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Though the NSW Blues selectors have chosen a strong team for Origin I, there were a number of players that can consider themselves unlucky not to have heard their name called out during yesterday’s press conference.
Highlighting the improved depth in the state, the following talented players were left out, and though they would be feeling disappointed today, they would also be hoping they may get their chance in game two at Suncorp Stadium.
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Nathan Merritt
The Souths flyer still awaits his chance on the wing after a number of seasons of being one of the leading try scorers in the NRL. His defence has been called into question, and the Blues hierarchy may have been concerned the Maroons would target him.
Though if NSW struggles to score points in the first encounter, Merritt’s ability to find the tryline may see him come back into consideration.
Todd Carney
Though he started the season slowly, and had some injury concerns, he’s returned to his best over the last four weeks of football. As such, it was shock the incumbent wasn’t given another shot at taking on the Maroons.
A fantastic talent with lots of skill, he could have been the man to get the NSW backline firing, along with threatening the line himself to keep the Maroons guessing. James Maloney will need to play well to justify not picking Carney.
Josh Reynolds
His lack of elite level creativity means he was always at long odds to be picked once Mitchell Pearce was confirmed at halfback. That would have made for a halves pairing that scares no one in attack.
However, if the Blues did/do go with a creative halfback – like the guy next on the list – that would make Reynolds’ toughness an appealing selection in the cauldron of Origin football.
Adam Reynolds
Mitchell Pearce was anointed the Blues halfback by coach Laurie Daley before the season had started, so it was with zero surprise Reynolds wasn’t selected yesterday.
But considering his form and the Rabbitohs position on the ladder, it’s hard not to feel as if Reynolds possibly should have been given the Blues number seven jersey.
Should Pearce fail in Origin I, Reynolds name should strongly come into calculations with the NSW selectors.
John Sutton
If you want to select in-form players with a touch of x-factor, who also have the size and strength to worry the Maroons, Sutton must surely be in the frame.
The knock on the five-eighth is he can be hot and cold, but he’s been much more the former than the latter this year. His selection would have been a gamble, but after seven series losses in a row, perhaps the Blues should have rolled the dice?
Glenn Stewart
Stewart ability to play as an extra ball player, along with someone who relishes in targeting opposition halves, would have been a real asset for NSW.
His unique skill-set makes him a valuable weapon, but he ruled himself out through injury.
Brett Stewart
Like his brother and Manly teammate, was ruled out with injury.
Willie Mason
The campaign for Big Willie to be selected gained serious momentum over the last few rounds. Apart from the obvious fact Mason brings plenty of experience to the table, he’s also in very good form.
Yet above all, he brings a certain element of aggression, passion and hatred for Queensland. I would have picked him in Kurt Gidley’s bench spot.
Tariq Sims
Sims is overdue for NSW selection. He’s been mentioned in Origin circles for some time, but inopportune injuries have usually ruined his prospects of earning the sky blue jersey.
Tough, skilful, and with the ability to bend the line, Sims would have loved the opportunity to smash some Maroons, especially his North Queensland teammates.
Aaron Woods
The 22 year old prop was 18th man for the Blues last year. Though his club is struggling, Woods has been one of the rare shining lights for the Wests Tigers.
He wouldn’t have been asked to do anything flashy, just simply the traditional frontrower’s job: plenty of hit-ups, plenty of tackles. Must have been very close to selection.
Tim Grant
Grant’s first taste of Origin football saw him put Queensland legend Petero Civoniceva on his backside. It must have been quite a highlight for man who was recently quoted as saying he hates Queensland. Needless to say, that sort of passion would have been a handy asset for the Blues.
Though no one should underestimate his talent either, for he is a fine ball carrying forward too.
Tim Mannah
Though his club has suffered some heavy defeats this year, it would be hard to pin much blame on Mannah, whose last hit-up is always as strong as his first.
Probably a little down the pecking order at present, but his experience means he would have been in the selection discussions.
Jamal Idris
Though he played well yesterday, the big man’s name would have been a fair way behind Josh Morris and Michael Jennings in the reckoning for a spot in the centres.