Eighth Immortal Andrew Johns has been left baffled by the Maroons selectors' decision to overlook Queensland enforcer Josh McGuire for this year's State of Origin series.
Bennett named a 15-man squad this week, with the veteran coach opting for youth over experience in pursuit of a Queensland bounce-back after two straight series losses.
Among the fresh-faced crop came some notable omissions with the likes of Corey Oates, Joe Ofahengaue and Corey Norman snubbed for a wave of incoming Titans, including AJ Brimson, Moeaki Fotuaika and Phillip Sami, after the club's impressive turnaround under Justin Holbrook.
But perhaps the biggest axing came in the form of McGuire who, as one of the last remaining relics of the Maroons' dynasty was cast by the wayside by incoming coach Wayne Bennett and the selection panel, leaving Johns baffled.
"Shocked, I couldn't believe this," Johns told Wide World of Sports' Freddy and The Eighth.
"I think he's been one of their best front-rowers the past couple of years, and he was always there during the dominance. He's an Origin player, but he comes up with Origin plays.
"Game Three last year, NSW up by 10, he gets the ball and just scores a try out of nothing out of complete determination.
"He's quick too, Origin is quick. And with six-to-go this year it will be even quicker. So you need your front-rowers to be able to get over the advantage line. He is fast.
"He generally plays No.13 and he plays 80-minutes. So I'm really shocked by that one. I was incredibly surprised. As I said, I was shocked he wasn't there."
Johns' words were echoed by Titans forward Jarrod Wallace, who despite failing to make Bennett's hit-list, also believed McGuire was hard done by.
"Josh has been one of Queensland's best players the last few years and Moses was fantastic last year," Wallace said.
"I think there are a couple of guys there that were very hard done by."
The huge changes have made the Maroons massive underdogs to win the series, yet Bennett was optimistic they had a squad that could spring a surprise.
"We've got an exciting mix of both emerging and seasoned talent in the squad so far and we're really pleased to be able to announce this group after what has been a challenging period for the game," Bennett said.
Queensland selectors will confirm the squad of 27 players after the NRL grand final on October 25, the same day the Maroons will enter camp to formally begin preparations for the series opener at the Adelaide Oval on November 4.
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/state-of-origin-queensland-maroons-josh-mcguire-snub-andrew-johns/09da0965-286e-457b-91b8-da9e071fe6ee
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