News Fittler set to make shock NSW wing switch in effort to save Origin series

[Captain Ibis]

Fittler set to make shock NSW wing switch in effort to save Origin series


smh.com.au

NSW coach Brad Fittler is set to pull a tactical shock by switching wingers Josh Addo-Carr and Brian To’o to opposite flanks in a bid to save the State of Origin series.

Having made four changes to the team which suffered a late collapse in Adelaide, Fittler is poised break up the Penrith left edge combination of To’o, Stephen Crichton and Jarome Luai for the clash at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

The move will mean the powerful To’o won’t be matched up against Maroons giant Xavier Coates, who has won a recall for game two in place of the injured Selwyn Cobbo.

Addo-Carr will instead combine with Crichton on NSW’s left, while To’o and Tom Trbojevic will man the right.

According to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity, the Blues used their main session on Sunday to fine-tune the positional switch, which will see Addo-Carr and To’o revert to their customary sides.

Addo-Carr has been a staple on the Bulldogs’ left since joining the club while To’o is a regular on Penrith’s right side.

Addo-Carr was initially moved to the right wing under Fittler in 2021 to accommodate To’o, who was then the junior wing partner when he was parachuted into the Origin side and was playing on the left for Penrith.

Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans has already flagged the Maroons’ intention to launch aerial raids in the direction of Coates, but Fittler has signalled his intention to have the taller Addo-Carr opposing him.

News of the impending shake-up came as the Blues arrived in Brisbane on Monday trying to register just their second win in enemy territory under Fittler

 

[Captain Ibis]

Now all we need, is for Teddy to either pass the ball, or limit his time in the ruck!

 

[BomberBurton]

Now all we need, is for Teddy to either pass the ball, or limit his time in the ruck!

...or fuck right on off beck to club footy and put someone decent there.

 

[Captain Ibis]

...or fuck right on off beck to club footy and put someone decent there.

I like your thinking

 

[spiritofaslan]

Summary: To'o won't be seeing any ball in SOO Game 2.

Wonder if they'll approach Des to coach the Blue after Freddy is sacked.

 

[Captain Ibis]

Yeah it's gotta be somebody who the players will rip in for (obviously).. even in our poorer years under Des the players still turned up every week.

I reckon Cordner would be good to have involved with the coaching staff as he's played Origin recently and seemed to be well respected by his teammates both at club and rep level.

 

[Captain Ibis]

That was a shocking performance by Josh. Maybe he needs to focus more on his defence than being a snow pony

 

[spiritofaslan]

What a great clubman JAC is. Origin done and dusted for this year, so lets throw a punch and get ourselves suspended a few weeks.

Idiot.

I'll be very suprised if he doesn't cop a Grade 2 Striking charge, ruling him out for 2 weeks with early plea, or 3 weeks if challenged (and theres no way he will challenge it).

Probably Luai and Walsh will cop the same.

Shithouse game. Time to move Fittler on.

 

[BomberBurton]

Game was an absolute joke.
Hope Game 3 is played in an empty stadium, reminding Mr Puppet and his Union sidekick who is the most important asset to this sport (fuck off with your dismissive labels about it being only an entertainment medium, as NOTHING about that game was entertaining)>

 

[Captain Ibis]

Big brain explosion from Josh there but still Walsh was carrying on like a f wit all game; Reece is fast becoming Queensland's Luai.

I just don't think NSW teams gel like Queensland teams do. Too many guys wanting to play it their way.. I felt like Yeo saw way more good ball than Moses, but since Nathan wasn't there it always led to nothing.

Teddy at least stopped hogging the ball, but Queensland have him worked out, and since he's not as quick as he once was, he can't do much about that.

The biggest issue was bringing Cook on at centre while holding Murray back till QLD had too much ascendancy.

 

[Captain Ibis]

Remember when the Blues coaching staff, as well as Braith, Ennis and other's tried to ridicule the fans who questioned Teddy? Yeaaa

 

[BomberBurton]

Remember when the Blues coaching staff, as well as Braith, Ennis and other's tried to ridicule the fans who questioned Teddy? Yeaaa

Proves you can be a professional and still be a dense fuckwit!

 

[Captain Ibis]

Lol "The Mole" marked Crichton down significantly because he "had to score that try but didn't".... what can ya do if the other guy is faster than you? At least he didn't get bungled into touch.