This article has been transcribed without permission from The Manly Daily, Thursday, 15th June, 1995, page 27.
NSW half-back Geoff Toovey has played down talk of gaining the Australian captaincy despite apparent backing from ARL boss Ken Arthurson.
While reiterating his admiration for Penrith's Brad Fittler, Arthurson said Toovey has considerable claims and deserved consideration. But the Manly No 7 refused to enter the debate yesterday, preferring to ignore all the talk. ``I've got enough to worry about just making the team without worrying about the captaincy,'' he said yesterday.
Toovey seems certain to be named half-back in the Australian team to meet New Zealand tomorrow week. His club form for the undefeated Sea Eagles - both pre and post his foot injury - has been impeccable and he was a stand-out in NSW's 24-16 loss to Queensland in State of Origin III on Monday night.
``I thought I went OK (on Monday night). I had a mistake-free sort of game, so from that point of view I was pretty happy,'' he said. ``But it was pretty disappointing that we didn't come up with a win. We didn't play too badly, but we just squandered our chances.''
Toovey has been named in a 16-man Sea Eagles squad for the clash with North Sydney at Brookvale Oval on Sunday. Coach Bob Fulton has chosen a nine-man forward pack, which includes Origin reps Steve Menzies and Mark Carroll, and will decide on his starting six later in the week.
The Bears returned to form last round with a huge win over the Western Reds and will put Manly's unbeaten record to the test. After being on the end of a 30-0 thumping at North Sydney Oval in round three, Peter Louis' team wants revenge.
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