As you are all aware the NSW team has been 'leaked' 48 hours before the official announcement.
This is not the first time it has occurred, e.g. 2010 when Jamal Idris was confirmed as a debutant hours before the official announcement.
Lets run through the team and rate the team.
1. Jarryd Hayne - Proven Origin peformer who has played 16 games for the Blues without actually winning a series. He has been a man of the match winner in two games he has played on the wing, virtually impossible to do in any game let alone Origin.
His off-the-ball play has improved, especially defence. Had to be chosen in his preferred position.
2. Blake Ferguson - Let is be known that I am a huge fan of 'Chicka' Ferguson. Nathan Merritt has been NSW's best winger over the last 6 years but is still left out of the side. What more does he have to do?
'Chicka' in recent weeks has been making some very good players look like chopped liver. It was a one man show against the Storm and he is the reason Timana Tahu is now in reserve grade. He can make anyone look silly. A man who can do freakish things and will thrive on the Origin stage due to his infectious confidence.
3. Michael Jennings - Best centre in the competition on form currently. Blistering pace and outstanding support play, mixed with some improved defence has 'Jenko' in career best form. Queensland will be on high alert whenever he is near the ball.
He also fancies himself whenever he comes up against Justin Hodges. Confidence is the key.
4. Josh Morris - Not lighting up club football currently but had a huge series last year marking the incomparable Greg Inglis.
Picked on the basis that he has done the job before and no doubt he will do it again. Look out if he finds some space too.
5. Brett Morris - A controversial selection on the basis that he hasn't played consistent footy over the last month due to injury. He is an outstanding player who is the only Blue in the QLD dominated Australian back line. If fit and at his best he is a valuable asset to the side.
6. James Maloney - He strikes me as the type of guy you would love to play against. He is tough and has a really good short passing game. The Blues forwards love to offload and he is a great support player in the mould of a Terry Lamb. His excellent goal kicking is another major reason he got the nod over Carney and Sutton.
7. Mitchell Pearce - Adam Reynolds is still probably another year off stamping himself as an Origin player. Pearce has been in hot form along with Maloney for the Roosters. They combine well and expect them to do the same for the Blues.
8. James Tamou - Massive cog in the Blues Machine. He carts the ball up tirelessly and is an intimidating force in any pack. You feel safer for having him in your side.
9. Robbie Farah - The outstanding dummy-half candidate and you only need to watch the Tigers game against the Cowboys last night. Masterful kicking game and led his young and struggling side to a massive upset.
The best player in the 2012 series for both teams in my opinion last year. Expect more of the same.
10. Paul Gallen (C) - The modern day 'Mr Perpetual Motion'. The best forward in the world playing in what I believe is his best position. His performances at Prop in rep sides are something to behold and he will lead the side with reckless abandon as he normally does.
11. Luke Lewis - Experienced campaigner and always saves his best for Origin. You only need to ask the Queenslander's about how good this guy is. Has a massive reputation, similar to the way Brett Kenny had from QLD in the 80's.
12. Ryan Hoffman - His big match experience is undeniable and adds real punch to the side. Has a great ability to pick out spot players in defence and will terrorise his opposing half in defence.
13. Greg Bird - Absolute machine in a Blue jersey. The fire inside of him and his attitude of pushing the envelope at all costs gets under the skin of the Maroons. One of the first picked every time.
14. Kurt Gidley - A controversial selection but if you have a guy who can cover every position on the field except front row comfortably then he is a valuable asset.
Laurie Daley must have a plan to use him in a particular way so we will have to see what happens there.
15. Anthony Watmough - The kind of bloke I would walk over broken glass to play with. His leg drive in offence and aggression in defence makes him the quintessential interchange player.
They don't call him the 'DNA Freak' for nothing and has been one bloke who has single handedly dominated Origin games in the past.
16. Trent Merrin - Has been one of the form forwards of the competition. He is playing his 5th Origin game and will need to do more than come on and just fill a spot on the field. He needs to come on with a tonne of energy and look to offload the ball at every chance. He should watch how Maroon Corey Parker played in Game three from the bench last year and play in that manner.
17. Andrew Fifita - A potentially devastating entity from a QLD point of view. He is one of the strongest ball runners I have seen in a long time and is not afraid to get gritty in defence.
A huge plus for the team and needs to continue his white hot form for the Blues.
This team can get the job done, that I am sure.
Instead of debating who should be there I think we should get behind the team because there is nothing between the teams anymore.
The Blues are on the verge of a series victory and knowing they have the whole state behind them makes a massive difference come game time.
Queensland look a bit long in the tooth and were lucky to get home in 2012.
