MANLY supremo Ken Arthurson is urging the NSW Rugby League to delay the naming of the Blues team to give players involved in the Sea Eagles/Bulldogs clash on Monday night a final shot at Origin selection.

NSW selectors will announce their 17-man squad for Origin III during the half-time break of Monday night’s important NRL clash at Brookvale Oval.

It is believed the decision is based on maximising both Foxtel’s coverage of the game and also giving the Blues major sponsor further marketing potential.

The commercially-based decision means at least 10 players across both the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs will not gain a final chance to prove they deserve a shot at helping the Blues avoid a 3-0 Origin series defeat in Brisbane on July 15.

Among them are Matt Orford and Brett Kimmorley, fighting for the Blues No. 7 jumper, while Manly stars David Williams, Brent Kite and Jamie Lyon have not played since last week’s Origin defeat.

Bulldogs pair Josh Morris and Michael Ennis, along with Manly prop Josh Perry will also miss out on a final push for selection.

Arthurson told The Manly Daily on Thursday commonsense must prevail and the NSWRL should wait until full-time before naming their squad to play Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.

“I don’t see much point in naming the team at half-time,” he said.

“Why not name it at the conclusion of the game? It makes much more sense.”

However, Kimmorley said the timing of the selection makes for “special TV”.

“It’s certainly good for TV and makes the announcement special,” the Bulldogs half said when asked by the Daily.

“I’d be surpised if one game makes a difference in any case.”

NSWRL boss Geoff Carr said logistically 7.45pm was the best time to name the squad.

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