Origin's green tinge

[Raidercast]

Origin's green tinge
22 January 2011, 1:00 am

Ricky Stuart's return to the NSW hotseat could coincide with a green tinge infiltrating the Blues' backline. Of the six Raiders players in Sydney for this weekend's Blues in Waiting camp, veteran backrower Alan Tongue is the only forward.

Tongue, along with halfback Josh McCrone and winger Blake Ferguson, are considered longshots to feature in what looms as a new-look Blues team desperate to end Queensland's five-year dominance.

Ferguson looms as a long-term prospect, McCrone is behind the likes of Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jamie Soward and Jarrod Mullen for a halves spot and Tongue has yet to feature in the Origin arena after 201 NRL games.

The same can't be said for Raiders teammates Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker and Joel Thompson. All three wouldn't be out of place in game one. Ahead of the camp Croker said his focus was on the Raiders, but hoped a strong start to the season led to a maiden representative selection.

''Getting a Blues jersey would be a dream come true,'' the Goulburn product said.

''Playing in the NRL is sensational in itself. Making that Country team is my first goal rep-wise.

''All I can do is do well for the Raiders and see where it leads from there.

''Having the other Raiders boys at the camp will make it a bit easier.''

Any doubts over Dugan's ability to step up to representative football where quashed when the dynamic fullback unleashed a stunning display in last year's City v Country clash.

Croker was just as impressive throughout the Raiders' charge to the finals. The 20-year-old centre's selection in the Australian training squad for the Four Nations was a sign the young centre is on the cusp of a representative jersey.

Then there's Thompson, the 22-year-old's ability to slot into the centres or the backrow making him the perfect candidate for a spot on the interchange bench. He missed the end of last season with osteitis pubis, but a strong pre-season has Raiders officials tipping a breakthrough year from the devastating ball-running utility.

Source: The Canberra Times - Sport - Rugby League

[Chase94]

Be afraid QLD, be VERY afraid! :dance:

[Raidercast]

It's an absolute travesty that Tongue hasn't played for the blues yet, and that is coming from a die-hard QLD fan. Gordie has said many times that he would of played for QLD many times if he was a maroon and he is dead right. Hopefully injury will be kind to him this year and Sticky will put him in the mix. Nobody deserves it more than the Tongue. 

[GB7600]

Footy can be very cruel at times. Tongue is made for a NSW jersey and always has been. Its why QLD always win.

[Zeus]

Problem is that it may be too late now. Tonguey has deserved to play for his state for practically his whole career. The question is if he can again rise to that level this year and give himself one last chance at making it. Good luck Tonguey you deserve to be there mate.

[Raidercast]

Problem is that it may be too late now. Tonguey has deserved to play for his state for practically his whole career. The question is if he can again rise to that level this year and give himself one last chance at making it. Good luck Tonguey you deserve to be there mate.

I would have money on Tongue playing to the best of his ability and at a level that would warrant his selection. If there is one man who knows how to bust his backside and get the best out of himself it's Tonguey. Injury permitting, he will be good enough. Whether or not the selectors pick him is another question altogether.

[Chase94]

If the body can keep up with the mind Tongue will play for NSW. Enough of Paul the thug Gallen he is to much of a risk and loses matches.

[Territorian]

It would be a great fairy tail if the Tongue could make it to Origin at this stage of his career. Lets not kid ourselves it probably wont happen but it would be great