Cecchin dropped as Maroons name squad

Updated June 05, 2012 16:16:33

Referee Matt Cecchin has been dumped from game two of State of Origin at Sydney's Olympic stadium, to be replaced by veteran Tony Archer.

Ben Cummins, who officiated in the opening game of the series alongside Cecchin, has retained his place despite both men coming under intense criticism for awarding a controversial late try to Greg Inglis in game one.

Cecchin was axed after just one game in charge while Archer has been appointed for his 11th Origin clash.

Referees' boss Bill Harrigan admitted there were several candidates for the role.

"We were pleased with the performances of the officials in Origin I but there is also enormous competition within this squad from officials who are striving to be a part of these big matches," Harrigan said.

Video referee Sean Hampstead has also been dumped and replaced by Steve Clark.

It was Hampstead who gave the green light for Inglis' controversial four-pointer against the Blues in game one.

Queensland coach Mal Meninga said he is not concerned by refereeing matters and has no plans to meet with the whistleblowers before the game.

"The referees have copped a fair beating in the last 10 days, which I think is unfortunate," Meninga said.

"(But) it's not necessary for me to see the refs."

Queensland selectors named Broncos veteran Corey Parker as 18th man in an otherwise unchanged squad for the Sydney showdown.

Utility man Parker replaces Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans, with speculation mounting Matt Scott could miss the game to be with his sick mother.

Scott's mother Diane is battling throat cancer and Meninga told reporters in Brisbane he expected the Cowboys front rower to decide soon on whether he would travel to Sydney for the match.

"Matty's with family at the moment and he'll be with family until he makes a decision to come back down here," Meninga said.

"He wants to play but that's all conducive on what happens to his family."

Scott's potential absence is Meninga's only concern although the Maroons coach indicted back rower Ashley Harrison was carrying a niggling groin injury.

"Ashley Harrison's got a bit of a problem with his groin area but aside from that everyone should be okay for the game."

Queensland: Billy Slater, Brent Tate, Greg Inglis, Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Petero Civoneciva, Cameron Smith, Matt Scott, Nate Myles, Sam Thaiday

Interchange: Matt Gillett, David Shillington, Ben Hannant, Dave Taylor, Corey Parker (18th man)

Tags: sport, rugby-league, brisbane-4000, qld, sydney-2000, australia

First posted June 05, 2012 13:37:14

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Wesser, Talanoa dropped by Rabbitohs

Posted April 19, 2011 20:50:00

South Sydney has dumped Rhys Wesser and Fetuli Talanoa from its side to face Canterbury on Saturday night, after the pair turned in sub-par performances in Monday's NRL loss to St George Illawarra.

Wesser, 32, came up with a crucial error against the Dragons, when he squandered an attacking chance by kicking over the dead-ball line on the first tackle, with Souths deep on the attack.

One of the game's most anticipated young talents will debut at full-back in place of Wesser, in James Roberts.

The 18-year-old speedster has been an attacking sensation for the Rabbitohs' Toyota Cup side, with former great Andrew Johns already identifying him as a star of the future.

Talanoa meanwhile, paid the price for five errors against the Dragons, and bench player Chris McQueen will start in his place on the wing.

Suspended back rower Eddy Pettybourne returns to the Souths side, as the Rabbitohs prepare for a rematch against the Bulldogs, who they lost to in round two.

Josh Morris is set to make his return to the NRL against the Bunnies, after missing the past five weeks with a knee injury.

He has been named in his usual centre spot, with Tim Lafai making way.

Manly have again named Brett Stewart to start at full-back, but Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler said he will not play unless he is fully recovered from his hamstring problem.

Stewart has missed the past three weeks, and Michael Oldfield is again on standby to come into the backline if the former NSW number one is ruled out.

"We're working on getting him back this week but we're in a position where we can be cautious with him," said Hasler on Tuesday.

"We don't have to rush it. A hamstring is an injury where if it's not handled right it can end up setting you back six to eight weeks.

"We don't need to do that."

Young gun Will Hopoate has been doing an excellent job switching from the wing to full-back in Stewart's absence and Hasler said the 18-year-old is in the frame for City Origin representative selection.

Hasler is confident the Sea Eagles can hold onto the off-contract Hopoate.

"Yes, I've got to be confident. I am confident he will stay," he said.

Across the Tasman, prop Jacob Lillyman and second rower Ukuma Ta'ai return from injury while half-back Brett Seymour earns a recall at half-back for the Warriors against Melbourne next Monday.

Canberra named an unchanged line-up for their clash with Newcastle, however Alan Tongue, Josh Dugan and Matt Orford are all chances to return from injury.

Wests Tigers injury crisis has eased with full-back Wade McKinnon, winger Beau Ryan, prop Keith Galloway and back-rower Liam Fulton all named for Friday's meeting with Brisbane.

- AAP

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