Origin II "The Night To Fight"

We are now just 48 hours away from not only one of the biggest games of the year, but potentially the biggest game in the last 20 years. It might sound crazy but here's why.

1995, 2001 and 2006 the concept of Origin was labelled dead. Everytime it was due to NSW dominance and Queensland not having a big enough "talent pool' to dip into. History shows that Fatty's Maroon's won 3-0 in 1995 and Origin was back. 2001, Tallis and Lockyer lead 10 debutants with their old mate Alfie Langer to win back the trophy. 2006, the Blues had won the past 3 series and Queensland hadnt won a series outright in 5 years. NSW look to have the game wrapped up before Lockyer turns the tide for the Maroons and wins back the bragging rights. Its something they havent given up in the last 5 years.

If Queensland make it 6 series in a row on wednesday night, I dare say there will be calls that the concept isnt 'dead', but a forgone conclusion.

There is more than enough talent in the Blues team to win the game and force the series to a deciding match. Forget the fact that we have 2 specialists front rowers in the team with only 1 hour of origin experience between them. Tim Mannah and Trent Merrin are a look at the future of the NSW front row. Experience they lack yes, but they will be well prepared and have the rest of the team ready to do the hard yards with them.

Its no secret the Blues have an abundance of talented backrow forwards. Football games are won when teams play to their strengths. So on that diagnosis, picking all of the best backrow forwards we have to offer seems to be the logical thing to do.

Anthony Watmough might have been a contentious call but no one can deny he is ready made for Origin football and tougher than a $2 steak.

Greg Bird is in my view the difference in NSW being in a close game and being blown out of the water by the Maroons.

Paul Gallen- Runs hard, tackles hard, nothing short of inspirational.

Ben Creagh- Talented ball player and line runner on the left edge who improves with every game he plays.

Beau Scott- Tough, uncompromising and gets through a mountain of work. If that isnt 'Origin' I dont know what is.

Luke Lewis- Mr Fix-it, plays anywhere, whole hearted performer, strong ball runner.

All of the Backrowers are brilliant players and as you can see have a lot of different attributes. NSW will utilise all of these guys, along with a potentially devastating backline to get them over the line.

Desperate times call for desperate and that time is wednesday night. There comes a time when something has to give and the momentum swings. There also comes a time when NSW think that "gee, Queensland arent that good, we can beat them".

THAT TIME IS NOW