Anderson says five-eighth spot up
for grabs

Australian rugby league coach Chris Anderson has declared the Test five-eighth position wide open following the selection of Bulldogs playmaker Braith Anasta in the New South Wales Origin side.

Anasta has been selected at lock for the dead third Origin in Brisbane on Wednesday week after being in superb form at pivot for the `Dogs in the NRL. Blues assistant coach Laurie Daley says Blues five-eighth Shaun Timmins could handle the role for the Test match against New Zealand at Aussie Stadium on July 25.

Anderson would normally push for Melbourne's Scott Hill but he could be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering nerve damage in his shoulder in round 15 of the NRL. Hill may return in another three weeks - too late for the Test match against a strong Kiwis outfit keen to avenge their loss to Australia last year.

The Aussie coach is also on record stating former NSW and Kangaroo's prop Jason Stevens may get a recall after displaying some good club football form, despite not being involved in this year's Origin series.