Fittler available for NSW

Roosters, NSW and Australian legend Brad Fittler has answered the call and has made himself available for selection for NSW in the second State of Origin Match to be played at Suncorp Stadium on June 16.

Both NSW and Qld have been rocked by injuries to key players which sees a number of rookies come into contention for both sides but it is the selection of Fittler that has generated the most interest. Fittler retired from representative football at the end of the 2002 season and has already announced he will retire from Rugby League altogether at the conclusion of the 2004 season.

With Shaun Timmins looking likely to be ruled out with injury and Scott Hill unavailable for last night's match for the Storm with a back injury, Fittler's selection looks to be a formailty and will be the first name read out tomorrow when the teams are announced.

For Qld, the picture looks rather bleak with Shaun Berrigan and Bretn Tate both leaving the field today with injuries. Berrigan looks to have aggravated an injury to his hamstring whilst Tate left the field with what looks to be a serious shoulder injury. The only pleasing thing to come out of todays game will be the fitness of Darren Lockyer, who played the full eighty minutes without incident.

Mick Devere also sustained an injury today after colliding heavily with a Sharks player at the tail end of the match and Panthers winger Luke Rooney looks to have missed selection with a groin injury. It remains to be seen who the selectors from both sides choose for game two but the encore from Brad Fittler will be the highlight of the series without doubt. Fittler has the chance to leave the representative arena as a champion and his inclusion will be a massive lift for the Blues and a massive problem for the injury ravaged Maroons.

Maybe Qld should send out an SOS to Gorden Tallis and see if he can respond as Fittler did.

My tip is for Willie Tonga and Matt Sing to win selection should Berrigan and Tate be ruled out.