do and feel vindicated by opening the trap getting their name in the paper.

[Dakink]

I have not read or heard that Lockyer would be the only Maroon in the test side

Here you go - from the Sunday Mail (QLD Paper)

Back to the bad old days
GREG DAVIS
09apr06

FORMER Test stars fear rugby league could plunge back into the "dark ages" of NSW Test selection bias.

They have called for Australian coach Ricky Stuart to be axed if Queensland is snubbed for next month's Anzac Test at Suncorp Stadium.

If speculation in Sydney is correct, the Australian team for Stuart's debut as Kangaroos coach will be the first Test side in 42 years with only one Queensland-born player.

A reliable media report during the week named a "likely Test team" with Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer as captain and fullback and the remaining 16 positions filled by New South Welshmen.

The last time only one Queensland-born player featured in a Test squad was in 1964 when the late Ken Day ? a Wests Panthers second-rower ? played in the 20-6 win over France at the SCG on June 13. Day played nine Tests from 1963 to 1964 and toured with the Kangaroos to the UK in 1963-64 and New Zealand in 1961.

If Stuart's Test side bears any resemblance to his NSW squad of last year, interstate relations could fall to the depths of 1985.

On a tour of NZ, then-Australian and NSW coach Terry Fearnley caused an uproar when he sacked Queenslanders Chris Close, Greg Dowling, Mark Murray and Greg Conescu

and replaced them with Blues Steve Ella, Peter Tunks, Des Hasler and Benny Elias even though Australia had wrapped up the trans-Tasman series with a game in hand.

Dowling said it would be a "blight on the game" if only one Queenslander was selected.

"This is what we were afraid of when he got appointed and they should take the job off him," the former prop said.

"They say they are going to pick the team on form but then there's only room for one Queenslander? What about Thurston? What about Hodges? They are dead-set kidding themselves.

"If they go with a virtual NSW side then it will do massive damage to interstate relations like Fearnley did in '85. There had to be changes to the Test side that lost the Tri-Nations but this is ridiculous. It's going back to how it was 20 or 30 years ago."

Close said the speculation should ring alarms bells for Queensland rugby league.

"(NSW) are trying to turn back the clock to the dark ages when they thought they were the only state with decent players," Close said.

"Some big questions will have to be asked if this is allowed to happen. There are plenty of in-form Queenslanders who would not let their country down if selected.

"The Cowboys are leading the NRL, Brisbane has class players and so does Melbourne so there are plenty of Queensland options out there if the selectors want to have a look.

"Johnathan Thurston is the form player in the comp, Justin Hodges is playing the best football of his career and Matty Bowen is the premier fullback in the game if you ask me.

"People are in love with the Gasniers and Coopers and Barretts at the moment but I know who I'd prefer to see in the Test side.

"I just hope it doesn't happen because we don't want to go back to the bad old days."

Murray said even though Stuart was not a selector he expected he would have strong say in the composition of the side.

"Just like with Chris Anderson, Bob Fulton and Wayne Bennett before him, I'm sure Ricky will get a fair say in what side is picked, which is only natural for representative sides," he said.

"Coaches are going to lean towards players from their own state and club sides because they know what they are capable of under pressure. I'm sure Ricky knows NSW and Roosters players very well so they may have an edge.

"If there is a 50-50 call to be made the selectors might go with the player whose abilities are better known to the coach."

ARL chairman Colin Love ? who has the casting vote if the selection panel of Bob McCarthy, Bob Fulton, Les Geeves and Des Morris is dead-locked ? claimed state allegiances would not come into play.

He would not comment on the impact the rumoured side would have on ticket sales but said Stuart would have the same input as previous coaches ? but would not get a vote.

"It is our duty to pick the best possible side on merit regardless of where the players come from," Love said.

He said Stuart would have the opportunity to make his views known to the selection panel.

"The selectors will then pick the team taking into consideration what Ricky has said.

"I haven't had to use the casting vote very often and I don't expect to have to use it more than normal this year."

Love said the speculation of a virtual Maroons whitewash when the Test team is picked was news to him.

Former Test winger John Ribot ? who survived the Fearnley axe in 1985 after scoring the match-winner in the 10-6 victory over the Kiwis at Auckland's Carlaw Park ? said the potential omission of Thurston would be a slap in the face for the Cowboys star.

"He (Thurston) is the hottest player in the NRL at the moment and I would like to think he picks himself. He is in superb form and he can't be left out.

"Knowing Ricky and what a fierce competitor he is, he just wants to win and I'm sure he is not thinking Blue or Maroon but you would have to think the form of the Cowboys warrants at least Thurston's selection."

Former Test rake Greg Conescu backed Ribot's view.

"If Thurston isn't in the starting side he would have to be on the bench somewhere," he said. "I know they pick these sides on loyalty but you can't ignore the form that bloke is in."

The Cowboys play Stuart's Roosters at Dairy Farmers Stadium on April 29, less than 24 hours before the Test side is picked, so Thurston will get a great chance to press his claims.

Queensland had three players in the Australian side which lost the Tri-Nations final last year with winger Brent Tate, prop Petero Civoniceva and interchange forward Steve Price all in the squad.

Civoniceva and Tate were the only Queenslanders in a round-robin match earlier in the tournament, the state's lowest representation in almost 30 years.

For the record - There are a number of QLD'ers for mine who deserve to be there,

Lockyer - I would have him 5\8 and captain over Johns
Petero - From the bench,
Hodges - Along withGaz has been the form centre.
Thurston - Also from the Bench, can cover 6,7 and 9. Others positions at a push.
Price - to be considered. Leading a struggling NZ team well.

