NRL to look at City Country game: Fittler

City coach Brad Fittler has urged the NRL to take more control surrounding the availability of players during the representative season.

An upset Fittler was forced into a number of last-minute changes to his City team on Monday, including naming a staggering 10 debutants to take on Country in Tamworth on Sunday.

Fittler expected the governing body to review the scheduling, and selection process, of the match.

“This game, and this round, afterwards should be looked at pretty closely by the NRL,” Fittler said at League Central on Monday.

“They will look at it closely and they should look at it closely, the fact that other people have control over players’ opportunity to play rep football … that’s normally a lot of coaches.

“So the appropriateness of this round and this game will definitely be looked at.

“It’s important the NRL take control, it’s as simple as that.”

Fittler’s comments come after at least six options at fullback, including NSW State of Origin hopefuls Matt Moylan, James Tedesco, and Lachlan Coote were ruled out through injury.

Fittler’s first-choice candidate, Will Hopoate, has opted not to play on Sundays.

Parramatta winger Clinton Gutherson is likely to play fullback, with Penrith pair Bryce Cartwright and Josh Mansour also selected in a 17-man side.

Canberra halfback Aidan Sezer is another who will look to push his case for Blues selection.

Young Sydney Roosters pivot Ryan Matterson has been named 18th after playing just two NRL games.

City Origin: Chris Lawrence (capt), Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Addin Fonua-Blake, Aaron Gray, Clint Gutherson, Leilani Latu, Kyle Lovett, Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey, Nathan Peats, Aidan Sezer, Curtis Sironen, Tom Symonds, Chad Townsend, Jake Trbojevic. Ryan Matterson (18th man).

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!