Blues in Waiting squad

NSW Blues Coach Ricky Stuart has today announced a 51 man squad which will be invited to attend a “Blues in Waiting” camp at Homebush in January.

The three day camp will begin Friday January 21 at 3pm and will conclude Sunday January 23 at 11am.

Stuart said one of the main objectives of the camp is to have players eligible for NSW Origin aware of pathways for selection and have some further knowledge regarding the tradition and history of State of Origin Rugby League.

“I am of firm belief that Origin victories are built on the culture and attitude of players and their desire to have respect for the NSW jumper,” Stuart said.

“I am fully aware of the differences required for players to adapt to Origin football as compared to the weekly grind of the premiership and hopefully with these players we can make a difference at Origin time.

“Many of the players have progressed from very successful junior representative sides for New South Wales and into NRL teams and we believe they have the ability to progress further into senior Origin teams.

“One of the key messages for our “Blues in Waiting” squad members will be that all they can do is prepare and be ready for when this time arrives.”

The players will be put through some individual testing at the New South Wales Institute of Sport and one skill/drill session on the Saturday 21st at Homebush.

2011 Blues in Waiting Squad:
Aiden Tolman, Jamal Idris, Josh Jackson, Kris Keating, Trent Hodkinson, Aidan Sezer, Josh Morris (Bulldogs), Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker, Josh McCrone, Joel Thompson, Alan Tongue, Drury Low (Raiders), Tariq Sims (Cowboys), Matt Prior, Jamie Soward, Cameron King (Dragons), Tim Mannah, Joel Reddy (Eels), Cory Paterson, Jarrod Mullen, Akuila Uate (Knights), Tony Williams, Will Hopoate (Sea Eagles), Tim Grant, Lachlan Coote (Panthers), Mitch Aubusson, Boyd Cordner, Kane Linnett, Joseph Leilua (Roosters), Luke Douglas, Kade Snowden, Albert Kelly, Stewart Mills, Nathan Gardner (Sharks), Dylan Farrell, Nathan Merritt (Rabbitohs), Mitch Johnson, Dane Chisholm, Beau Champion (Storm), Ryan James, Mark Minichiello, Kevin Gordon (Titans), Keith Galloway, Andrew Fifita, Aaron Woods, Simon Dwyer, Chris Heighington, Tim Moltzen, Blake Ayshford (Tigers).

surprised not to see ben smith and justin poore in that squad, but otherwise it's a good initiative i guess

"Arnie, sorry to hear that buddy. Please stay strong champ. You're part of the furniture here, so you have to come back. No choice mate. See you soon."

Replies

Ricky January 13, 2011 at 9:05pm

Yeah, Stuart should pick a 100-man squad hey?
Blue & Gold Blood January 13, 2011 at 10:45pm

some of these players i never heard of. Is he serious? Boyd cordner? Drury low? Cameron king? Ryan james? aaron woods? Who arw thse guys.
5/8 January 13, 2011 at 11:29pm

why are we turning to the cricket side for players.matt prior and mitch johnson better have a good kicking game
chips dangerously January 14, 2011 at 12:08am

look at the talent coming out of raider bulldogs and tigers though, Cordner will be big this year, toyota cup star,.....but kelly and williams???? LOL
EeLmatiC January 14, 2011 at 7:18am

Why no Loko? Is he not eligible or something??
Ricky January 14, 2011 at 7:55am

RIcky Stuart said that he wants to give the boom NYC players are a chance to mingle with some bigger players, and have a taste of the Origin experience.
Ricky January 14, 2011 at 7:55am

I'm not sure if he can even represent NSW to be honest.
Bourbon Man January 14, 2011 at 12:08pm

Why wouldn't he?? Wasn't he born here?

I think the reason Loko wasn't named is because he only played a handful of NYC games last season and has yet to really make his mark at that level. No doubt he'll do so this season and hopefully, will transition into first grade at some stage later this year.
- EeLmatiC > Bourbon Man January 14, 2011 at 12:33pm
  
  Yeah I don't understand what's the go with Loko.. I'm pretty sure he played NSW u-18's so he should be eligible, but he hasn't been selected?
  
  There must be a reason why, and It most certainly cannot be that he does not have the talent!
- Ricky > Bourbon Man January 14, 2011 at 12:54pm
  
  I don't know BM.
  That's why I said I wasn't sure if he was in fact eligible to play for NSW or not.
  
  I figure that it'll only be a matter of time before Loko stakes his claim and he gets an eventual crack in a squad such as the 'in waiting squad'.
  Can't wait to see him in action.