Next weekend’s City-Country Origin clash at Mudgee is one Canterbury gun Josh Jackson has been eyeing off since the NRL draw was released, there’s no surprises why either.
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An established Country, and NSW, Origin star, Jackson was born down the road from Mudgee in Gulgong and the fixture would’ve given him the chance to play in front of family and friends at his old club’s home ground in Glen Willow Sporting Complex.
It was the last chance he’d get to do so for Country, considering this year’s Origin clash is the last.
That chance was taken away by Bulldogs coach Des Hasler, the club informed the NRL none of its players would be available for selection because of it’s round 10 clash with North Queensland four days later.
“I really wanted to be a part of the game so it’s definitely disappointing,” Jackson said.
“It would be enormous to go home and play in front of family and friends. Pulling on that country jersey is a very proud moment for me.
“The bush people get right behind their footy and love their footy. They don’t get to see many quality games. It would have been great to be a part of.
“But I’ve got to respect the club and the fact it’s a four-day turnaround and got to look after the body.”
Country Rugby League chief executive officer Terry Quinn accused Hasler of “slapping bush footy fans in the face – especially the people of Mudgee” and a number of former players have condemned the decision, Matty Johns going as far as suggesting any Bulldogs players who would have been selected should be stood down from the Cowboys fixture.