Brad Fittler in startling Clint Gutherson Blues admission as 'rumour' emerges
The Blues coach has come under heavy criticism for his use of the bench in State of Origin.
Brad Fittler won't win over too many more fans after admitting he doesn't have a plan yet for Clint Gutherson in State of Origin Game III as a veteran reporter claims there is a rumour the Eels fullback could be dropped. Fittler has come under fire in previous Origin games for the use of his bench.
In Game I, Fittler opted to leave reigning NRL Dally M winner Nicho Hynes on the bench for 70 minutes. He was then introduced as centre. Hynes has since been dropped from the squad altogether having not been given another chance.
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In Game II, Fittler selected Damien Cook as the back-up No.9. He then used at centre again, which saw the Blues' game plan go out the window. Furthermore, Stefano Utoikamanu was used for 12 minutes in his debut off the bench.
Fittler was then called out ahead of Game III having selected Gutherson as the utility alongside No.9 back-up Reece Robson. This means the Blues will carry only two forwards into Game III in Sydney.
However, in a startling admission, Fittler claimed on SEN Radio that he still didn't have a plan for Gutherson just yet. “Well, to be fair, I haven’t got a plan (for Gutherson),” Fittler said. “When you’re picking that last position and we had two hookers… given our luck in the first two games from the point of view from some of our injuries, they’ve been in the outside backs.
“In nearly most games, we’ve had an injury in the outside backs, so Gutho covers anywhere from five-eighth to fullback but there’s no plan (for him).” Fittler went on to claim Gutherson brings more to the team than just his presence on the field with his energy a huge boost in camp.
However, Fittler's comments won't reassure Blues fans that the bench could be used any differently than in the first two Origin disasters. If there are no injuries to the Blues backline and Robson replaces Cook for a spell, Gutherson could be spending most of his time sitting around in another bizarre selection.
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In another bizarre twist, veteran reporter Phil Rothfield has suggested he had heard 'rumours' the Blues could look to make a shock bench change and bring Spencer Leniu onto the bench. Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Rothfield claimed the Panthers forward had made such an impression during training that he could come into the 17 for Gutherson.
“He has made a massive, massive impression even though he was been named as number 19 and won’t start," Rothfield said of his time in Blues camp. “There was a little bit of mail around that they might reconsider their bench... instead of carrying Clint Gutherson.
“They might need a bit more middle-field oomph and that Spencer Leniu might come in to that reserve bench... I’ll just say that’s a rumour."
Former Blues coach and player Laurie Daley said he wouldn't be surprised at all if Fittler made the change. Daley said if the Blues were lose a forward and only have two on the bench, it could be a disaster.
Maroons coach Billy Slater will be seeking a rare clean sweep leading into the game next Wednesday. There has only been seven clean sweeps in Origin history. And should the Maroons win in Sydney, Slater will become just the fourth person to be a part of a clean sweep as a player and coach.
On the other hand, Fittler will be fighting for his job having lost the last two series.
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