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'It’s a farce': Voss and Russell slam decision to not use 18th man
SEN • June 13th, 2025 10:28 am
Andrew Voss and Matt Russell have criticised the decision to parachute Jarome Luai into the New South Wales squad despite Matt Burton being available as the 18th man.
Luai’s selection into the squad comes as a result of Mitchell Moses being ruled out of Game II with a calf injury.
This was despite Burton, who plays in the five-eighth position being named as the 18th man for NSW’s Game II for their State of Origin clash next Wednesday.
Given that he has been selected to be in the extended squad, this makes him unavailable for selection for the Bulldogs’ clash against the Rabbitohs on Sunday.
This is now the fifth time that Burton has featured as the 18th man for NSW since making his Origin debut in 2022.
While Voss believes that Luai is the best selection for the position, he has called the decision for Laurie Daley not to use his extended bench a “farce”.
“Jarome Luai gets the call up despite Matt Burton in this charade, is the 18th man,” Voss explained on SEN 1170’s Breakfast.
“First of all, To’o gets a little hamstring twinge, we call in Jacob Kiraz in; Matt Burton just sits there as the 18th man, can’t play for the Bulldogs.
“Then, Jarome Luai comes in for Mitchell Moses. Matt Burton is a five-eighth. He’s just come off…I reckon his best career game as five-eighth on Monday (against Parramatta) and again doesn’t get a look in.
“Now, yes Luai may be their best option but I’m arguing the case of the Bulldogs and any future 18th man. It’s a farce.”
Russell would be in agreement with Voss, wondering why they should even bother selecting a player for this position a week out from the game.
“Why even name an 18th man?” Russell pondered.
“Just name your 1 to 17 and a squad of whatever and the extended squad plays club footy this weekend and you pluck and call on whoever.”
Game II of the State of Origin series will take place on June 18th at Optus Stadium in Perth. NSW currently holds a 1-nil lead in the series.
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