'Doesn't feel right': Fans reject Karl Stefanovic's Origin cameo
Channel Nine have played another hospital pass for the opening State of Origin match in Adelaide, after rolling out Today Show co-cost Karl Stefanovic for their pre-game coverage.
The series opener already had a strange feel about it after being staged at the iconic Adelaide Oval for the first time in history.
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But it was the appearance of breakfast TV personality Stefanovic that raised eyebrows before kick-off.
Nine already copped a hiding after Phil Gould's controversial commentary for the NRL grand final.
And it seems the network can't take a trick, with Stefanovic's appearance equally as jarring for viewers.
The Today co-host joined the likes of league greats Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer, as well as regular host James Bracey for the network's pre-game coverage.
A proud Queenslander, Karl took up interviewing duties for the Maroons and even managed to get veteran coach Wayne Bennet to crack a smile.
But the larrikin TV personality was given a brutal dose of reality from viewers on social media, many of whom questioned why he was part of the broadcast.
Nothing against him, but Karl Stefanovic shouldn’t host another state of origin. Just doesn’t feel right #stateoforigin
— okta (@oktaviano_) November 4, 2020
Why is Karl Stefanovic hosting the State Of Origin? Please promptly remove him #stateoforigin
— Brooke Jensen (@TheAlphaBrooke) November 4, 2020
Karl is the biased Queensland version of Gus, just not as much as a tool #Origin
— Ray Wilesmith (@i_am_razoo) November 4, 2020
Why is big Karl doing #Origin pre game coverage? #QLDER
— Adam H (@thereddevils84) November 4, 2020
Time to switch to the footy...nope, that's Karl Stefanovic. See you at kick-off! #Origin
— kellykelly (@kellygkelly) November 4, 2020
Just when you thought 2020 — indeed, today — couldn’t get any worse we get the Karl Stefanovic/Phil Gould double act on the State of Origin telecast. #Origin
— Carrie Hutchinson (@OzCopyGirl) November 4, 2020
Why tf is Karl on my screen? #Origin
— chloe woods 🦋 (@CHLOEW00DS) November 4, 2020
Karl Stefanovic is on channel 9 talking about State of Origin Give me a break
— ÐξЯ†УÐØĠ (@Dertydog_Games) November 4, 2020
Maroons make shock late call
Queensland sprang somewhat of a selection shock before kick-off after confirming Kurt Capewell will start in the centres for the series opener.
The Penrith utility had been named on the Maroons' extended bench for the Adelaide Oval clash, and had battled a groin niggle in the lead up.
But he was presented with his maiden Queensland jersey by Mal Meninga as one of eight rookies on Wednesday, and will likely replace Phillip Sami in the backline.
"It's obviously a dream come true," Capewell said.
"You grow up as a kid watching Origin, every Wednesday that comes around ... just the buzz is unreal.
"You go to school wearing your Maroons jersey and it's all you talk about for weeks.
"To be presented with the jersey and be able to play for Queensland and represent my state is a dream come true."
Fellow centre Brenko Lee is expected to overcome a calf issue to play in the game, with rain having held off in Adelaide.
Together the duo will become the Maroons' first uncapped centre pairing in Origin history.
NSW rolled out three debutants for the clash, with Clint Gutherson Luke Keary and Junior Paulo all playing their first Origin matches.
with AAP
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