Five Canberra Raiders in NSW Emerging Origin squad

Post by **greeneyed** » January 11, 2012, 2:57 pm

Five Canberra Raiders in NSW Emerging Origin squad

Blake Ferguson, Joel Thompson, Jarrod Croker, Terry Campese and Josh McCrone Raiders players chosen in NSW Emerging Origin squad.

The Canberra Times

kiwi raider · Post by **kiwi raider** » January 11, 2012, 3:05 pm

i take it they haved named every eligible NSW player except Fensom again! even McCrone!

Green_Hammock · Post by **Green_Hammock** » January 11, 2012, 3:07 pm

kiwi raider wrote: i take it they haved named every eligible NSW player except Fensom again! even McCrone!

Ridiculous! Is he really so far off the NSW selectors' radar?!?

FuiFui BradBrad · Post by **FuiFui BradBrad** » January 11, 2012, 3:08 pm

Wikipedia did say McCrone was a certainity. I stand corrected on my Wiki faith.
But yeah, surprised Fensom didn't get a look in

Raider47 · Post by **Raider47** » January 11, 2012, 3:26 pm

IIRC these training camps are staged pre-season? And again IIRC, Fensom had shoulder surgery which has kept him out for a large part of pre-season thus making him unavailable for this. He said he was only confident of being fit for the first trial.

Schifty · Post by **Schifty** » January 11, 2012, 3:39 pm

^ Correct.

Fensom had to get a few things fixed up in the off season.

Aero · Post by **Aero** » January 11, 2012, 3:54 pm

I thought the Emerging Camp was for players who've never played SOO....?

Post by **dubby** » January 11, 2012, 4:01 pm

It's a mickey mouse selection for players who basically have no hope of playing. Kind of a pat on the back and keep trying thing.

Manbush · Post by **Manbush** » January 11, 2012, 4:07 pm

Fensoms omission is no surprise even if he wasn't recovering, he wasn't picked last year for the 500 man squad and NSW selectors have shown their dislike of workhorses (Gallen the exception) over the past few years, I have the feeling he'll be ignored his whole career like Tongue was which will be a travesty and one of the reasons the Blues are so ****, idiot selectors.

On recovering from injury, they don't play a game, it's more to do with players getting an idea of the system etc so no reason he couldn't be there except the blues selectors are cock wallets.

Walt Flanigan · Post by **Walt Flanigan** » January 11, 2012, 4:27 pm

dubby wrote:It's a mickey mouse selection for players who basically have no hope of playing. Kind of a pat on the back and keep trying thing.

Well not really. 9 players from last years squad went on to play for either NSW or Australia.

Jamal Idris
Josh Dugan
Jamie Soward
Tim Mannah
Akuila Uate
Tony Williams
Williams Hopoate
Kade Snowden
Keith Galloway

Northern Raider · Post by **Northern Raider** » January 11, 2012, 4:29 pm

Yeah Manbush. These camps are normally orientation style events.

Congrats to the guys who made it. As a Qlder I hope NSW do ignore Fensom.

Raidersrawesome · Post by **Raidersrawesome** » January 11, 2012, 4:59 pm

We are just copying what QLD has done for years. Which in itself is a good thing.

Green eyed Mick · Post by **Green eyed Mick** » January 11, 2012, 7:07 pm

Fensom will be in the mix come city v country and I can't think of any other lock who would get the number 13 gig for country.

IMO Fensom will get the Blue Jersey one day but at the moment his defense over shadows the good work he does and can do with the ball. Put him behind a firing front row and Fensom will start to get the recognition he deserves.

Post by **greeneyed** » January 12, 2012, 2:40 am

Ricky Stuart names his emerging Blues squad for Origin

TERRY Campese's hopes of resurrecting his NSW Origin career received a huge boost yesterday when he was named in coach Ricky Stuart's emerging Blues squad.

Campese, fellow Raiders playmaker Josh McCrone and feisty Warriors five-eighth James Maloney are the three most intriguing selections among this year's 23 hopefuls that Stuart believes can pressure his incumbents.

Despite having played just one half of football before re-injuring his knee last June, Campese has been given a heartening vote of confidence to earn an Origin recall from his lone appearance in 2009.

