The Fair Dinkum Department Round 12: State of Origin selections, Dragons coach hunt and Luke Brooks' future

Liam O'Loughlin

Chris Danks

The Fair Dinkum Department Round 12: State of Origin selections, Dragons coach hunt and Luke Brooks' future image

Welcome to The Fair Dinkum Department - a weekly deep dive into rugby league's hottest issues and whether or not we think they are real or ridiculous.

State of Origin team selections have raised plenty of eyebrows, with both NSW and Queensland making some huge decisions ahead of the series opener.

Elsewhere, Luke Brooks is back to his best and could be on the cusp of a new contract, while the hunt for a new Dragons head coach has continued. 

Here's your weekly look at the biggest issues in the NRL, courtesy of The Fair Dinkum Department.

Check out the full episode in the YouTube links below or visit us on Spotify.

Did Brad Fittler pick the best possible NSW team?

State of Origin selections are always an exciting time of year, with plenty of surprising inclusions and omissions for both sides.

But with some head-scratching calls from Brad Fittler, the pressure is mounting on the NSW coach to bring home the shield this year. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Should the Maroons have dropped Kalyn Ponga?

Speaking of massive selection calls, they don't get much bigger than Kalyn Ponga being dropped in favour of Reece Walsh.

Queensland boss Billy Slater has clearly opted to go with the hot hand, throwing the old 'pick and stick' mentality out the window for now. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Does the NRL need to change judiciary for Origin period?

Queensland will be without one of their most experienced players for the State of Origin opener, with second-rower Felise Kaufusi set to miss three games for a high shot in Round 12.

His absence has led to calls from some fans and experts to change the rules regarding suspensions for rep football - and we had a very stern opinion on the matter. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Should Luke Brooks re-sign with the Tigers?

After a shock 66-18 victory over the Cowboys on Saturday night, things are starting to turn around for the Tigers and their long-term halfback.

Brooks was instrumental in the win and the club are set to offer him a fresh two-year deal, which could be a make or break decision in his career. 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Is a five-year deal too long for a rookie coach? 

Jason Ryles remains in the box-seat to land the vacant St George Illawarra coaching role, with reports of a potential five-year deal doing the rounds.

Cameron Ciraldo was afforded a similar deal to help turn the Bulldogs around - but is it too much for the inexperienced mentors to handle? 

FAIR DINKUM DEPARTMENT - REAL OR RIDICULOUS? HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW. 

 

Chris Danks

Chris Danks Photo

After a failed athletic career in a far-flung land where delusions of former grandeur are hard to verify, Chris found a home as Sporting News Australia's Chief Editor, delivering fans original news and context beyond the box score.