For those who missed it, reports earlier suggested that one of the form backrowers of the competition, Cronulla’s Wade Graham may be overlooked for Origin for literally the stupidest reason I have ever heard.
Graham, who was called into camp last year as a non-playing member of the setup, was said to have gone out and had a few beers with senior players and staff.
I know, crucify him right?
Just in case you were wondering, there are zero suggestions that Graham acted inappropriately or was even out late, but evidently there is some unwritten rule that Graham had not ‘earned’ the right to sit with the senior members of camp.
Graham, who is close friends with NSW captain Paul Gallen, seems to have ‘offended’ important members of the selection committee by daring to partake in a quiet beer.
Having played over 160 games at NRL level, and also representing city Origin on two occasions, Graham is hardly a rookie who rode the coattails of his famous teammates to gain notoriety.
Graham has captained the Sharks on many occasions and has proven himself, at least on field, to be wise beyond his years.
Yet his decision to say yes to an invite to have a drink in an Origin camp looks as though it may see him overlooked, despite being in prime form and the obvious choice to replace Boyd Cordner.
If, and common sense would suggest that it’s a big if, this story is in any way accurate, NSW might as well not turn up to Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday week as they’re not serious about winning a series.
I don’t want to sink the boot, but Blake Ferguson, whose off-field antics are well known, is an ingrained member of the Origin set up, yet Graham is set to be overlooked.
That’s not even mentioning the repeated nights out that have plagued Mitchell Pearce’s Origin career.
Meanwhile Queensland have this ridiculous policy of picking the best players, and low and behold, in form players.
I have no problem if NSW call up Beau Scott, Tyson Frizell or Bryce Cartwright into the Origin set up as all three have very good cases as to why they should be selected.
That being said, if the inform and firing Graham is overlooked only due to an incident akin to high school rubbish, then honestly, what hope do the Blues have?
The report raises a question that has again been asked of the NSW selection policy, are mates of selectors chosen over in form players?
Dylan Walker’s surprise selection had many suggesting that Bob Fulton chose him due to his Manly link over players seen as more worthy.
Mitchell Pearce’s selection last year over the in-form Blake Austin was blasted as Daley picking his mates.
I’m not sold on that argument, I at least hope it is completely false, however if the Graham reports are proven to be true, then I for one will lose what little confidence I had left following Walker’s selection as an ‘impact player’.
Comments are closed.