Changes could end NSW duo's Origin careers

NSWRL general manager of football Barrie-Jon Mather has indicated the Blues will put more emphasis on off-field history in NSW Origin selections.

NSW Origin players Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan

The NSWRL is set to put put emphasis on players' off-field history in NSW Origin selection. (AAP)

Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson's days as NSW State of Origin players could be numbered with the Blues set to make off-field records more of a factor in future selections.

The move comes after the Blues were forced to defend their culture following the latest series loss to Queensland, the 11th in 12 years.

On Monday, Fairfax Media reported claims had emerged that Ferguson and Dugan's hotel room was damaged during a boozy night in the lead up to Origin II.

The alleged incident was reportedly brought to light at a NSWRL board meeting last Friday when Daley was sacked, with Brad Fittler since firming as his replacement.

The Blues' professionalism was also questioned after it was revealed Dugan and Ferguson went to a Lennox Head pub on the players' day off five days out from their heavy game-three loss to Queensland.

The NSWRL board will closely scrutinise the team's culture as part of a review and football general manager Barrie-Jon Mather indicated on Monday they will look more toward players who have clean track records.

"It's one of the ways to go," Mather said when asked if the Blues will make selections based on player's off-field history.

"You look at Queensland, they're the model for success. They don't tend to have many dramas in camp.

"We can't just be copying, we need to be ahead of the game and with the review that's hopefully where we'll get to."

Outgoing Queensland playmaker Johnathan Thurston laid the boot into the Blues on the weekend, saying no Maroons player would be "on the piss" five days out from a decider.

"JT knows a lot more about the Queensland camp than I would," Mather said.

"I can't really comment on that and he knows his stuff. I'm not going to argue with him on what he's got to say about camp or preparation for the game."


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Source: AAP



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