Has Ricky Stuart lost the plot?

Expect this pose at around the 30min mark during Origin II.

(Pic courtesy of News.com.au)

Previously, I had a crack at the NSW Blues side for Game 2. Now, I thought I had a good handle on what was going to happen but yet again I've been proven wrong. The side was announced yesterday and updated today:

1. Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)

2. Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta)

3. William Hopoate (Manly)

4. Mark Gasnier (St George Illawarra)

5. Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)

6. Jamie Soward (St George Illawarra)

7. Mitchell Pearce (Sydney Roosters)

8. Paul Gallen (c) (Cronulla)

9. Michael Ennis (Canterbury-Bankstown)

10. Tim Mannah (Parramatta)

11. Beau Scott (St George Illawarra)

12. Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra)

13. Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans)

Bench: Trent Merrin (St George Illawarra), Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights), Anthony Watmough (Manly), Luke Lewis (Penrith).

Dugan was originally named however he injured himself Sunday and was subsequently ruled out. There's 2 positive inclusions there - Watmough and Lewis. Both are battle-hardened players who should get their respective jobs done in 8 days. The others though? Hoppa Jnr, 14 games into his NRL career. Minichiello, an aging fullback and while it's admirable that he's fought through the injuries he has had, is past it and is just a tad lucky to be there. Where is Learoyd-Lahrs? Idris? For a bloke who is allegedly building for the future, there's nothing like the selections of Mini and and Hoppa to damage his credibility.

While the selections are questionable, it doesn't end there. While I'm surprised he knows what he actually wants to do, he's said numerous times that he won't play people of position. Now I understand his hand is forced somewhat due to injuries, but come on - Hayne, Gallen and Hoppa out of position, really? Oh, and Gidley. What a pick that one is - he has got to be the most overrated super-sub I've ever seen. Year after year he's being hailed as the savior but what has he produced when it matters? Nothing. I know that Stuart has to make some changes, but making your philosophy known and then going against that is not a good formula.

In Maroon news, Tonga is out with his bung shoulder and Hodges doesn't seem like he'll be ready. Inglis seems to be a distinct possibility which will help us immensely. As for any other changes, I don't think there will be any. No real injuries apart from Tonga, no massive problems in Game One, the side should look virtually the same.

Game 2, Blues on the ropes. What's not to love?