MARK ‘SPUDD’ CARROLL: NSW State of Origin selectors need to ignore Gus Gould and stick with Spencer Leniu

It’s not often Phil Gould gets it wrong when it comes to discussing rugby league.

I’ve got the utmost respect for Gus’s view on the game, but I think he’s missed a beat by calling on Laurie Daley to leave Spencer Leniu out of the NSW team for Origin I he will announce next week.

Gould said of the Roosters forward: “Spencer Leniu has never, at any stage of his career, shown us that he can be a 70 or 80-minute performer at club level, let alone at Origin level.

“He’s a powerful, off the bench unit that can scatter teams and make an impact.

“There’s a place for that - but then you run the risk of ‘what happens if’ and you need to cover all contingencies. It’s a gamble if you go with it.”

I know what Gus is saying.

He’s worried the Blues will be left vulnerable if things don’t go to plan and there’s an injury or HIA, leaving us a little short-changed on the bench.

But sorry Gus, Leniu is exactly the sort of player I want in my team.

This bloke is the definition of menace.

There’s a little bit of the lunatic in him and there’s always room in Origin for that.

Leniu terrorised the Queenslanders last year, leaving broken bodies in his path as he tore in from the back fence.

They couldn’t wait to see him return to the bench.

The Maroons would be delighted if he was left out of the NSW team – and that’s precisely why you do pick him.

As for the rest of the Blues, I’m pretty sure Laurie will go with combinations and build his team around the Penrith crew of Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and ex-Panther Jarome Luai.

There may be room for Dylan Edwards at fullback but it must be tempting to bring back James Tedesco given his great start to the season.

As for Queensland…well, I don’t give a stuff.

They can do what they like for all I care.

Not surprisingly, I’m with the Blues all the way.