Call up for Whitaker?

[Happy]

Wallabies coach John Connolly has not ruled out calling up former Test scrumhalf Chris Whitaker to the national side to shore up his halfback ranks.
Already the Wallabies have lost Sam Cordingley (foot) and Josh Valentine (ankle), while captain George Gregan will most likely be rested for Australia's eight-match tour of Europe in order to have him fully fit for next year's World Cup.
Connolly admitted he may have to dig deep to cover his problems at the Wallabies scrumbase.
"It hasn't been discussed but I'm sure (Whitaker) would be a consideration," Connolly told the Daily Telegraph.

"Especially if George doesn't tour and all those others are injured."
Josh Holmes and Brett Sheehan have both been training with the Wallabies in Canberra, with one of the pair expected to make their national debut against the All Blacks next weekend.
But given the inexperience of the pair, Whitaker, who has played 24 Tests for the Wallabies, may yet be called up given his international experience.
Cordingley meanwhile faces surgery on his fractured foot, which may see him out for six months, but the 30-year-old remains hopeful he will be fit for the Wallabies tour to Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
"I had a CT scan and it showed up a fracture but the specialist doesn't recommend surgery at this stage," Cordingley said.
"He's told me to stay off it for a month and hopefully it settles down.
"I'm always cutting it fine but I'm quietly confident I'll be right for November."

[Sagerian]

Oooh I'd love it if hobo was the starting 9 on the EOYT, not going to hold my breath though.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I thought the main idea was to find the best possible players with an eye on the RWC, ie best talent.I like Whittaker as a player but for christs sake whats the point on his possible inclusion for EOYT. I think Knuckles is just floating a bit of spin to keep some sections of the media happy(anti Gregan).
Perhaps im being cynical.

[Sagerian]

I'd say you're right TLH. In an earlier thread I was saying it was likely to be Cordingly/Barnes or Valentine/SNK...

I just think it's be nice to see Whits get given a go, I know it's not good with an eye on the future though.

[Happy]

yes true sage.. play him today and he needs to be able to play tomorrow

[.X.]

I guess it really underlines how much of a shocker of a season Henjak had - they got to grab a guy on his Superannuation tour of Europe before he gets looked at. And, to a lesser extent shows that O'young doesnt have any fans (tho plenty here) on the selection committee either

[Sagerian]

He might be on the "wakeup call" list, quite a few are.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Sage, Exile sports section of the West this morning, headline in bold italics;
Henjaks Wallaby Snub.Starts of; John Mitchell urged selectors to stop messing about and reinstate Henjak to the Wallabies as Georges backup.
It goes on;RugbyWA officals are privately seething that the national establishment apparently has such little regard for the Force that it continues to shun a player etc etc. It doesnt get any better.Mitch goes on and gives a spray to the selectors.
Henjak has grounds to be shat off with the selectors without a doubt.

[Sagerian]

I think Cordingly has a bigger stake to be in the 22 than Henjak, but hen you start getting down to Sheehan and Holmes (who didn't even play S14 this year), then you must wonder what's going on. There certainly are a few people getting left out, I can only assume they are being given a wake up call.

[.X.]

Thanks for the update TLH.

Foxsports news tonite said that Sheehan was fit to play.

[Shaun]

Play Sheehan I say

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I like Sheehan, he has that touch of mongruel i admire in sportsmen. However i smell politics in here!

[RugbyFan]

John Mitchell asked some questions in The West today. There must be something else to Henjak not being considered. Seems to me the Force boys have gotten the wrong end of the stick by Wallabies this year.
Nathan Sharpe - no longer vice captain
Scott Fava - Dropped
Cam Shepherd - Dropped
Scott Staniforth - Leading S14 try scorer, in squad, never played!
Drew Mitchell - Scores a bucket load of tries for Aus A, only just been called into squad
Matt Henjak - Not even getting a look. There's 3rd string S14 half backs getting considered instead!

[The Lone Hydrangea]

Lets hope we kick some serious arse in 07, and then let them eat cake.
It smacks of the ACB. If it aint NSW it aint.