Origin III - both camps face
selection puzzle

Brisbane utility Tonie Carroll has emerged as a selection dilemma for Queensland as they try to determine a way to stop NSW halfback Andrew Johns from dominating Wednesday week's Origin series decider. Carroll is battling a calf strain but is back in the frame after encouraging running sessions which have given him and Queensland selectors a glimmer of hope.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris says Carroll is being seriously considered because of his experience and the impact he could make. But the most contentious starting position is fullback with selectors torn over whether to play Matt Bowen, who will have precautionary x-rays on a thumb injury today, ahead of incumbent Billy Slater.

There are selection headaches for NSW as well, with concerns for Luke Rooney, Craig Wing and Danny Buderus who are all expected to be named in the NSW Origin team today. But whether they play in the Origin decider on July 6 at Suncorp Stadium remains to be seen.

The Blues camp remain adamant that medical reports today will also determine the availability of St George Illawarra pivot Trent Barrett, casting doubt over the selection of Braith Anasta who played a starring role in Canterbury?s victory over Manly yesterday.

Meanwhile, Sydney Roosters centre Ryan Cross faces a nervous wait as the NRL match review committee reviews round 16 today. Parramatta backrower Glenn Morrison levelled eye gouging claims at Cross during the Eels' 12-8 loss on Friday night.

Whilst Morrison and the Eels club declined to issue an official complaint, Roosters coach Ricky Stuart says footage of the incident doesn't look real good. Cross had been hoping to break into the NSW team but might find himself referred straight to the NRL judiciary for contrary conduct.