Stuart also showed enormous faith in the latest Blues scrumbase combination - Jamie Soward and Mitchell Pearce - during last year's series, keeping the pairing for all three games.

But the reality of a sixth straight series loss will again prompt debate over who should steer the NSW attack opposite Maroons duo Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk.

Focused on his long-awaited comeback in next month's Albury trial against Melbourne, Campese was not even aware the squad was on the verge of assembling until rumblings reached him earlier this week.

Along with Raiders teammates Jarrod Croker, Joel Thompson, Blake Ferguson and McCrone, the 27-year-old will travel up the Hume Highway to the Blues traditional base in Coogee next weekend.

Manly youngster Darcy Lussick, Titans excitement machine Ryan James and Tigers utility Tim Moltzen will be other notable attendees at the camp, which is also expected to include input from NSW greats such as Steve Roach and Trent Barrett.

"I've just been trying to work on my injuries and get back in the best possible shape for the trials, so I didn't even know about the camp," Campese told The Daily Telegraph last night.

"When I was told I was pretty surprised, but it's great to be in there. My focus is still definitely on coming back for Canberra, but a few of the other boys who went to last year's camp said it was really good to know you're on the radar," he said.

Stuart has significantly trimmed down the squad from last year's inaugural group, which numbered 51 players and included several Toyota Cup prodigies with zero NRL experience.

He's also put a greater focus on the front-row, another area the Blues have struggled to match their rivals - with the exception of skipper Paul Gallen's remarkable cameo in Origin II last year.

Of the 12 forwards selected, eight are props and Dragons bookend Trent Merrin is the only one with Origin experience.

Manly giant Tony Williams is another inclusion.

Emerging Blues squad

Forwards: Luke Douglas, Andrew Fifita, Tim Grant, Aaron Woods, Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin, Darcy Lussick, Tony Williams, Tariq Sims, Joel Thompson, Ryan James, Ryan Hinchcliffe

Backs: Terry Campese, James Maloney, Tim Moltzen, Josh McCrone, Kyle Stanley, Blake Ayshford, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Michael Gordon, Lachlan Coote, BJ Leilua

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/ ... 6242156156

Post by **-GD-** » January 12, 2012, 7:08 am

This story made backpage of the Tele, congrats to the boys.

Walt Flanigan · Post by **Walt Flanigan** » January 12, 2012, 7:18 am

Daily Telegraph wrote: Despite having played just one half of football before re-injuring his knee last June

A few things wrong with this sentence.

But should hopefully give Campo some confidence and motivation coming in to next season.

Looks like Jamie Soward might be in some trouble with 3 5/8s named (not sure if Stick considers McCrone a 6 or 7).

Raidersrawesome · Post by **Raidersrawesome** » January 12, 2012, 8:13 am

Walt Flanigan wrote:
Daily Telegraph wrote: Despite having played just one half of football before re-injuring his knee last June
A few things wrong with this sentence.

But should hopefully give Campo some confidence and motivation coming in to next season.

Looks like Jamie Soward might be in some trouble with 3 5/8s named (not sure if Stick considers McCrone a 6 or 7).

Knee bone connected to the thigh bone , thigh bone connected to hip bone ...........

Post by **-GD-** » January 12, 2012, 9:12 am

Campese's Origin chance comes out of the blue

Having played just eight minutes in his cherished green jersey last year, the last thing Terry Campese had on his mind was being measured for a sky blue one.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/lo ... 17485.aspx

Northern Raider · Post by **Northern Raider** » January 12, 2012, 10:52 am

greeneyed wrote: Emerging Blues squad

Forwards: Luke Douglas, Andrew Fifita, Tim Grant, Aaron Woods, Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin, Darcy Lussick, Tony Williams, Tariq Sims, Joel Thompson, Ryan James, Ryan Hinchcliffe

Backs: Terry Campese, James Maloney, Tim Moltzen, Josh McCrone, Kyle Stanley, Blake Ayshford, Blake Ferguson, Jarrod Croker, Michael Gordon, Lachlan Coote, BJ Leilua

The picked Joel as a forward.

Been a while since he's played there. Does that mean he's heading back to the pack for the Raiders?