This is the year it turns around.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Origin hopefuls
30 days from State Of Origin and the annual debate of who will lead the Blues to an elusive victory seems to have been dragging on for months.
With two games in Sydney and players who can match Queensland across the park there is a great sense of timing and optimism for NSW fans.
I have been racking my own brain trying to figure out what line-up Laurie Daley will take to ANZ stadium in four weeks time.
Lets run through the candidates.
Fullback - If Brett Stewart is fit I believe he will get the nod. He scored three tries in the 2012 series and is a great asset to any team he plays in. Great speed and the ability to snuff out a try when his team mates need one are just some of his good qualities.
I wouldn't rule out Jarryd Hayne pushing to fullback if Stewart is unfit. His defence against the Cowboys showed a big improvement. He plays in a team of reserve graders every week which makes his job difficult. A veteran of 15 Origin games he will be in the side as a winger at the very least.
Wingers - The Blues have a few good options they can use here. Jarryd Hayne will take one of the wing spots so it comes down to Brett Morris, Nathan Merritt, Akuila Uate and Blake Ferguson.
If Brett Morris is fit, following last nights game vs Manly, he will be on the wing.
If he isn't there I think Nathan Merritt will make his long overdue debut. The best try scorer of his generation surely has to get a start if Morris can't take his place. Consistent performer who will not let the team down.
Uate and Ferguson are both enigmatic and can win you a game on pure ability. Uate is still suspect in defence and under the high ball so I dont think he will see any action this series.
Ferguson has stormed into calculation after an outstanding game against the Storm. He will play Origin in the future and it could possibly be on the wing this year. Speed, strength and a hell of a lot of confidence makes him hard to ignore.
Centres - Michael Jennings and Josh Morris will fill the three quarter line. Jennings has been irresistible since moving to Bondi and Morris is a vital cog in defence lining up against Greg Inglis. Both have done the job before and I will be shocked if they both aren't there.
Halves - James Maloney is said to be the front runner for the five-eighth position but Todd Carney's form since returning for the Sharks has been great. John Sutton has been in excellent form but I can't see him getting picked ahead of Maloney or Carney. Same can be said for Josh Reynolds.
Mitchell Pearce is a certainty to be playing halfback but Adam Reynolds is breathing right down his neck. Only an injury to Pearce would see Reynolds make his debut this year but he will feature in future series.
Props - James Tamou is also another certain starter for the team with his outstanding form continuing on from last year. Aaron Woods, Tim Grant, Trent Merrin, Willie Mason and even Paul Gallen are contending for spots in the engine room.
You may raise your eyebrows when I mention Mason but watching him closely over the last year it's hard not to be impressed. He still punches out numbers that rival any front rower he comes up against but most of all he brings confidence to those around him. Laurie Daley is a Mason fan and I can see him playing off the bench.
Tim Grant is the incumbent starter from last year and did very well. His form in a struggling side has also been good and his aggression is something needed in Origin. Look at his first run on Origin debut and you see what he is capable of.
Aaron Woods, along with Robbie Farah, has been the only constant in a depleted Tigers side. He aims up every week and is the front rower every coach would love to have in their team. Capable of playing big minutes as well.
Merrin has to be picked somewhere in the team. He has been the best forward for the Dragons and his switch to lock has made him more versatile. I believe he will play from the bench due to his new found versatility.
Daley is thinking of playing Gallen up front so he can have all his star backrowers in the team. It has worked before.
This is where the game can be won or lost. Its crucial Daley gets the right mix.
Back Row - This is where an advantage lies for the Blues. Luke Lewis, Greg Bird, Paul Gallen, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart have all performed well in the past and will do so again.
The first four are certainties to make the team because Stewart has only just come back for the Sea Eagles and has said himself he lacks match fitness. I think Gallen will play at lock with Watmough and Bird to fill the other starting positions.
Lewis adds great impact from the bench with his best performances usually happening from this position.
They all offload the football well and create chances. If the Blues win the series it's likely one of these men will be player of the series.
Hooker - Robbie Farah is the only dummy half to be considered. Was the best player last year and will be a major player in 2013.
Kurt Gidley will come into consideration as a utility player/dummy half replacement.
So now lets see who I would go with come game one.
1. B. Stewart
2. B. Morris
3. M. Jennings
4. J. Morris
5. J. Hayne
6. T. Carney
7. M. Pearce
8. J. Tamou
9. R. Farah
10. T. Grant
11. A. Watmough
12. G. Bird
13. P. Gallen (C)
14. K. Gidley (need a player who can fill a number of spots)
15. T. Merrin
16. L. Lewis
17. A. Woods
This is my side who I think can get the job done.
