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After winning the opening game of the 2013 State of Origin series – the first time since 2008 – coach Laurie Daley and the NSW selectors have made just two changes to the Blues squad for game two in Brisbane.
Only injuries and suspensions have created opportunities for new players. Jarryd Hayne (hamstring) and James Tamou (suspension) are out, replaced by Josh Dugan and Aaron Woods.
The squad is:
1. Josh Dugan
It’s been quite the turnaround for the enigmatic fullback. Just over a month ago, he was facing the prospect of sitting out the entire season, with clubs having no interest in signing the troubled youngster. Now he finds himself in the cauldron of Origin football thanks to Jarryd Hayne’s hamstring injury. No one doubts Dugan’s talent, and he’s certainly been in good form for the Dragons, but whether he’s ready for a return to the highest level of rugby league there is – not to mention the intimidating atmosphere – is another question altogether. Some will also say the selection is controversial, given he was sacked by the Raiders just a few short months ago.
2. Blake Ferguson
After a knock-on in his first touch of Origin football, Ferguson settled and showed everyone why the Blues hold him in such high regard. Big, strong and confident, he appears well equipped for this level of football. He was safe under the high ball, and menacing in attack. He’ll be even better with a game of experience under his belt. And he’ll need to be, because Suncorp Stadium is a whole new type of ‘experience’ for a rookie.
3. Michael Jennings
The Roosters centre wasn’t given a great deal of opportunities with the ball in game one, but he certainly made the most of them. His solo effort try is one of the best in recent Blues history, and showcased all of his amazing attacking abilities: great hands, fabulous footwork and impressive strength. One of NSW’s best in Sydney, he’ll be looking to continue on with his good form.
4. Josh Morris
Morris wasn’t asked to do too much in the opener, and apart from a bad read in defence on Greg Inglis, he didn’t make any mistakes, but nor did he have any real impact on the game. Mind you, the Blues will be more than happy with any ‘cancelling out’ with his opposite number, for Inglis is an out-and-out superstar. Morris would love more ball and opportunities in game two.
5. Brett Morris
In the first match of the series, his cover defence was outstanding, as was his strong runs early in the tackle count, buying his forwards valuable breathing time. He almost played as extra backrower at times, such was his propensity to get involved early on with hit-ups. The Blues will simply ask for more of the same from the other Morris twin.
6. James Maloney
The five-eighth will be looking to build on his impressive debut, but things won’t be so smooth in the return encounter. Apart from a hostile environment, I also expect the Maroons to come armed with a game plan to combat Maloney’s effectiveness. Considering his importance to the Blues’ victory in Sydney, for game two, he can expect plenty of traffic in defence, and I would assume he will have more pressure placed upon his tactical kicking. How he responds could dictate the outcome of the match.
7. Mitchell Pearce
Though he still made some basic errors – including repeatedly hitting Billy Slater on the chest with kicks, and some poor passes – Pearce was actually very solid in game one. Those wanting him to replicate Andrew Johns’ brilliance will continue to be disappointed, for he’s simply never going to be that player, either in talent or style. He played the role he was selected for in game one, and provided Maloney can supply strong tactical kicking again, Pearce only need to repeat his performance. Minus the silly mistakes, of course.
13. Greg Bird
Absolutely sensational in game one. He chewed up the metres, but more importantly, made several vital tackles, mainly of the bone-crunching variety. A key player for the Blues, who relishes being a Queensland enemy, some of his inexperienced teammates will be looking for him to lead by example in Brisbane and highlight to them that it’s just another football stadium. Even though it’s not.
11. Luke Lewis
I gave Lewis a perfect ten out of ten in my Origin One player ratings. Though I was probably generous, I was somewhat vindicated by the fact he was named man-of-the-match. Needless to say, I thought he had a great game. Brilliant defence was matched by incisive runs, early and often. Few players have become superstars by being the best at all the dirty work. That’s Luke Lewis.
12. Ryan Hoffman
Delivered exactly what was expected of him. Reliable, consistent, made few mistakes, and got through plenty of work. It’s a luxury for Laurie Daley to know exactly what he’s going to get from a player, but Hoffman provides that. His athleticism and work rate are outstanding, and the Blues select him for game two comfortable with the knowledge that Hoffman will simply do his job, and do it well. Again.
8. Aaron Woods
James Tamou was a little disappointing in game one, however it was his off-field issues in being caught driving under the influence of alcohol, that saw him replaced by the Wests prop Woods. Despite the Tigers struggles this year, Woods has been a shining light upfront. He’s big, tough and talented, and has earned the right to represent his state. But it will be quite the baptism of fire for the youngster.
9. Robbie Farah
Made a whopping 46 tackles in the opening game, and along with his sensational tactical kicking from dummy-half, it made him a serious two way threat for NSW. Though he still took a few wrong options in attack, Blues fans need to take the occasionally bad with the overwhelmingly good when it comes to Farah. Does have some injury concerns with a fractured cheekbone and broken nose, but his toughness – and therefore availability for game two – should not be in question.
10. Paul Gallen (c)
It’s a shame his punching of Nate Myles overshadowed another very good performance for the NSW captain. He was strong in attack and defence, and he’ll need to be ready to do it all again at Suncorp. Needless to say, he can expect a warm welcome from Queensland fans and players, and he’s at very short odds to be involved in some form of altercation during the game.
Interchange:
14. Josh Reynolds
I wasn’t convinced that NSW needed a utility player, and considering Reynolds didn’t see any game time in Sydney, I’m convinced more than ever that it is a role that is surplus to requirements. However, the Blues have selected Reynolds once again, and though no one doubts his personality is suited to Origin, one can’t help but wonder if another forward should have been selected.
15. Anthony Watmough
Has extremely impressive leg power, and racked up over 100 metres from the bench in game one. The perfect interchange player at Origin level, Watmough has an impact on the game the minute he enters the fray, in both attack and defence. Needless to say, he’s a very valuable weapon for the Blues.
16. Trent Merrin
Merrin was solid in game one, but I still believe he is yet to reach his Origin potential. However, coach Daley would have been happy with what Merrin provided the Blues in the first game, and a repeat performance of solid bench play from the Dragons prop forward will have his coach smiling once again.
17. Andrew Fifita
It didn’t take long for Fafita to show he belongs at this level. He bent the line in attack, and bent some ribs in defense. The behemoth was a constant threat to the Maroons at both ends of the field, and made his presence felt as soon he came on early in the first half. I’ll resist the urge to say he’s ‘made for Origin’, but the Blues will certainly be hoping he can supply more of the same against Queensland in game two.