Canterbury’s Josh Addo-Carr has thrown his name up in Origin II selection calculations after responding well to his axing at club level.
Since being left out of Brad Fittler’s Blues squad for the series opener, ‘The Foxx’ has scored five tries in two games to position himself as the competition’s in-form winger.
While Addo-Carr’s form has him back in contention, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio also believes Queensland’s player availability could play into the Bulldog’s hands.
“He (Addo-Carr) can’t do anything more, he’s responded accordingly to his relegation out of the side,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“He’s certainly part of the discussion again, I think the biggest factor for the Foxx getting back into the team isn’t just the way he’s responded, but that Xavier Coates isn’t in the Maroons' side.
“That was one of the by-products of why The Foxx wasn’t picked, they didn’t want to pair Foxx and Kotoni Staggs on one side where they could be targeted by high kicks.
“With Coates out Murray Taulagi comes into the frame for the Maroons, a rookie on debut.
“He’s strong under the high ball, but he’s not Xavier Coates, which is why the Blues will have a serious discussion about the inclusion of Josh Addo-Carr.”
While Riccio acknowledged that Addo-Carr has the form to win a place in the side, he did concede that it’d be “tough” if Daniel Tupou lost his place having performed reasonably in Origin I.
“I must say, it’d be tough on Daniel Tupou,” Riccio added.
“I didn’t think Daniel Tupou didn’t do much wrong.”
Another area of the ground that’s set to come under consideration is the forward pack, and SEN’s James Magnussen asked Riccio whether St George Illawarra’s Tariq Sims would keep his spot after a down Game I.
“No, certainly under pressure is Tariq Sims,” Riccio responded.
“Also, Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
“They’re the three names that have come to me that are questionable.
“I don’t even know if this weekend will be enough for those three fellas to remain in the side.”
New South Wales’ squad for Origin II will be announced on Sunday following the completion of the NRL’s Round 15.
Game II is set for Perth’s Optus Stadium on Sunday June 26.