Anasta misses out while Bailey bolts
by
Monday June 02, 2003

Bulldogs' five-eighth Braith Anasta, the favourite to replace Trent Barrett in the New South Wales number 6 jersey, has missed out on a Blues jumper to take on Queensland in front of 52,500 screaming fans at the grand opening of Suncorp Stadium on June 11.

Shaun Timmins was the man named to partner captain Andrew Johns in the halves, a bit of a risk from coach Phil Gould, considering the fact that Timmins has spent much of his recent times at lock and in the centres for his club side, St George-Illawarra.

Broncos' centre Michael De Vere was rewarded for his efforts for the Brisbane side this year, being named on the wing for the Blues.

The rest of the side is no real surprise.

1. Anthony Minichiello
2. Timana Tahu
3. Matthew Gidley
4. Jamie Lyon
5. Michael De Vere
6. Shaun Timmins
7. Andrew Johns (c)
8. Robbie Kearns
9. Danny Buderus
10. Jason Ryles
11. Ben Kennedy
12. Craig Fitzgibbon
13. Luke Ricketson
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14. Craig Wing
15. Josh Perry
16. Luke Bailey
17. Phil Bailey

The Queensland side is expected to be announced at around 2pm.