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191182
Sun, 06/26/2011 - 14:29
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http://m.oananews.org//node/191182
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Stuart names 20-man squad for Origin III
NSW rugby league coach Ricky Stuart has taken the unusual step of naming a 20-man squad for next week's State of Origin decider in a group that includes Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway.
Galloway was the bolter in the expanded squad, Stuart admitting he would take as long as required to settle on his final 17 with injury concerns over Kurt Gidley and Michael Jennings while eight players have to come through Monday night's St George Illawarra-Manly clash.
Gidley is battling a hamstring complaint while Jennings hasn't played since injuring ankle ligaments in round 13.
While Galloway's call-up for what would be his first Origin clash is a long overdue reward for consistent form, the other new face for the series is Manly backrower Glenn Stewart, who has not played for the Blues since his only two appearances in 2009.
"This is not a trick shot type of thing, it's just covering all bases and trying to pick the best team," Stuart said of his extended squad.
"When I'm comfortable and I know the players are fit and I think they're going to be 100 per cent right to play, I'll name the team.
"It's very frustrating, but it's something that every coach has to put up with every week - I'm trying to handle this as I would handle a club team."
Galloway's inclusion gives Stuart an extra prop at his disposal after the Blues went with a more mobile unit for their stunning game two victory.
"He's been in good form, I've spoken to his club coach Tim Sheens yesterday about the way he's playing and some of his performances of late have probably been some of his best for a long time," Stuart said.
NSW Squad: Paul Gallen (capt), Greg Bird, Ben Creagh, Michael Ennis, Keith Galloway, Mark Gasnier, Kurt Gidley, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Tim Mannah, Trent Merrin, Anthony Minichiello, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Jamie Soward, Glenn Stewart, Akuila Uate, Anthony Watmough.
Galloway was the bolter in the expanded squad, Stuart admitting he would take as long as required to settle on his final 17 with injury concerns over Kurt Gidley and Michael Jennings while eight players have to come through Monday night's St George Illawarra-Manly clash.
Gidley is battling a hamstring complaint while Jennings hasn't played since injuring ankle ligaments in round 13.
While Galloway's call-up for what would be his first Origin clash is a long overdue reward for consistent form, the other new face for the series is Manly backrower Glenn Stewart, who has not played for the Blues since his only two appearances in 2009.
"This is not a trick shot type of thing, it's just covering all bases and trying to pick the best team," Stuart said of his extended squad.
"When I'm comfortable and I know the players are fit and I think they're going to be 100 per cent right to play, I'll name the team.
"It's very frustrating, but it's something that every coach has to put up with every week - I'm trying to handle this as I would handle a club team."
Galloway's inclusion gives Stuart an extra prop at his disposal after the Blues went with a more mobile unit for their stunning game two victory.
"He's been in good form, I've spoken to his club coach Tim Sheens yesterday about the way he's playing and some of his performances of late have probably been some of his best for a long time," Stuart said.
NSW Squad: Paul Gallen (capt), Greg Bird, Ben Creagh, Michael Ennis, Keith Galloway, Mark Gasnier, Kurt Gidley, Jarryd Hayne, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Tim Mannah, Trent Merrin, Anthony Minichiello, Brett Morris, Mitchell Pearce, Beau Scott, Jamie Soward, Glenn Stewart, Akuila Uate, Anthony Watmough.
