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NSW Blues halves pairing looking very murky

14th April, 2014
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Mitchell Pearce is not a redemption story - not yet, anyway. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Expert
14th April, 2014
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The opening game of the 2014 State of Origin series will be held in Brisbane on May 28, which means there are just five weeks of NRL football before the Blues squad is announced.

That might seem like a long period of time but, when it comes to selecting the halves combination for the Blues, it may need to be. The picture is far from clear when it comes to which two individuals will be wearing the No. 6 and 7 jerseys.

The incumbents for NSW are the Sydney Roosters’ James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce, though unfortunately neither are setting the world on fire at present. This is most clearly evidenced by the position the defending premiers find themselves in at present, having won just two of their six games.

Pearce, to be fair, hasn’t been playing too badly. In fact, he’s been excellent at times so far this season. However, the halfback’s selection in the Origin team has always been debatable, as he has struggled to step up to that level of football. He is yet to play in a winning series since making his debut in 2008.

Maloney has been well down on form, struggling in defence and lacking his usual effectiveness with the boot in general play. Blues coach Laurie Daley has already challenged the five-eighth to lift his game, or face the sack come selection time.

As mentioned, five weeks is a long time and there is plenty of football to be played before the NSW selectors convene. However, should the Roosters duo fail to lift in that time, the Blues may be forced to drop one, if not both, of their halves.

So who would come into calculations should Maloney or Pearce be sacked?

The Bulldogs’ Josh Reynolds would have to be the first individual mentioned. He’s been one of the form players of the competition – his defence has been outstanding and his toughness is well documented. He’s also got plenty of mongrel and would no doubt get under the Maroons’ skin.

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Reynolds has also shown a little more attacking flair this season. Though he’ll never be confused with Darren Lockyer, he has nonetheless shown an improved ability with the ball in hand for the Dogs.

Having said that, the Blues hierarchy would still be nervous about a Reynolds-Pearce partnership and would question whether it has the creativity to put points on the board. If they decide it wouldn’t, and if Reynolds’ form cannot be ignored, then a different halfback would need to be selected.

Adam Reynolds has often been mentioned as Pearce’s successor but he hasn’t been in great form himself this year. It would be a big call to select a halfback to make his Origin debut if he isn’t in better form than the player he’s replacing.

Albert Kelly has started the season strongly for the Titans, and would certainly bring some attacking flair, though it would be a massive gamble to hand him the No. 7 jersey.

If the selectors opt for experience then Terry Campese has been playing halfback for the Raiders, however his form is hardly demanding selection.

Should NSW decide they could play a five-eighth at halfback then the talent pool deepens significantly and opens up options, though it doesn’t make things any clearer.

Todd Carney was unlucky to not play in last year’s series, but he’s not back to the form that would warrant an Origin recall. The Sharks playmaker is not looking great at present, and I’m not talking about his dyed-blonde haircut.

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Jamie Soward performed well for the Blues in 2011, and brings an excellent kicking game to the table. In many respects, his selection would actually make a lot of sense, but it’s far from a no-brainer.

Jarrod Mullen would be an interesting selection, and has the backing of Immortal Andrew Johns. However, Mullen has only just made his way back from injury and would need to put some great games together before he could be seriously considered.

There’s no doubt a host of other names will be bandied about, though no potential partnership comes without question marks.

Many pundits, Peter Sterling included, have said it’s crazy to talk selection so far out from the opening game. But with Robbie Farah’s injury meaning he may miss Origin, the NSW selectors need to start thinking about their spine and ensuring they have the creativity, flair and leadership required to finally beat Queensland.

One also needs to remember that Maloney was the Blues goal-kicker last season, and should he be dropped another player would need to take kicking duties. This cannot be taken lightly considering how important the extra points are at Origin level.

It would appear that there are sleepless nights ahead for the Blues selectors, who will be hoping that some sort of partnership makes a strong case for selection over the next five weeks.

If not, come July, NSW may be sitting down to an all-too-familiar horror movie.

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