Rugby League 2023 Rabbitohs State of Origin
- Thread starter callmack1
- Start date
Game One Match Officials: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/23/ampol-state-of-origin-match-officials/
Freddy opens up on 'hard selection' call as NSW stars back shock hooker snub: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/3383127cf617ca9474e58f6926f80cd1
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/9bd18d9bee534056dd9bcfbc5b42bb75
Origin Talking Points: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...c/news-story/49ac1b22f74e55364f60c24d061e67dd
Mark Levy - Star's injury among the burning questions to decide Origin series: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...y-column/d0466a73-afb8-4f2e-962b-18a4226b124a
Freddy opens up on 'hard selection' call as NSW stars back shock hooker snub: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/3383127cf617ca9474e58f6926f80cd1
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/9bd18d9bee534056dd9bcfbc5b42bb75
Origin Talking Points: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...c/news-story/49ac1b22f74e55364f60c24d061e67dd
Mark Levy - Star's injury among the burning questions to decide Origin series: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...y-column/d0466a73-afb8-4f2e-962b-18a4226b124a
Murray focused on building relationships: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/23/murray-focused-on-building-relationships/
'Queensland jersey means more' - The numbers that reveal truth behind the sledge: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/90e6b30e3f07bfb0737d17530ee063b1
'Rang the Penrith connection?' - Latrell's support after Cook snub sparks Blues No. 9 debate: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/92b092c55151249fcf5cb7b634bbf8e7
Onya Trell!!! Love hearing that. They might be your NSW teammates, but nothing means more than your South Sydney teammates. Get that up ya Freddy!! This is why I love Trell, always so honest.
'Queensland jersey means more' - The numbers that reveal truth behind the sledge: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/90e6b30e3f07bfb0737d17530ee063b1
'Rang the Penrith connection?' - Latrell's support after Cook snub sparks Blues No. 9 debate: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/92b092c55151249fcf5cb7b634bbf8e7
Onya Trell!!! Love hearing that. They might be your NSW teammates, but nothing means more than your South Sydney teammates. Get that up ya Freddy!! This is why I love Trell, always so honest.
Luai, Hynes in line for Blues back up dummy half role: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/24/luai-hynes-in-line-for-blues-back-up-dummy-half-role/
Jeez that would be a big risk at this level!
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/9bd18d9bee534056dd9bcfbc5b42bb75
Jeez that would be a big risk at this level!
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/9bd18d9bee534056dd9bcfbc5b42bb75
Cam Murray walking around Blues training with ice on his right knee
From Smiths Crisps off the Warren
From Smiths Crisps off the Warren
'Confident I can do the job' - Murray puts hand up to play hooker in shock Blues strategy: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/12494a2e7cc88987d41d8c9a77655d1e
Wow, that is quite the development! Sounds like our man is set to play some dummy half for the Blues. While Cam is a freak and can pretty much do anything, this is a hugely risky strategy at this level, and I mean hugely!! I know Cam could do it but counting on someone who has basically never played there, and to do it at Origin level is just a huge risk. But seriously, if there was any doubt about Koroisau playing 80, then why not pick Cooky? Hope Cam goes well.
Freddy lifts lid on snubbed star's mystery Blues exit: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/1ec84ca8-6d40-4cee-be3e-4cd9256083d8
Bit more info on Stretch here.
QLD 'disloyalty' claims rubbished as numbers prove Blues the real culprits: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/24cc782ed2f7abd48ffb1ebe81cc0721
'Can't play 80 minutes' - Freddy accused of 'overthinking' selections in big Origin gamble: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/735a80f6324855ffe346e47ba535df42
8,500 empty seats... NRL's glaring Origin problem sparks debate: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...n/news-story/26a42998a9cddb5a2f15614b58d60d0f
Wow, that is quite the development! Sounds like our man is set to play some dummy half for the Blues. While Cam is a freak and can pretty much do anything, this is a hugely risky strategy at this level, and I mean hugely!! I know Cam could do it but counting on someone who has basically never played there, and to do it at Origin level is just a huge risk. But seriously, if there was any doubt about Koroisau playing 80, then why not pick Cooky? Hope Cam goes well.
