After an outstanding start to the NRL season, Tigers hooker Robbie Farah was rightfully given the first crack at a NSW No 9 jersey, which was hotly contested by in-form Bulldogs player Michael Ennis.

Indeed, there were two key matches this season that confirmed Farah’s position at hooker for the Blues in the first Origin game in Melbourne.

The round eight clash between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Wests Tigers this season was the first match that would give a clearer picture as to who would take Danny Buderus’ spot as NSW hooker.

Although the Bulldogs escaped with a thrilling 22-20 victory that afternoon, Farah outshone Ennis in their personal duel, thanks mainly to the Tigers captain’s creativity with the football in hand and with the boot.

Ennis was solid without being spectacular, and displayed a great work ethic that allowed the Bulldogs to grind down a very enthusiastic Tigers pack.

Despite Ennis escaping with the two competition points, Farah got his revenge just five days later in the City-Country match, not to mention claiming a mortgage on a maiden Blues jersey.

Farah once again play extremely well against his opposite number as he guided City to a crushing 40-18 victory over Country.

Unfortunately for Farah and the rest of NSW, the Tigers captain failed to replicate his early season form with his club in the Origin arena.

Although Farah performed well in Origin one, his game took a backward step in the second Origin game in Sydney.

His kicking game out of dummy half was not as effective as it was with the Tigers in the NRL, whilst his passing game close to the line also suffered against a stern Queensland defence.

So Farah ultimately became the latest NSW hooker to feel the blues against current Australian and Storm premiership rake Cameron Smith.

After the 28-18 demise in Origin two, Farah found himself as one of many scapegoats of a NSW mission that once again went pear shaped.

Farah’s misfortune at Origin level has now presented a terrific opportunity for Bulldogs hooker Michael Ennis to make the Blues no.9 jumper his own.

Although he lacks Farah’s creativity out of dummy half, Ennis’ game is based more on getting under the opposition’s skin, an attribute that is highly valuable in Origin football.

Cameron Smith has used the ploy on numerous occasions against Buderus at Origin level, which often ended with a little niggle between the two.

Ennis will no doubt aim to annoy Smith as much as he can to disrupt his flawless service out of dummy half for the Maroons.

Having current Bulldogs teammate Brett Kimmorley in the Blues no.7 jersey will also make Ennis’ transition into the Origin arena a lot more comfortable.

The pair have developed a terrific offensive combination that has propelled the Bulldogs to the summit of the NRL ladder.

It is a combination that may well lead the Blues to an upset victory against the Maroons and one that may see NSW selectors imprint Michael’s surname on the no.9 jumper for the 2010 series.

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