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0 Canterbury has been left reeling this weekend due to a number of injuries and State of Origin selections – and head coach Cameron Ciraldo admits the club is “frustrated” by one player’s unavailability.
When the NSW Blues squad was announced on Sunday night, it came as no surprise to see Matt Burton included among the group to take on the Maroons in game one.
However, the five-eighth was not picked in the main line-up and instead will act as 18th man next Wednesday night in the series opener at Accor Stadium.
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Burton’s absence leaves the Bulldogs without their marquee man for a crucial round 13 showdown with the Knights, and speaking to media on Thursday morning, Ciraldo didn’t hide his disappointment at the situation.
“Filthy is a bit of an overreaction,” he said.
Matt Burton won’t be available for Canterbury this weekend. Getty
“We want guys playing Origin – the type of club we’re trying to build, we’re trying to get as many guys with Origin experience as we can.
“It’s frustrating that Burto has been 18th man three times in the last 12 months. I’d like him to be in the 17 and actually play a part, but hopefully it helps him grow.
“We know he’s going to be a better player for being around those types of places, we just wish he was able to play and then go and be 18th man.”
Burton has played just two games for the Blues, and despite calls for him to be selected in the No.6 jumper for next week’s clash, new coach Michael Maguire opted to go with Jarome Luai and Nicho Hynes in the starting halves roles.
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Canterbury will also be without star centre and captain Stephen Crichton for its clash on Friday night, but Ciraldo is more than happy to see him in the Origin setting.
Stephen Crichton has been picked at centre for the Blues. Getty
“Critta is starting to feel more comfortable in the Origin arena, he is very experienced in the rep scene,” he said.
“I think the leadership that he’s grown into this year is only going to help him on that stage. We’re really excited to see our captain out there playing Origin.
“We know he’s gonna do a job for NSW.”
Viliame Kikau is also sidelined for the Dogs with a broken finger and is expected to miss at least a month with the injury.
