Origin: Should Johns be allowed back for game three?
Well the hypothetical poll we brought to light earlier in the year looks like it may come to fruition - we asked members if it was 1-1 heading to Melbourne, would the selectors call upon Andrew Johns?
As we know Johns retired from rep footy after the May 2006 Test (something I didn't agree with given you should not be able to pick and choose) and has stated he is done with rep footy to concentrate on club form with the Knights. Johns was adamant about not coming back to the Origin arena when speaking to Vossy on Ch9 during the game though was rather coy about the question when posed it when arriving back in Sydney yesterday which suggests he is thinking about it.
Rumour has it he has expressed his desire to play game three in Melbourne to some of his NSW team mates as reported by Danny Weidler on Ch9.
Should Johns be allowed back for game three?
NSW are going to have three or four legit contenders for the halfback position (Orford, Gower, Finch & Kimmorley) who have not stated they were unavailable for Origin before the series started - for mine, they should be considered for the position not the player who apparently can pick and choose his moments when it comes to rep footy.
Personally, I would love to see Johns back in a NSW Blue jumper, though that would of been from game one onwards, not for game three only when he is on record as saying he won't be coming back. Johns also turned down the approach to play for NSW in game two unlike Brett Finch.
It is a worrying sign for NSW if they feel they need to call on Johns to give them the lift they need to take out the title. As a Queensland fan I hope he does come back so as the excuse of "well we didn't have Andrew Johns" can not be used if they lose the series despite being up 1-0 early.
Look for the 'Ben Kennedy to come back' rumour to start in the coming week or two as well.