Johns and Fittler back McLean for Bulldogs and Origin 2
Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler have pushed for Stephen Crichton to be left out of Origin Game 2, with the bulldogs centre carrying a shoulder issue and a quiet Game 1 behind him. They want 20-year-old Casey McLean to start for the Blues after his bench debut in Sydney.
Johns backs McLean
Johns said McLean “has to start” after the Panthers youngster made an immediate impression in Game 1. He pointed to the winger’s work under the high ball, saying, “Not only does he go from the left wing, he goes in there and takes it, then has the audacity to pull through and get into the back field”.
McLean replaced Tolu Koula after Koula was knocked out by Kalyn Ponga’s high shot, then helped steady NSW with two bombs moments after entering the match. He also scored two tries for the Panthers in their win over the Warriors last Sunday, giving the call for a start more weight than a one-off cameo.
Fittler questions Crichton
Fittler was just as direct on Crichton. “I just feel like he's carrying an injury, he hurt that shoulder earlier (in the season) and I just feel like he hasn't really recovered,” he said, before adding, “So I'd be giving him a little bit of a rest, even a rest (in preparation) for Game 3. Because if they do need to win I'd be taking Stephen Crichton over a kid up to Queensland.”
He also cut straight to the selection issue from Game 1: “Apart from that I don't think he really got involved that much. So Casey McLean to the centres,” Fittler said. Crichton did set up a try for Ethan Strange, but the broader view from both men was that NSW needs a sharper centre option.
NSW reshape for Game 2
The push for McLean comes with other changes around the Blues side. Mitch Moses is expected to return at five-eighth after missing Game 1 with a hamstring injury, though he was ruled out of the King’s Birthday clash against the Bulldogs on Monday for the same reason. Johns and Fittler also selected Payne Haas to return to the starting side at prop.
For Canterbury, Crichton’s shoulder remains part of the picture as the club moves toward its match against Parramatta on Monday. For NSW, the debate is now less about whether McLean belongs in the squad and more about whether he starts in Game 2 with Crichton pushed aside.
