Rugby League Live

Gold Coast and Manly fans may be fuming that State of Origin selectors ignored two of the game's stars, but they will reap the benifits this weekend as both teams field near full-strength lineups.

Manly will boast close to their best team when they host North Queensland at Gosford on Saturday after fullback Brett Stewart was their lone selection.

Test prop Brent Kite was another stunning omission from NSW, as was centre Jamie Lyon, while Queensland dumped dependable centre Steven Bell.

Sea Eagles chief executive Grant Mayer couldn't understand why his club, which finished second in 2007 and are running in the NRL top four, was blatantly overlooked but is taking a positive view.

"NSW's and Queensland's loss at this stage is our gain," he said.

"I have to say there is a certain degree of joy for Manly fans as those players not selected is good for us heading into this important nine week period of the year."

Gold Coast chief executive Michael Searle is another looking into the half full glass after his halfback Scott Prince was sensationally left out of the Queensland side.

Not only does he have Prince available to face the Bulldogs at Skilled Park on Friday, but prop and co-captain Luke Bailey returns from a broken wrist.

"I know Scott is very motivated to prove that it may have been a mistake by not selecting him," said Searle.

NSW's and Queensland's loss at this stage is our gain.

Manly chief executive Grant Mayer

Comments

13/05/2008 9:53:10 PM Manly'srecord speaks for itself, they have possibly the best forward pack in the league and a very good back division. how is it possible that these players are not selected for reppositions?. their team has been 'consistency personified' for two years, that in itself must say something about the skills and temperament of their squad. can't believe that they have been overlooked!

Col Posted by: Col Maguire, melbourne, Australia Reply

14/05/2008 9:29:30 AM Totally stunned that Kite and Lyon have been over looked and others, these guys are at the top of their game and have been ignored, Bellamy needs his head looking at, he's lost the plot big time. How can Kite play at international level but not Origin? Never mind Bellamy's crap saying 'this is a team we think will do best job in the way we want to play the game'. Well if that way is losing he's doing ok. Sorry but the Blues are going to get flogged. GUTTED Posted by: Brendan geary, London, Other Reply

15/05/2008 6:52:05 AM Scotty Prince not only is he the best halfback in the NRL, i think he is the best player. I don't know what the selector's are thinking, but i would love to see Scotty Prince wear a blues gernsey over the origin series, ha ha imagine that Prince lead's blues to victory, i wonder what Mal and the boy's would have to say to that? Come on Scotty take a look back through the year's, i'm sure there would be some ground there for ya to play for NSW, lived in Sydney for 2 yrs that's enough! Posted by: Todd Marr, Dubbo, Australia Reply

Titans, Manly near full strength after Origin snubbings

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