Nathan Hindmarsh has ripped into the NSW State of Origin selectors over their decision to snub Andrew Ryan and Willie Mason in their 40-man provisional squad.
''I was disappointed I didn't make the squad but I was more disappointed Andrew Ryan didn't make it,'' the former NSW and Test star Hindmarsh said.
''He has been the Bulldogs' best player this year. He always tries to make the breaks, he plays for 80 minutes and they have left him out and I am shocked.
''The same goes with Willie Mason too. Mase is a big-game player. If they don't have him in the side, I honestly don't know who they are going to have to take his spot.''
With players like Mark O'Meley, Craig Fitzgibbon, Trent Barrett and Braith Anasta also ignored, the squad represents a changing of the guard following three successive series losses.
But Hindmarsh said wholesale changes were not always a good thing.
''Queensland seem to keep to a settled side and look how well they have gone with that strategy,'' he said.
Anasta is the incumbent NSW five eighth after being called in for game three last year and he admitted he was stung by his omission and those of some high profile Roosters teammates.
Asked yesterday if he considered himself one of the top 40 players in NSW, Anasta said: ''Yeah. I would. I definitely would''.
The experienced pivot, who was overlooked in favour of younger prospects including Canberra's Terry Campese and John Sutton of South Sydney, said he was happy with his form.
''I think I have been playing well. Yeah I do. I believe I have been playing really well this year,'' Anasta said.
Anasta said the Blues selectors needed consistent selection in the halves.
''I think they should show some loyalty to the halves ... there's 40 blokes there, who knows who they are going to pick and whoever they pick I wish them all the very best,'' he said.
Anasta was disappointed at the omission of teammates Willie Mason and Craig Fitzgibbon.
''Willie is coming back from injury, he's played his best two games the last weeks, so he's going really well. Fitzy has been in outstanding form for the last two years,'' he said.
''I think they've got the right to be disappointed, they've missed out on the Origin squad, it's just a natural feeling, but they are strong people, they are strong players and I like to think we're a strong club and a strong team and we can just move on from it.''
Mitchell Pearce was the only Roosters player to be called up and Anasta backed his halfback to show he can perform at the highest level after getting a taste of the action in Origin three last year.
''Mitchell has deserved his spot, hopefully he gets in there.
''He's improving as a player. He's a tough bugger and he'll do the job for them.'' AAP
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