Roberts’ snubbing shocks Marshall

ANTHONY Mundine cannot believe it, nor can Benji Marshall.

Why was James Roberts ( above) on the Wayne Plane to Auckland yesterday with the Broncos instead of preparing to line up alongside the Hayne Plane in a Blues jersey?

Roberts was overlooked for a maiden State of Origin call- up despite his sizzling start to the season that has reaped eight tries in 10 matches.

Blues coach Laurie Daley stuck solid with Kangaroos right centre Josh Dugan despite him being on restricted training duties as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone.

Roberts’ Origin snubbing saw his uncle, Mundine, take to social media to slam Daley’s decision. Fill- in Broncos fiveeighth Marshall feels the same way, but has seen the silver lining ahead of tomorrow’s clash against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

“I cannot believe that,” Marshall said. “I thought he was very stiff to not make that side.

“He’s been the form player of the comp out of all the centres. We’ve seen time and again he breaks the game open.

“He could have added a bit of spark there. He’ll get his opportunity.

“It’s pretty good for us. He’s definitely our strike player on the edges. We’ll be looking to get the ball to him a bit.”

Dugan himself feels a touch of fortune in retaining his Blues jersey. He has been playing fullback for the Dragons this year, but his nine previous Origin appearances earned him the nod.

“( Roberts) is playing good footy,” Dugan admitted. “He’s chomping at the bit to get there. It’s probably lucky I’ve been here before.”