FuiFui BradBrad · Post by **FuiFui BradBrad** » January 12, 2012, 11:07 am

Campo has been getting a lot of DT love lately. He's been in at least 3 or 4 stories in the last fortnight

Post by **greeneyed** » January 12, 2012, 11:09 am

Blues target Riverina trio

RIVERINA rugby league star Josh McCrone yesterday confirmed his bid for the Blues number seven jersey as he was named in the emerging State of Origin squad.

Following a breakthrough season with the Canberra Raiders, the 24-year-old halfback from Temora was pinpointed by Blues coach Ricky Stuart as a potential NSW hero when the squad selections were announced yesterday.

Fellow Riverina products Ryan Hinchcliffe (Melbourne Storm) and Joel Thompson (Canberra Raiders) were also among the list of players hand selected for possible Origin duty.

Minutes after hearing the news, McCrone told The Daily Advertiser he was honoured to be recognised.

“It’s pretty humbling,” he said.

“I was a bit shocked to be honest.

“I didn’t consider myself anything like an Origin player.

“It’s nice to think that you’re being watched and seen as a potential future Origin player.

“Joel (Thompson) and Ryan Hinchcliffe are also in the squad, he’s another Temora boy, so the Riverina always produces a few quality players.

“It was always my dream just to play in the NRL and I’m lucky enough to be doing that so I’ll just take it as it comes.”

The list, which was complied by Ricky Stuart and the Blues selectors, highlights players which have shown immense potential and will be considered to play State of Origin this season.

Although thrilled with his selection, McCrone is eager to concentrate on producing his best season possible with the Raiders.

“You don’t really look too far ahead, I just want to have a successful season with the Raiders,” he said.

“It’s good that they’ve got a pathway to that level.

“Origin would just be a nice bonus.”

McCrone, Thompson and Hinchcliffe will attend a camp with Stuart and the rest of the emerging squad on January 20.

A range of positions could be on offer for the trio including halfback, five-eighth and second-rower.

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/ ... 17239.aspx

DJ89 · Post by **DJ89** » January 12, 2012, 11:23 am

We really do have some talent in our squad dont we? Campo, McCrone, Thompson, Croker and ferguson in this squad then throw in TLL, Shillington, Harrison, Fensom and Dugan... All upto Furner to get them firing.

Rick · Post by **Rick** » January 12, 2012, 11:27 am

No excuses!

Raider Fan · Post by **Raider Fan** » January 12, 2012, 12:11 pm

Rick wrote:No excuses!

Spot on. We have the talent we just have to use it.

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » January 12, 2012, 12:35 pm

Fair play to Josh, but when exactly did 'humbled' become the new buzz-word for pro-athletes? NBA players use it on a daily basis and I'm yet to see it used appropriately. It's become the 'literally' of the 2000s.

Post by **greeneyed** » January 12, 2012, 1:57 pm

Campese named in Emerging Blues squad

Canberra five-eighth Terry Campese heads a list of 23-players named by NSW coach Ricky Stuart for an Emerging Blues camp next week.

Campese, who made his sole State of Origin appearance in 2009, managed just one half of football last year before re-injuring the knee which ended his 2010 campaign.

The 27-year-old will be joined in the camp by Raiders team-mates Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Josh McCrone and Joel Thompson.

The camp gets underway next Friday at Coogee with Blues legends Glenn Lazarus and Steve Roach taking the players through a weekend of skills sessions, lectures and team-building activities.

Emerging NSW Blues squad: Terry Campese, Jarrod Croker, Blake Ferguson, Josh McCrone, Joel Thompson, Andrew Fifita, Luke Douglas, Ryan James, Darcy Lussick, Tony Williams, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Tariq Sims, Lachlan Coote, Michael Gordon, Tim Grant, Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin, Kyle Stanley, Joseph Leilua, James Maloney, Blake Ayshford, Tim Moltzen, Aaron Woods.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/leag ... 1pw9s.html

Seiffert82 · Post by **Seiffert82** » January 12, 2012, 2:53 pm

Rodman wrote:Fair play to Josh, but when exactly did 'humbled' become the new buzz-word for pro-athletes? NBA players use it on a daily basis and I'm yet to see it used appropriately. It's become the 'literally' of the 2000s.

Fair call.

Wouldn't being "humbled" by selection in one of these squads be more appropriate if you thought of yourself as, say, an Australian rep player and all you were selected in was an emerging Origin team? Anyway, I guess you could spend days dissecting the cliches and inappropriate terminology used by athletes!

