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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.
Let’s run through and rate the team.
1. Jarryd Hayne
Proven Origin performer 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 six 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 Queenslanddominated 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. 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 (capt)
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 Queenslanders about how good this guy is. Has a massive reputation, similar to the way Brett Kenny had from Queensland in the 80s.
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 fifth 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 Queensland 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.
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