AUSTRALIA Ricky Stuart last night declared English-bound forward Michael Crocker had played his last game for Australia.In the wake of Crocker`s decision to quit the NRL for a three-year big-money deal in the UK, Stuart said: "Let`s take out the fact it is Michael Crocker, because I am a huge fan of `Crock` from being his club coach and his representative coach.
"It`s not personal. But if he wants to go to England and cop the cash, I`d rather pick someone who wants to play for their country. I want a bloke in there who is passionate about playing for Australia.
"If it means picking the second, third or fourth choice, then I`m happy to do that."
But Stuart`s strong stance is certain to cause an interstate split,with Queensland-based Australian selector Des Morris adamant Crocker should be considered.
And NSW-based Australia selector Bob McCarthy is of a similar view - saying that Crocker`s future beyond this season should not count against the Storm enforcer.
"Ricky has his opinion but we have to pick the best side. Going to England doesn`t worry me," McCarthy said.
Crocker was part of Australia`s 28-12 win over New Zealand at the SCG this month and has been granted an early release by Melbourne to sign with Super League club Hull FC.
Angry Storm chief executive Brian Waldron last night claimed Stuart was "short-sighted" and that Crocker`s omission could be a "restraint of trade".
But Stuart told The Daily Telegraph he wanted to choose a player passionate about the Australia jumper.
"I would rather keep building the Australian team for the future," Stuart said.
Crocker is playing in Australia this year but his contract - like all NRL players - expires on October 31, just a week into the World Cup.
Stuart`s comments follow a similar stance last year when he claimed Melbourne centre Matt King - who had signed with Warrington - should be omitted from all rep teams.
"Mick Crocker over the years has respected the Australian jumper as much as anyone I have coached before," Stuart said.
"But he is leaving and I`d rather not have a player in there who is off to play in England the following year."
But Waldron was furious, saying: "I would have thought you would pick the best available players to represent your country whether they are living in Australia, England, Tonga or South Korea. It`s the World Cup, not the NRL World Cup. It`s a bit short-sighted. I would have thought it would be a restraint of trade."
Crocker was last night attempting to play down any selection drama.
"Sticky (Stuart) had a fair bit to say about Matt King playing Origin when he went to England," he said.
