Blues adviser Greg Alexander has had a combative and fiery debate with journalists Phil Rothfield and Brent Read over the New South Wales picks for Game III.
Alexander appeared on Fox League’s NRL 360 to debate the raft of adjustments the Blues had made for the ultimate recreation of the collection as they try and keep away from a 3-0 whitewash.
The Penrith legend was grilled by Rothfield and Read however was eager to return serve, which included labelling Read as “rude” after a query about Bradman Best, one of many extra controversial additions to the Blues facet.
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‘I assume rep footy’s powerful buzz’: Brandy | 01:54
Read requested Alexander why Matt Burton had been “dispensed of” after one unhealthy recreation for the Bulldogs and queried the number of Best over gamers corresponding to Penrith’s Izack Tago and Parramatta’s Will Penisini.
“That is rude to Bradman Best, Brent. That is being rude to Bradman Best,” Alexander retorted.
“Do you think Bradman Best, who was a star as an 18-year-old coming through the pathways, do you think what he’s wanted to do his football life was play Origin and now you are talking about him representing New South Wales on the back of one game?
“That’s being disrespectful to Bradman Best.”
Read argued he wasn’t being disrespectful, however thought the choice was stunning as Best’s title “hadn’t even been mentioned” earlier than the centre starred with a hat-trick in opposition to the Bulldogs.
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“Bradman’s name has been spoken about for quite some time. Izack Tago has been discussed. Will Penisini wasn’t,” Alexander stated.
“Izack Tago has been in great form playing left centre for Penrith and he was an option. Matt Burton was an option.
“But we’ve gone for Bradman Best. Don’t disrespect him by saying it was on the back of one game.”
Earlier, Alexander obtained into it barely with Rothfield, who was eager to know why 2022 Dally M medallist Nicho Hynes had been “abandoned” by the Blues after solely taking part in ten minutes in Game I.
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“Hey Brandy, Nicho Hynes. You used him for ten minutes in Adelaide as a centre. I get the impression he’s been abandoned since,” Rothfield put in direction of Alexander.
“I look at the Cronulla attack and it’s better than Souths, it’s better than Penrith, it’s better than the Broncos but you just won’t pick him. What’s the story?
“Their (Sharks) playmaker is Nicho Hynes, he got ten minutes in Game I and he’s gone.”
“I guess rep footy is tough Buzz and we’ve decided to go another way. I can’t tell you anymore than that … Not everyone gets a fairytale,” Alexander replied.
Rothfield fired again that Hynes deserves an evidence.
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“Does he get an explanation Brandy? I think it’s really rough that he got ten minutes out of position in Game I and he was the Dally M winner so clearly,” Rothfield stated.
Alexander replied: “I’m sure you do you think it’s rough. When you get picked in a rep side as a utility you have to be ready to play anywhere. That’s fact.
“Sometimes you have to play out of position. Unfortunately for Nicho it was that night. Look he’s been in great form but we’ve decided to go another direction Buzz.
“It’s tough and sometimes it can be brutal. Do I feel for Nicho? Yes. Does he deserve an explanation? I’m sure he’s spoken to Freddy about it.
“I don’t know what else you want Buzz.”
Alexander then requested Rothfield if he wished Nicho Hynes within the Blues facet, to which the veteran journalist pointed to the case of Tigers ahead Stefano Utoikamanu, who solely had a quick look in Game II.
“Look, I’m just doing my job and asking why. I could go on, he’s not the only player who has had ten minutes. You picked Stefano in Game II and now he’s gone,” Rothfield stated.
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“I’m worried about what it does to the confidence of these players. I’m not being rude to you, I’m respectfully asking you.”
“I’m sure it’s tough on them,” Alexander replied.
“In terms of Stefano, well Jake Trbojevic hasn’t been available until this game. Reagan Campbell-Gillard came back against the Bulldogs before Game II and we just thought with Reg having a two-month lay-off with his groin injury that he probably wan’t ready so Stefano got his chance.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for Stefano and he didn’t get much game time and he’s been overlooked. I’m disappointed for Stefano, of course I am but he’s a good young footballer and I’m sure he’ll get on with his career with the Tigers.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au