Crichton set to win NSW Origin bench spot
Angus Crichton is poised to return to NSW's State of Origin team after Brad Fittler revealed he was set to edge out Dale Finucane for a spot on the bench.
The Blues named an extended 20-man squad on Sunday night, with both Crichton and Finucane coming into the group for the injured Jake Trbojevic.
There had been some thought Fittler would keep his cards close to his chest on his 17, after Queensland did likewise before the series opener.
But the ever-open NSW coach said on Monday he was leaning towards using Crichton off the bench, with Finucane to act as a 19th man.
In turn, it would mean Payne Haas will likely start, with Crichton to act as a middle or extra edge player like Liam Martin from the interchange.
"The team won't change much," Fittler said.
"We're working right now between Angus and Dale Finucane but I feel like Angus will start on the bench and Dale will be the extended bench.
"There's not much interruption there."
Crichton missed Game I through suspension for a late tackle, but Trbojevic's injury has made a hard decision easier for Fittler.
The Blues coach would have hated to change his winning team that chalked up a record victory in Townsville, but Crichton's threat makes him near irresistible.
Fittler's comments came as NSW travelled to Kingscliff on Monday morning, just south of the Queensland border in a bid to avoid any COVID-19 issues in Sydney.
"It's a shame we don't get to spend our time in Coogee because its been a really positive place for us," Fittler said.
"But to go up to the north coast now it ensures there won't be any challenges any further into the preparation. It's a beautiful place up there."
Meanwhile, Fittler said he had no issue with Jarome Luai accepting he had put a target on his head after roaring over Felise Kaufusi in Game I.
An image has been circulated around Queensland camp of Luai giving it to Kaufusi while the Queensland second-rower was left sprawled on the ground after being skittled by Junior Paulo.
"I've seen the photo, it's a really good photo," Fittler said.
"I don't now if they're using it as motivation, I'm not sure, I thought it was a great photo.
"He (Luai) brings a lot of energy on the footy field, I love what he does. He brings that every day.
"It was a good photo."