Freddy lifts lid on snubbed star's mystery Blues exit: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/1ec84ca8-6d40-4cee-be3e-4cd9256083d8
Bit more info on Stretch here.
QLD 'disloyalty' claims rubbished as numbers prove Blues the real culprits: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...s/news-story/24cc782ed2f7abd48ffb1ebe81cc0721
'Can't play 80 minutes' - Freddy accused of 'overthinking' selections in big Origin gamble: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/735a80f6324855ffe346e47ba535df42
8,500 empty seats... NRL's glaring Origin problem sparks debate: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...n/news-story/26a42998a9cddb5a2f15614b58d60d0f
Origin 1 Training Gallery: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/origin-i-gallery
From The Sporting News,
Versatility the key for NSW Blues as Cameron Murray trains in shock new role
Versatility is the word of the day for New South Wales ahead of their series opener against Queensland on May 31.
With a few interesting selections from Brad Fittler and company, the Blues will be relying on players to fill in at roles they might not usually feature in for their NRL clubs each week.
The perfect example came at Thursday morning's training session at Coogee Oval, with superstar Rabbitohs lock-forward Cameron Murray spending time at hooker leading into the State of Origin clash.
Despite never playing there coming through the grades, Murray could potentially be thrust into the role at some stage after NSW opted to go with Api Koroisau in the starting role over Damien Cook.
This year, Koroisau hasn't played 80 minutes in any game for the Tigers, while axed star Cook has played every minute of every match for the Bunnies in 2023.
Speaking to the media, Murray admitted his inexperience in the dummy-half position, but is willing to do whatever job is required by Fittler.
“Who knows – anything can happen in Origin," the 25-year-old said.
"I’ve always said that I will play wherever Freddy wants me to play, I will just do my best for the team. If it happens, it happens – I think it is [possible] but in saying that, there are a few other options.
"We’ve got Nicho [Hynes] there in the 14 jumper, he would probably be a good fit there as well. I guess it will just come down to what happens on the night and whatever Freddy thinks is the right way to go.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played a full game there. I think I’ve played bits and pieces there… obviously I practice a little bit here and there after training with Cookie and helping out with his passes.
"I haven’t played too much there, but I’m confident I can do the job."
After coming up short in last year's Origin series, Fittler has opted to go with a new-look forward pack and bench rotation that includes one less front-rower and one extra second-rower than usual.
Murray will join Tyson Frizell, Liam Martin and Hudson Young as the back-rowers in the NSW side, with the only recognised prop on the bench being Junior Paulo.
Fittler turned a few heads with his selection of Tevita Pangai Junior in the starting lineup, but given the size and power of the Maroons pack, it's perhaps a little clearer to see why he went with the Canterbury firebrand.
Tom Flegler, Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa'asamaleaui as their big boppers in the middle, while the inclusion of in-form edge forward David Fifita will cause plenty of headaches for the Blues.
Murray has been named to come off the bench in Adelaide in a surprise move, but believes the crop of back-rowers Fittler has selected could prove beneficial.
“I have to be a little bit smarter in terms of my preparation and what I need to work on," he told The Sporting News.
"The blueprint of how I play doesn’t change – I’m still gonna try my best to play to my strengths regardless of the position I find myself in.
"If I am coming off the bench, I’m playing that second middle kind of role instead of that ball-playing role. If anything, it probably just simplifies my role a little bit and it’s more about bringing some energy and focusing on my effort areas.
“Versatility helps in a big game like this where there’s a lot of margin for error and things can go wrong.
"You need people that can play multiple positions and all our back-rowers can play middle, and a few middles can probably find themselves out on the edge as well.
"It’s always handy to have some versatility and some depth there and it’s good to have some experience too – there’s a lot of people in our side that have been in the Origin arena before and they know what it’s like.
"I’m not 100 per cent if that’s what it’s going to look like... I’ll jump into the scrimmage in different positions and make sure I’m across all the different positions I might find myself in."
Frizell will be back for his first NSW appearance since the unsuccessful 2020 series, ending his representative hiatus in another shock call from the selectors.
The 31-year-old echoed the sentiments of the South Sydney skipper in an interview with The Sporting News and is prepared to fill whatever role is required.