Post by **dubby** » January 12, 2012, 2:55 pm

Walt Flanigan wrote:
dubby wrote:It's a mickey mouse selection for players who basically have no hope of playing. Kind of a pat on the back and keep trying thing.
Well not really. 9 players from last years squad went on to play for either NSW or Australia.

Jamal Idris
Josh Dugan
Jamie Soward
Tim Mannah
Akuila Uate
Tony Williams
Williams Hopoate
Kade Snowden
Keith Galloway

Yep, fair enough.

Out of that bunch we know Hoppa wont be around so they had to replace him.
Idris is in and out of form and rep teams. he will be picked on hair again this year.
Soward.....be interesting to see how he handles life post-Bennett.
Mannah, Uate, Williams, Dugan I see as long term players in SOO. Not convinced with Galloway or Snowden. If TLL fires up he will oust one of them.

Post by **greeneyed** » January 12, 2012, 3:11 pm

hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles
1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate.
2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit.
3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase.

It's correct usage. It causes him to be modest in spirit.

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » January 12, 2012, 3:15 pm

Seiffert82 wrote:
Rodman wrote:Fair play to Josh, but when exactly did 'humbled' become the new buzz-word for pro-athletes? NBA players use it on a daily basis and I'm yet to see it used appropriately. It's become the 'literally' of the 2000s.
Fair call.

Wouldn't being "humbled" by selection in one of these squads be more appropriate if you thought of yourself as, say, an Australian rep player and all you were selected in was an emerging Origin team? Anyway, I guess you could spend days dissecting the cliches and inappropriate terminology used by athletes!

Exactly. At this stage of his career Josh McCrone cannot be humbled by being picked in a rep squad. Humbling would be being sent to the Mounties. It's as if all these athletes think that describing an achievement as humbling makes them sound humble.

Nothing against Josh, it's just one of my pet peeves at the moment, but mainly because of its overuse by millionaire basketball players who have just been selected to all-star teams.

Northern Raider · Post by **Northern Raider** » January 12, 2012, 3:35 pm

I'm with you Rodman. He used the term out of context. Now its time for Josh to get out there and humble the **** out of the opposition.

Seiffert82 · Post by **Seiffert82** » January 12, 2012, 3:36 pm

greeneyed wrote:hum·bled, hum·bling, hum·bles
1. To curtail or destroy the pride of; humiliate.
2. To cause to be meek or modest in spirit.
3. To give a lower condition or station to; abase.

It's correct usage. It causes him to be modest in spirit.

Yeah, not so sure. Using that interpretation of definition 2 is essentially the antithesis of the 1st and 3rd definition. I know that's the way it's used in the general vernacular, but I'm not convinced it's the proper intent.

Look at me with all my big words.

I really have no idea what I'm talking about.

I'm sure the guy was surprised at his unexpected selection. Good on him, I hope Josh kills it this year.

Seiffert82 · Post by **Seiffert82** » January 12, 2012, 3:37 pm

Rodman wrote:
Seiffert82 wrote:
Rodman wrote:Fair play to Josh, but when exactly did 'humbled' become the new buzz-word for pro-athletes? NBA players use it on a daily basis and I'm yet to see it used appropriately. It's become the 'literally' of the 2000s.
Fair call.

Wouldn't being "humbled" by selection in one of these squads be more appropriate if you thought of yourself as, say, an Australian rep player and all you were selected in was an emerging Origin team? Anyway, I guess you could spend days dissecting the cliches and inappropriate terminology used by athletes!
Exactly. At this stage of his career Josh McCrone cannot be humbled by being picked in a rep squad. Humbling would be being sent to the Mounties. It's as if all these athletes think that describing an achievement as humbling makes them sound humble.

Nothing against Josh, it's just one of my pet peeves at the moment, but mainly because of its overuse by millionaire basketball players who have just been selected to all-star teams.

Everything in the NBA pisses me off at the moment just quietly.

Post by **greeneyed** » January 12, 2012, 3:40 pm

No. Josh is right. You and Rodman are wrong.

Seiffert82 · Post by **Seiffert82** » January 12, 2012, 3:41 pm

Wouldn't be the first time.