‘I’m surprised that people would be surprised’: Freddy backs Tupou over Addo-Carr for crucial Blues wing spot

Brad Fittler has doubled down on his decision to pick Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou ahead of incumbent Josh Addo-Carr in his first interview on the Blues team announcement.

The big calls from Freddy’s selection were the wing position, which Addo-Carr made his own during his time at Melbourne, and the two new centres, necessitated by injuries to Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic.

Tupou last played in 2020 – alongside Addo-Carr – it is thought his greater height – 196cm to the Fox’s 183cm – is what tipped the balance in his favour, especially if Queensland pick Xavier Coates and Selwyn Cobbo, themselves both over 190cm in height.

Fittler said the only thing that he thought unusual about his choice was the reaction to it.

“I’m surprised that people would be surprised,” said the coach on Nine News. “He’s been pretty much the best winger for a number of years.

“I’ve coached Toups in the City team and in State of Origin previous and always loved him being part of my teams.”

On the selection of new centres Kotoni Staggs and Stephen Crichton, Fittler said that their abilities on the defensive side of the ball were the main factors in decision making.

“It’s a pretty tricky position and defensively it’s crucial,” he said. “Our centres will have a big job and will have to come up with some big decisions, but at the end of the day, it’s about the team and I don’t think one position will cost you.

“We’re very confident in the team we have and look forward to catching up with all the lads.”

Earlier, the Bulldogs captain and coach, Josh Jackson and Mick Potter, had backed their man Addo-Carr for the Blues gig.

“He’s an incumbent and he’s a very good Origin player,” said Potter. “I would be surprised if he’s not in the team. I’d be disappointed for Josh, I hope that’s not the case.

Jackson added: “He’s been really good in that Origin side, he’s been part of it for a few years now and he’s put in some great performances.

“The energy he brings around a place too, it’s pretty infectious so I’d imagine that’s something that Brad Fittler would want to have in his camp throughout the week.”