Wallace's Blues axing wrong, says Hunt - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Wallace's Blues axing wrong, says Hunt

By Laine Clark 07/07/2009 07:26:02 PM Comments (0)

Dumped NSW halfback Peter Wallace could have done "something special" if Blues selectors had kept the faith, according to his Broncos teammate and Queensland foe Karmichael Hunt.

Hunt concedes he could be playing his 10th and final Origin next Wednesday night at Suncorp Stadium when Queensland vie for their first clean sweep over the Blues in 15 years.

Hunt is expected to take up a lucrative overseas rugby deal.

But his thoughts were not far from good mate Wallace.

Hunt could barely hide his disappointment after the Blues selectors axed Wallace and opted for their third halves pairing of the series - and their 10th in 12 Origin games.

As a result, NSW will use the oldest halves pairing in Origin history - Brett Kimmorley, 32, and 31-year-old Trent Barrett - in game three.

Canberra five-eighth Terry Campese was cut by NSW following Origin I and Wallace was clearly on his last chance in game two after speculation emerged he could be hooked at halftime if he did not perform.

Following Queensland's 24-14 win that secured an unprecedented fourth straight series win, Wallace's fate was sealed.

But it didn't make the news any easier to take for Wallace's close friend Hunt.

"I am really disappointed for Peter, he is a good mate of mine," Hunt said.

"With the word that came out of camp before that game we all knew if they didn't win game two he wouldn't be selected.

"It's a shame, but that's NSW."

Hunt said the Blues should be wondering what might have been after dumping both Campese - a former Test pivot - and Wallace.

"I am definitely disappointed the way they have treated him," Hunt said of Wallace.

"I would have kept Campese and Wallace together for a while.

"They are young, ambitious and with a bit more game time together they could have done something special for NSW.

"But it wasn't to be. Instead they have chopped and changed their halves.

"There is no consistency so Wallace hasn't been able to establish the confidence that he needs to have at Origin level."

Hunt admitted Wallace had lost plenty of confidence due to NSW's treatment, but backed the Broncos No.7 to bounce back in the NRL.

"I don't expect it to spill over for the Broncos. I have every faith in him," he said.

After receiving a Maroons bench nod for Origin III on Tuesday, Hunt said he was confident of overcoming an ankle injury.

But he didn't give too much away when asked about his Origin future.

"There is a possibility it could be my last Origin camp and last game for Queensland, but in two, three weeks' time we will have an answer to that," Hunt said.

"It is not going to change the way I prepare for Origin.

"But I am always going into an Origin thinking it is my last. It helps me play my game, playing it the best I can."

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