Jack Wighton looks set to be dropped from the New South Wales team for the first time since making his debut three years ago.
Wighton played 10 straight State of Origin games for his state before COVID-19 ruled him out of the trip to Perth last week.
He missed the Blues’ thumping 44-12 win over Queensland at Optus Stadium, and must now rely on coach Brad Fittler requiring his services for the decider in Brisbane on July 13.
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But Fittler suddenly has a glut of centre options at his disposal, with Wighton and Latrell Mitchell both available to return in game three.
Wighton replaced the injured Mitchell at left centre for the Blues in Origin I, then he was replaced by debutant Matt Burton for the second tie. Kotoni Staggs played the first game at right centre, while Stephen Crichton played there in Perth.
All five of them are currently fit and available for selection in the decider. Fittler must pick just two of them to wear the No.3 and No.4 jerseys at Suncorp Stadium.
“Why change the side?” iconic Origin coach Phil Gould asked Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday.
“Of course (Wighton) comes into calculations… for as good as Jack Wighton did in game one, I don’t think anyone could deny Matt Burton was outstanding in game two.
“As they say, don’t have a day off work, someone might come in and do a better job.”
Many people are of the belief Mitchell should be an automatic selection if he’s fit, given his ability to create a game-winning play and the fear he would strike fear in a Queensland defensive line.
The catch is he hasn’t played since badly injuring his hamstring in April.
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While former Blues captain Paul Gallen believes there should be team changes, he’s not convinced Mitchell is one of them.
“I hope they don’t change the side either, but they’ve got to improve, they can’t rest on their laurels and think what happened (in Perth) is going to happen (in Brisbane)… up in Queensland is a different beast,” Gallen said.
“Bringing a Latrell Mitchell in, does it help? I think having one game in 10 weeks under his belt is not enough. But he’s an out-and-out superstar.
“I’m not picking him if everyone is fit and healthy.”
On Monday, Mitchell posted a comment on Instagram suggesting Burton will move to right centre to allow himself to regain the left position.
Fittler was giving nothing away when quizzed on 100% Footy about his centre selections.
But it doesn’t sound like Burton will be axed from the side any time soon.
“I thought Matt Burton was outstanding, one of the better debut games I’ve seen, and great to have around the camp,” the coach said.
“He’s gone to the Dogs, it hasn’t been easy, he’s changed position but then stepped back into his old position with new players (in Origin), and handled it easy.”
Fittler will announce his Origin III squad on Sunday night at the conclusion of NRL’s round 16.
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