Blues coach Brad Fittler has hit out at suggestions the Penrith players in the NSW squad pushed Reagan Campbell-Gillard out of the team because of a fall-out in clubland.
Fittler was surprised to learn former players had been pushing the line about the Panthers players having issue with Campbell-Gillard. But, as is always is the case with him, he took the matter head-on.
“It was my call,” he said when asked if there had been a push from anyone else. “I think Reagan just has a style of footy and right now mostly he doesn’t suit the way we want to play. But I love the way he’s gone back to Parramatta. He’s doing some really good things. So I wish him all the best.
“I was my decision to go with Jacob [Saifiti]. I’ve always been very open and clear with Reagan and we spoke about his footy and what we need at different times, and it was my decision.”
The anguish surrounding Jordan McLean’s exit from the Blues was laid bare in the tears in his eyes. But it was the response of his teammates that gave the biggest insight into the delicate area that is the diminishing NSW front-row stocks – and the Campbell-Gillard situation.
They were happy for Saifiti, who will have to play well above anything he has shown at club level when he takes McLean’s place for the decider. When it came to replacing Saifiti in the squad, Fittler revealed Dale Finucane had been the players’ choice.
He was the first name thrown up ... our players mentioned Dale,” Fittler said.
Fittler was not asked about Campbell-Gillard, but the players’ request to have Finucane in the squad said it all.
It’s unfair on RCG to say he is unpopular with the team. The view is more that he doesn’t fit in as well as other players. He is a different bloke. As it was explained to me, he doesn’t add enough to the team to make up for the difference between himself and another player.
I also remember doing a fairly frank interview with him where he raised doubts about playing Origin at the end of a season where COVID had kept players in a bubble, and that was fair enough. This squad is very tight and needs everyone pulling together. There is no room for issues or outsiders.
Replies
What a crock of shit. RCG was one of NSW best in game 1 . Then he's been poo ever since he got back. Filters lieing through his teeth.
Panthers fault for sure hang on Cleary saud he owns the blame. Also blames himself for the intercept that cost the game as well. Can't imagine Cleary Snr being smug or a pin prick either plus they look tremendously happy out west. Perhaps RGC misses being a Panther?
The intercept turning point of game and Cook knocking on in last minutes didn't help the course. Cook gave his starting spot up too.
Wiz he flattened Hastings and hurt him badly. Next set RCG was ball carrier and Tiger forwards belted him into tomorrow old fashion payback. Haven't seen that in a long time. Went quite after this. Nothing to do with SOO selection.
Yet Koroisau is in the team after he broke the bubble and threatened the entire series. Fuck I hate this weasel shit from Freddy about RCG supposedly not having the right game. He's lost three props and is playing bloody Jurbo at prop. RCG would be on of the first picked for the Maroons.
Beat me to it Super
I was about the write the exact same thing about the Panthers hooker but I guess that's the point
He is a Panthers player
Fittler is a liar and a moron
Make the Fish and Leota eligible first choice. Looks like Paulo has secured his spot.
Exactly Super & Jase.
The Maroons dont let petty club differences jeopardize a series win in Origin, Freddy has.
Api best hooker that is why.
The more Fittler talks the more it's obvious that he's lying. Clearly it's personal with RCG. The Penrith boys including Alexander don't want him and that's that. End of discussion.
As Super said he'd be the first prop picked if he was a QLDer and Jnr+RCG would be starting Props if Penrith didn't run the NSW Blues side from top to bottom.
Jacob Saifiti, Jordan McLean get out of here with that bullshit.
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