BY STAFF WRITERS

New South Wales coach Brad Fittler knows some out there in rugby league land are frustrated at the selection of out-of-form incumbent forward Angus Crichton when others like Dane Finucane and Ryan Matterson are waiting in the wings.

Writing for Fairfax, Fittler says he stuck solid with the Sydney Roosters second rower out of loyalty.

“People will get angry that we’ve picked Angus Crichton, because he hasn’t been going great for the Roosters. They’re under the pump. But that’s where loyalty comes in.”

Fittler added that he wasn’t too sure who would pick up the slack for the Maroons after halfback Ben Hunt was named at hooker.

“Ben Hunt has been named at hooker, but who will play there when he becomes too tired? Moses Mbye or Josh McGuire? Who knows?”

The Blues mentor also acknowledged the veteran five-eigth James Maloney missing out for debutant Cody Walker.

“It was a difficult decision not to have him here with us.”

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