“It’s definitely a versatile back-row and bench," Frizell said.
"There’s a lot of guys that have played middle in their time and guys like Liam who is playing middle at the moment at Penrith.
"I’ve played a bit of middle in Origin too earlier in my career and a little bit in club footy too. It’s no different and my role doesn’t change – defend well and run hard, that’s about it.
"If I get called upon in that middle role, I’ll be more than happy to do my best and do my job."
From The Sporting News,
Versatility the key for NSW Blues as Cameron Murray trains in shock new role
Versatility is the word of the day for New South Wales ahead of their series opener against Queensland on May 31.
With a few interesting selections from Brad Fittler and company, the Blues will be relying on players to fill in at roles they might not usually feature in for their NRL clubs each week.
The perfect example came at Thursday morning's training session at Coogee Oval, with superstar Rabbitohs lock-forward Cameron Murray spending time at hooker leading into the State of Origin clash.
Despite never playing there coming through the grades, Murray could potentially be thrust into the role at some stage after NSW opted to go with Api Koroisau in the starting role over Damien Cook.
This year, Koroisau hasn't played 80 minutes in any game for the Tigers, while axed star Cook has played every minute of every match for the Bunnies in 2023.
Speaking to the media, Murray admitted his inexperience in the dummy-half position, but is willing to do whatever job is required by Fittler.
“Who knows – anything can happen in Origin," the 25-year-old said.
"I’ve always said that I will play wherever Freddy wants me to play, I will just do my best for the team. If it happens, it happens – I think it is [possible] but in saying that, there are a few other options.
"We’ve got Nicho [Hynes] there in the 14 jumper, he would probably be a good fit there as well. I guess it will just come down to what happens on the night and whatever Freddy thinks is the right way to go.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played a full game there. I think I’ve played bits and pieces there… obviously I practice a little bit here and there after training with Cookie and helping out with his passes.
"I haven’t played too much there, but I’m confident I can do the job."
After coming up short in last year's Origin series, Fittler has opted to go with a new-look forward pack and bench rotation that includes one less front-rower and one extra second-rower than usual.
Murray will join Tyson Frizell, Liam Martin and Hudson Young as the back-rowers in the NSW side, with the only recognised prop on the bench being Junior Paulo.
Fittler turned a few heads with his selection of Tevita Pangai Junior in the starting lineup, but given the size and power of the Maroons pack, it's perhaps a little clearer to see why he went with the Canterbury firebrand.
Tom Flegler, Lindsay Collins and Tino Fa'asamaleaui as their big boppers in the middle, while the inclusion of in-form edge forward David Fifita will cause plenty of headaches for the Blues.
Murray has been named to come off the bench in Adelaide in a surprise move, but believes the crop of back-rowers Fittler has selected could prove beneficial.
“I have to be a little bit smarter in terms of my preparation and what I need to work on," he told The Sporting News.
"The blueprint of how I play doesn’t change – I’m still gonna try my best to play to my strengths regardless of the position I find myself in.
"If I am coming off the bench, I’m playing that second middle kind of role instead of that ball-playing role. If anything, it probably just simplifies my role a little bit and it’s more about bringing some energy and focusing on my effort areas.
“Versatility helps in a big game like this where there’s a lot of margin for error and things can go wrong.
"You need people that can play multiple positions and all our back-rowers can play middle, and a few middles can probably find themselves out on the edge as well.
"It’s always handy to have some versatility and some depth there and it’s good to have some experience too – there’s a lot of people in our side that have been in the Origin arena before and they know what it’s like.
"I’m not 100 per cent if that’s what it’s going to look like... I’ll jump into the scrimmage in different positions and make sure I’m across all the different positions I might find myself in."
Frizell will be back for his first NSW appearance since the unsuccessful 2020 series, ending his representative hiatus in another shock call from the selectors.
The 31-year-old echoed the sentiments of the South Sydney skipper in an interview with The Sporting News and is prepared to fill whatever role is required.
“It’s definitely a versatile back-row and bench," Frizell said.
"There’s a lot of guys that have played middle in their time and guys like Liam who is playing middle at the moment at Penrith.
