Timmins could lose Origin spot

Controversial forward Willie Mason is tipped to keep his spot in the New South Wales State of Origin squad for this month?s second game of the three match series against Queensland.

But first match hero Shaun Timmins could find himself on the bench or out of the squad completely if selectors get their way.

It?s understood that selectors are concerned that the Blues made no line breaks during the first match and scored only one try. They may look at bringing in a specialist play-making five-eighth to replace Timmins, who kicked a field goal to win NSW the first game in extra time.

Mason, who has been involved in several controversial off-field incidents this year, is expected to keep his spot in the forwards despite being fined by the NSWRL in the wake of the voicemail sex scandal last month.

Fans in their thousands called for the sacking of Mason from Origin side, but he took his place in the side for the first game at Telstra Stadium and produced a stand-out performance. Blues coach Phil Gould is understood to be the driving force behind keeping Mason in the side for game two.

Selectors will choose the side for game two at the completion of this weekend?s matches, with a keen eye expected to be on Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley on Sunday afternoon. Kimmorley is the hot tip to replace injured play-maker Craig Gower in the second match, but Matt Orford is also under consideration.

Selectors have a number of tough decisions to make, including whether or not to re-instate dumped backs Mark Gasnier and Anthony Minichiello to the squad.