Discuss.
With two games in Sydney and players who can match Queensland across the park there is a great sense of timing and optimism for NSW fans.
I have been racking my own brain trying to figure out what line-up Laurie Daley will take to ANZ stadium in four weeks time.
Lets run through the candidates.
Fullback - If Brett Stewart is fit I believe he will get the nod. He scored three tries in the 2012 series and is a great asset to any team he plays in. Great speed and the ability to snuff out a try when his team mates need one are just some of his good qualities.
I wouldn't rule out Jarryd Hayne pushing to fullback if Stewart is unfit. His defence against the Cowboys showed a big improvement. He plays in a team of reserve graders every week which makes his job difficult. A veteran of 15 Origin games he will be in the side as a winger at the very least.
Wingers - The Blues have a few good options they can use here. Jarryd Hayne will take one of the wing spots so it comes down to Brett Morris, Nathan Merritt, Akuila Uate and Blake Ferguson.
If Brett Morris is fit, following last nights game vs Manly, he will be on the wing.
If he isn't there I think Nathan Merritt will make his long overdue debut. The best try scorer of his generation surely has to get a start if Morris can't take his place. Consistent performer who will not let the team down.
Uate and Ferguson are both enigmatic and can win you a game on pure ability. Uate is still suspect in defence and under the high ball so I dont think he will see any action this series.
Ferguson has stormed into calculation after an outstanding game against the Storm. He will play Origin in the future and it could possibly be on the wing this year. Speed, strength and a hell of a lot of confidence makes him hard to ignore.
Centres - Michael Jennings and Josh Morris will fill the three quarter line. Jennings has been irresistible since moving to Bondi and Morris is a vital cog in defence lining up against Greg Inglis. Both have done the job before and I will be shocked if they both aren't there.
Halves - James Maloney is said to be the front runner for the five-eighth position but Todd Carney's form since returning for the Sharks has been great. John Sutton has been in excellent form but I can't see him getting picked ahead of Maloney or Carney. Same can be said for Josh Reynolds.
Mitchell Pearce is a certainty to be playing halfback but Adam Reynolds is breathing right down his neck. Only an injury to Pearce would see Reynolds make his debut this year but he will feature in future series.
Props - James Tamou is also another certain starter for the team with his outstanding form continuing on from last year. Aaron Woods, Tim Grant, Trent Merrin, Willie Mason and even Paul Gallen are contending for spots in the engine room.
You may raise your eyebrows when I mention Mason but watching him closely over the last year it's hard not to be impressed. He still punches out numbers that rival any front rower he comes up against but most of all he brings confidence to those around him. Laurie Daley is a Mason fan and I can see him playing off the bench.
Tim Grant is the incumbent starter from last year and did very well. His form in a struggling side has also been good and his aggression is something needed in Origin. Look at his first run on Origin debut and you see what he is capable of.
Aaron Woods, along with Robbie Farah, has been the only constant in a depleted Tigers side. He aims up every week and is the front rower every coach would love to have in their team. Capable of playing big minutes as well.
Merrin has to be picked somewhere in the team. He has been the best forward for the Dragons and his switch to lock has made him more versatile. I believe he will play from the bench due to his new found versatility.
Daley is thinking of playing Gallen up front so he can have all his star backrowers in the team. It has worked before.
This is where the game can be won or lost. Its crucial Daley gets the right mix.
Back Row - This is where an advantage lies for the Blues. Luke Lewis, Greg Bird, Paul Gallen, Anthony Watmough and Glenn Stewart have all performed well in the past and will do so again.
The first four are certainties to make the team because Stewart has only just come back for the Sea Eagles and has said himself he lacks match fitness. I think Gallen will play at lock with Watmough and Bird to fill the other starting positions.
Lewis adds great impact from the bench with his best performances usually happening from this position.
They all offload the football well and create chances. If the Blues win the series it's likely one of these men will be player of the series.
Hooker - Robbie Farah is the only dummy half to be considered. Was the best player last year and will be a major player in 2013.
Kurt Gidley will come into consideration as a utility player/dummy half replacement.
So now lets see who I would go with come game one.
1. B. Stewart
2. B. Morris
3. M. Jennings
4. J. Morris
5. J. Hayne
6. T. Carney
7. M. Pearce
8. J. Tamou
9. R. Farah
10. T. Grant
11. A. Watmough
12. G. Bird
13. P. Gallen (C)
14. K. Gidley (need a player who can fill a number of spots)
15. T. Merrin
16. L. Lewis
17. A. Woods
This is my side who I think can get the job done.
Discuss.
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