A compelling statistic has called into question the place of veteran Maroons Dane Gagai ahead of Origin’s decision in Brisbane on July 13th.
Gagai has played 21 games for Queensland, but the center-back has missed 18 impressive tackles in the first two games of the series.
The 31-year-old was embarrassed Sunday night by Blues star Matt Burton, who produced one of the best debuts seen in years.
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The Maroons won the series opener, but the best player on a losing NSW team was Jack Wighton and played Gagai.
Backrower Kurt Capewell and winger Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow played in central Queensland last year and could replace Gagai with the No. 4 jersey.
Capewell could be replaced in the back by the Titans wrecking ball, David Fifita, who has made five appearances with the Maroons since 2019.
It’s true that Cowboys winger Tabuai-Fidow and Titans forward Fifita have spent some time on the bench this season amid the hesitant form of their respective clubs.
In any case, veteran rugby league journalist Phil Rothfield wants to see Gagai eliminated for the third game.
“They have to make changes. Did you see Dane Gagai’s defense in the first two games ?, Rothfield told NRL 360.
Dane Gagai of the Maroons has missed 18 tackles in this series. Getty Images Source: Getty Images
“Last night eight tackles were lost to Burton and the previous week to Origin he lost 10 tackles to Jack Wighton. That’s 18 tackles lost to Origin.
“I don’t think he’s playing well enough to keep his place.
“Capewell should go to the centers and the first guy they have to pick in the striker group is Patrick Carrigan.”
But Queensland legend Cooper Cronk said “No, no” when he was later told on the Rothfield assessment program.
“Look, Dane Gagai is a proven player,” Cronk said.
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“Gagai is a start and I really like his name to appear and his statistics on lost tackles are coming because entering a decisive one you don’t have to nail the bear.
“Yes, 18 tackles in two games (it’s a concern). I’ll say it again: 18 tickets in two games and I’ll say more because I know Dane Gagai will answer that, he won’t miss a few tickets in the third game, he will answer.
“The other part is that it’s up to Dane to fix one on one, and I think Daly Cherry-Evans can play a role in that, systematically in terms of some of the positions he’s in to really make sure. of this correct edge. is better defensively “.
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