Gasnier backs Fittler's Origin gamble

Gasnier had his first session with the NSW on Wednesday after being invited into camp by Fittler and advisor Greg Alexander.

Fittler has been criticised for opting for an unlikely three-quarter line that consists of two fullbacks over Latrell Mitchell and veteran Josh Morris.

But by the time the two-hour run was over, Gasnier had seen enough from Tom Trbojevic and Jack Wighton to think he may be on the next plane back to Sydney.

"I did a little bit of video with the guys on Sunday, and then Freddie (Fittler) and Brandy (Alexander) were nice enough to invite me over," Gasnier said on Wednesday.

"Judging on how good they were today, I probably feel like a bit of an intruder.

"I don't think they need me. They looked really comfortable today. It was really pleasing and again, I think they might even ship me out tonight."

The Blues ramped up their preparations with easily their most physical session of the week, which featured some jolting hits that reverberated around Hale School.

Gasnier was especially prominent around some of their set plays, and worked particularly intensely with their left centre in Wighton.

The Canberra star has taken the place of Mitchell, who was controversially dumped from the game-one side because of a poor performance.

While there were plenty of fears about Queensland's left edge heading into Origin I, it was on their right side that made plenty of inroads into the Blues defence.

However Gasnier believes Wighton has the tools to succeed where Mitchell failed.

"His athleticism, his football knowledge, his footwork. I have called a lot of Jack and seen a lot of Jack, but he's a pretty good student of the game," he said.

"And once you explain things, I think he's very adaptable to situations and able to absorb information really quickly and digest it. I think it puts him in good stead.

"He's such a strong boy as well. I think that's an important thing in Origin."

Gasnier, who played 12 Origin games for the Blues between 2004-11, was, however, reluctant to weigh in on whether Fittler was justified in axing Mitchell.

The Sydney Roosters star is reportedly set to be offered a jaw-dropping 10-year deal by Canterbury worth $11 million but has been left out of game two.

Asked where Mitchell sat in terms of current centres in the game, Gasnier said: 'You can't put a ranking on players. It'd change every week if that were the case.

"Respectfully to Latrell, it's none of my business.

"I know one thing for sure, this team is I think a good team. I didn't have a say in picking it. And I'm definitely not going to have a say in criticising it.

"From what I saw today, I'm very comfortable with the people out there."

Australian Associated Press