Carroll omitted and cited
by Chris Cox
Monday June 28, 2004

Broncos lock, Tonie Carroll, has suffered a double blow after being left out of Queensland's State of Origin side for the deciding game at Telstra Stadium on July 7 and being cited for two counts of striking following Brisbane's 21-14 loss to Canberra on Sunday.

Carroll was cited with striking grade 1 for his 67th minute tackle on Raiders halfback Mark McLinden, and also a striking grade 2 charge for his 72nd minute tackle on the same player.

Early guilty pleas for both charges will sideline Carroll for three matches. If he chooses to fight both charges and loses the spell will extend to four matches.

Queensland's selectors feared the worst prior to naming the side to take on New South Wales in the series decider next Wednesday and left Carroll out of the 17 altogether.  Chris Flannery takes over the lock forward position, while Broncos centre Brent Tate returns to the starting side pushing Paul Bowman back to the bench.

Brisbane's Corey Parker has dropped out of the squad with Michael Crocker returning from suspension in the back row. Petero Civoniceva drops back to the bench.

North Queensland's Bowman is still in doubt with a shoulder problem which has prevented him taking the field for the Cowboys since the second State of Origin almost two weeks ago.

The Broncos' five State of Origin representatives will miss Sunday's clash with South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

The team is: Rhys Wesser, Matt Sing, Brent Tate, Willie Tonga, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer (capt), Scott Prince, Shane Webcke, Cameron Smith, Steven Price, Michael Crocker, Dane Carlaw, Chris Flannery.

Interchange: Ben Ross, Petero Civoniceva, Paul Bowman, Matt Bowen.