[DeeGan]

Well those suggesting that in the above article (thanks BTW) need to seriously move to the moderna era - what a load of crap that is.

My Australian side looks like this;

1 - Anthony Minichiello
2 - Matt Sing
3 - Mark Gasnier
4 - Justin Hodges
5 - Matt King
6 - Darren Lockyer (c)
7 - Andrew Johns (or Thurston if Johns is not fit)
8 - Mark O'Meley
9 - Danny Buderus
10 - Steve Price (or Petero Civoniceva - I admit, if picked on form, he will be here)
11 - Nathan Hindmarsh
12 - Luke O'Donnell
13 - Ben Kennedy

14 - Johnathon Thurston (or Mick Crocker if Johns injured)
15 - Willie Mason
16 - Steve Price/Petero Civoniceva
17 - Steve Simpson/Steve Menzies

I freely admit we in QLD have some old heads who unfortunately have their heads stuck in the sand and will not conceed on some issues that were once prevelant in the game - BUILD A BRIDGE!

This May Test Australian team is going to take a load of stopping, on form, we could pick two very good sides to take on the Kiwis.

[Dakink]

Cant really argue with too much in that team. Simpson has been on fire for Newcastle so deserves his spot. Pretty much what I would go with as well. Depending on how he goes tomorrow it wouldnt surprise me to see Ryles get a start, though I dont think he deserves it, he hasnt been playing badly both before and after his injury!

[Steve Dangerous]

Deegs, sing isn't playing. From the other thread:

North Queensland Cowboys winger Matt Sing, 31, lodged an exemption request on Friday with the ARL after a career spanning 24 Origin matches for Qld and 15 Tests.

Sing was rated a near certainty for the Test against New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium on Friday week and his decision to retire from rep football has thrown one wing spot wide open with Melbourne's Matt King pencilled in for the other.

[DeeGan]

Cant really argue with too much in that team. Simpson has been on fire for Newcastle so deserves his spot. Pretty much what I would go with as well. Depending on how he goes tomorrow it wouldnt surprise me to see Ryles get a start, though I dont think he deserves it, he hasnt been playing badly both before and after his injury!

Jason Ryles IF in form will make the side - a big showing on Tuesday will see him more than gurantee a spot I think which would see one of either Price, Simpson or Petero removed from the line-up.

The problem with Ryles is he fails to be as consistent as say Luke Bailey for the Dragons. Case in point the Tigers loss, albeit the opening game, he was not up for it whereas in recent weeks he has stood tall with no Bailey.

It will be the toughest selection IMO - the front row and the three man prop rotation.

[Dakink]

Ahh that leaves a spot free, but who for????

Inglis would have to be an outside chance (depends on his injury), Rooney, Lewis. have been there before.

Topou from the Broncos has been killing them (is he Aus?) Any other left field names!

[DeeGan]

Deegs, sing isn't playing. From the other thread:

Thanks mate!

In that case, I think we have a couple of contenders - Eric Grothe and the selectors might again look at moving Matt Cooper to the wing. I don't agree with the move, but he is such a good all round player that it might be an option.

A bolter - Amos Roberts?

Luke Rooney?

I would like to see a specialist winger there personally - Hazem El Masri?

Interesting times ahead given Ty Williams is out injured. A fit Brent Tate would be an option. Despite being a better centre IMO, he has shown he is a world class winger (see Tri-Nations 2005).

[Social Loafer]

Hodges goes MIA in rep matches, anyone remember when he gifted NSW 2 tries

I think he needs to prove himself at Origin Level before he gets a shot at the big time.

[Queenslander]

Hodges goes MIA in rep matches, anyone remember when he gifted NSW 2 tries

I think he needs to prove himself at Origin Level before he gets a shot at the big time.

I used to think that myself but he has matured as a player, I am sure he would never ever do that type of thing again.

[DeeGan]

Hodges goes MIA in rep matches, anyone remember when he gifted NSW 2 tries

I think he needs to prove himself at Origin Level before he gets a shot at the big time.

You don't think he is a better player now then back then?

He has played three games for QLD debuting at 20/21 y.o. - he has matured into perhaps the form centre of the competition and I would not hesitate slotting him into the Test line-up with the calibre of team we will field.

I take your point though if we waited for a Luke O'Donnell to prove himself at Origin level before last season's Tri-Nations we would not have seen a fine player cutting it at Test level more than holding his own.

[DeeGan]

Australian Test Team
discussion thread

We had something like this not that long ago, but let's start afresh after the games played thus far. There is some really good posts coming out involving the Australian side, let's debate in here up until the side is named.

Here is the possibles:

Fullback: Anthony Minichiello, Matt Bowen
Wingers: Matt King, Eric Grothe, Luke Rooney, Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu
Centres: Mark Gasnier, Justin Hodges, Matt Cooper, Steve Bell, Shaun Berrigan, Timana Tahu
Five-eights: Darren Lockyer, Johnathon Thurston
Halfbacks: Andrew Johns, Johnathon Thurston
Props: Mark O'Meley, Steve Price, Petero Civoniceva, Jason Ryles, Scott Tronc, Craig Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason, John Skandalis, Steve Simpson
Second Rowers: Luke O'Donnell, Nathan Hindmarsh, Craig Fitzgibbon, Willie Mason, Steve Menzies, Anthony Watmough, Ben Creagh, Steve Southern, Steve Simpson
Hookers: Danny Buderus, Craig Wing, Luke Priddis

There could be more there - good starting point though

[Teegy]

Weel alot a talk about Inglis being a QLDs winger. what about wing for Australia?

[Dakink]

Geez, looking at that we have some depth dont we?

Mini has to be fullback, no way he shouldnt be, has been the best fullback for a few years, and playing well in an average Roosters team.