Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur has admitted he canโt understand why prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard was dropped from Brad Fittlerโs NSW Blues side following his impressive effort in the series opener.
But while itโs disappointing for the man they call โRCGโ, Arthur is happy to benefit from his inclusion in the Eels squad for this weekendโs key clash against Wests Tigers, who have already been his side earlier this season.
โItโs disappointing for Reg. I thought he did what he needed to do (in Game I)โ Arthur said.
โI donโt pick the Blues side but weโre happy with what he does for us.โ
As one of just three Blues forwards to make over 100 metres in Game I, Campbell-Gillardโs sudden omission was surprising.
But more perplexing has been Fittlerโs refusal to call on Campbell-Gillard again following injuries to Payne Haas and Jordan McLean, handing Newcastleโs Jacob Saifiti his Origin debut despite the Knights' poor form and the fact heโs started from the bench in seven of his last eight games.
โ(Campbell-Gillard) is a good front-rower, a play-one front-rower. He takes the tough carries for you, gets down, plays the ball, and does a lot of work in defence,โ said Arthur.
Despite their strength on paper and the fact theyโre the only team to beat the Penrith Panthers in 2022, the Eels have struggled for consistency after a strong start to the year.
Recent losses to South Sydney and the Bulldogs have seen them fall to sixth place, four points away from fourth-placed Cronulla. Arthur and his playmakers need to right the ship if the Eels are any hope of avoiding another year of disappointment.
โItโs when a couple of things go against us, weโre snowballing out of control,โ said Arthur of the teamโs recent form.
โBlokes are trying too hard to make things happen on their own.โ
RCG out = inexplicable !
Safiti in = inexplicable times 2 !