Luke out of luck for Origin I I
LUKE Keary has paid the price for NSW’s shock State of Origin loss to Queensland after Blues coach Brad Fittler sensation ally dropped the Sydney Roosters star after just one game for his state.
Halfback Nathan Cleary survived speculation he would be the one axed as Fittler op ted for a straight swap at fiveeighth with South Sydney’s Cody Walker for Origin II at AN Z Stadium on Wednesday.
“They (Keary and Walker) came in on par, and they’re both fantastic players and they’re in great form. I just think we’re going to Cody’s ground, he’s been fantastic there this year,” Fittler said. “I thought the game was right to put Cody at five-eighth.”
Keary has instead been named as 18th man and may yet be a late inclusion in the side, after Fittler named a four-forward bench, but the call shapes as one of the biggest of the coach’ s Origin career.
The Blues were outplayed in the 18-14 loss in Adelaide last Wednesday and must win the remaining two games if they are to complete a third straight series win. Both C leary and Keary came under heavy criticism for their inability to convert the Blues’ early dominance into points while Walker helped spark the side when he came on with 20 minutes remaining.
Fittler refused to hang the blame for defeat on his halves but did acknowledge after the match he was disappointed in the Blues’ lack of ruthlessness when they were on top of the undermanned Maroons. Keary’ s Origin de but was years in the making as untimely injuries delayed his entry to the inter state arena.
It caps a strong comeback for the Rabbitoh playmaker, who himself was dropped for James Maloney after debuting in New South Wales’ Origin I defeat last year.
The Blues rallied back to win the series 2-1 and Fittler must be hoping for some similar magic this time around. The K ear y-Walker swap is the only unforced change, with Angus Crichton elevated to the starting side in relief of injured skipper Boyd Cordner who was ruled out for the rest of the series after a head knock in Game I. Fullback James Tedesco will take over as skipper.
Storm’s Ryan Papenhuyzen missed selection.