"I’ve played a bit of middle in Origin too earlier in my career and a little bit in club footy too. It’s no different and my role doesn’t change – defend well and run hard, that’s about it.
"If I get called upon in that middle role, I’ll be more than happy to do my best and do my job."
Comfortable surroundings - Latrell ready to reignite lethal left edge: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/26...s-latrell-ready-to-reignite-lethal-left-edge/
'I'm not done in that jersey' - Cook vows to bounce back from Blues snub: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...nce-back-from-blues-snub-20230526-p5dbmd.html
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/28d0d25659cf92edf72e7a66dc7f9653
That's very interesting about Cody. They should have picked him. You can't tell me Luai is playing better Footy than Cody right now. Luai was picked because of the Penrith boys club.
'I'm not done in that jersey' - Cook vows to bounce back from Blues snub: https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...nce-back-from-blues-snub-20230526-p5dbmd.html
Origin Daily: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/28d0d25659cf92edf72e7a66dc7f9653
That's very interesting about Cody. They should have picked him. You can't tell me Luai is playing better Footy than Cody right now. Luai was picked because of the Penrith boys club.
Media Conference - Jai Arrow: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/27/media-conference-lindsay-collins-and-jai-arrow/
DCE reflects on Maroons experiences ahead of hitting 20 games: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/28/dce-reflects-on-maroons-experiences-ahead-of-hitting-20-games/
'Time to protest' - NRL powerbrokers approach NSWRL to scrap controversial navy strip: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/2636533f6dde9bddbc830af8742f71a9
Hahahaha, this is hilarious. Amateur hour, like seriously. I hate the navy strip, it doesn't feel right to me when the Blues play in it. State of Origin is traditional, the jerseys should remain traditional. So I'm glad the NRL has come out and said this but it's poor form because why was the jersey approved in the first place?
DCE reflects on Maroons experiences ahead of hitting 20 games: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/28/dce-reflects-on-maroons-experiences-ahead-of-hitting-20-games/
'Time to protest' - NRL powerbrokers approach NSWRL to scrap controversial navy strip: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/2636533f6dde9bddbc830af8742f71a9
Hahahaha, this is hilarious. Amateur hour, like seriously. I hate the navy strip, it doesn't feel right to me when the Blues play in it. State of Origin is traditional, the jerseys should remain traditional. So I'm glad the NRL has come out and said this but it's poor form because why was the jersey approved in the first place?
Mitchell ruled out of Game One: https://www.rabbitohs.com.au/news/mitchell-ruled-out-of-game-one
'Back yourself' - Inside Latrell's selfless call to give Blues spot to Crichton; https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/29...selfless-call-to-give-blues-spot-to-crichton/
True impact of Latrell bombshell revealed as Souths teammate's brutal reality sets in - Hoops: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...g/news-story/646ec657600851955e0045e850cf6f81
'Something wasn't right' - The moment 'emotional' Latrell dropped bombshell on Blues: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/ad998f05cdc2ace8b6d0afda5ec9d370
'Shows you where he's at' - Parting gift as 'emotional' Latrell anoints his own NSW successor: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/2dbb4e01c9889934b8967eb6aa2dc094
Joey - Unseen impact of crushing Latrell injury: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/ce45b594-08a6-46aa-9b97-96acc3d2a7c2
'Back yourself' - Inside Latrell's selfless call to give Blues spot to Crichton; https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/05/29...selfless-call-to-give-blues-spot-to-crichton/
True impact of Latrell bombshell revealed as Souths teammate's brutal reality sets in - Hoops: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...g/news-story/646ec657600851955e0045e850cf6f81
'Something wasn't right' - The moment 'emotional' Latrell dropped bombshell on Blues: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nr...s/news-story/ad998f05cdc2ace8b6d0afda5ec9d370
'Shows you where he's at' - Parting gift as 'emotional' Latrell anoints his own NSW successor: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/st...r/news-story/2dbb4e01c9889934b8967eb6aa2dc094
Joey - Unseen impact of crushing Latrell injury: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-...xclusive/ce45b594-08a6-46aa-9b97-96acc3d2a7c2