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We’re roughly six weeks out from Origin 1, but it’s time to start thinking about how the Blues will line-up.
This is the side I would pick at this current stage of the season.
Sure, Laurie Daley can stick with the halves pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, but then he should expect similar results as previous years.
I’ve gone for a side with plenty of size and power. We need to bruise Queensland and send them a message. A new halves pairing, which the majority will disagree on, is required.
1. Jarryd Hayne
Hayne has been in superb form early in 2014. He has been there before, and also puts in good performances in Origin. He is proven. When at his best, he is a magnificent and gifted player to watch. Just edges out Josh Dugan and Brett Stewart.
2. Brett Morris
In his Origin appearances he has been good, without being great. Although he has looked dangerous with the ball and has been pretty solid in defence. A safe option, who will be hoping to cross the try-line a bit more.
3. Michael Jennings
For the past couple of years, the Roosters centre has been a constant attacking threat for the Blues and is very difficult to contain. He must be there.
4. Josh Morris
In his past few Origin appearances he has been starved of attacking opportunities with Pearce and Maloney in the halves. Yet in his few appearances he has found a knack of scoring some brilliant tries. He has defended Greg Inglis brilliantly and he further proves that he is one of the best defensive centres in our game.
5. Will Hopoate
Two years ago when he made his Origin debut he was all class. While he has been two years out of the game, he has been very good in 2014 in an ever improving Eels outfit. You can tell he is something special. Give him a go, what do we have to lose?
6. Josh Reynolds
The ever-maturing Bulldogs five-eighth has formed a great combination with Trent Hodkinson this year and he is an Origin player for the future. But put him in now, he has fantastic attacking flair and gives 100per cent every match he plays. He is tough and competitive. He puts his body on the line. He is desperate for a NSW jumper and much better than James Maloney.
7. Trent Hodkinson
A bolter for sure. But the Bulldogs have been ultra competitive and in 2014 he has outplayed halves such as Mitchell Pearce, Cooper Cronk and Shaun Johnson. He has been injury prone, although he is a match winner. A fantastic goal kicker, he compliments his tough defence with a smart kicking and passing game. Watch him closely over the next few weeks to push his case for selection, but we all know Laurie Daley will pick Mitchell Pearce. Reynolds and Hodkinson are the form halves of the comp at the moment, and they know each other’s games well.
8. Paul Gallen
An obvious selection … although he seems to always be injured. The heart and soul of the NSW team and one of the best forwards in rugby league behind James Graham.
9. Robbie Farah (could be out of Origin 1)
He has been the Blues’ leading tackler over the past couple of Origin matches. He does a lot of tactical kicking out of dummy half and isn’t afraid to run the ball. An injury means he is likely to miss Origin 1, though, and if that’s the case, Michael Ennis or Nathan Peats should get the nod. I’m leaning towards Ennis, as he has experience and is a competitor, which is what Origin is about. Peats has been a revelation so far in 2014 for the Eels, although does he have the toughness of Ennis and Farah to compete at Origin level? I don’t know.
10. Andrew Fifita
NSW need size and they need to try and bruise Queensland. Fifita brings size and aura to the team. He has been solid in 2014, but we know how outstanding he can be when he gets angry. Bends the line and pops an offload. Brilliant.
11. Tony Williams
Everyone will laugh at this but in 2014 we’ve seen a far more improved Tony Williams then in 2013. He also brings size. At his best he is T-Rex. Slowly, he has been running onto the ball and becoming more confident as a Bulldog. The beauty of him is if he does run onto the ball and plays at his best, he can still play 80 minutes, which is double trouble for the Maroons.
12. Luke Lewis
There is an injury cloud over him but hopefully he makes Origin 1. One of the best players in the 2013 series. His running game was awesome, making plenty of incisive runs.
13. Greg Bird
Another Origin type player. A fierce competitor, like Reynolds, who would do anything to win. He’s rough. He’s tough. He’s dirty. But most importantly, he hates Queensland. These are qualities which have served him well at this level. Can play long minutes if required.
14. Trent Merrin
Great for the Dragons, plenty of size, aggression and doesn’t mind throwing a punch (hey, who cares, it’s Origin!). Made an impact last series.
15. Aaron Woods
Disappointing last series in my opinion, although he was inexperienced and will learn from it. He has been awesome in 2014, and is a bit of a risk, but I hope he performs like he does at club level.
16. James Tamou
More size. More power. Get him on and give him the job to keep it basic; run hard and fast and knock over as many Cane Toads as possible.
17. John Sutton
A player who has matured greatly and can cover a number of positions in case of injury. If there is no injury, he can play in the forwards and play long minutes. He can also use his kicking/play-making skills to relieve some pressure of the halves. A really valuable player coming off the bench.
I’ve gone for Reynolds and Hodkinson in the halves because:
– They are the current form halves of the competition.
– They know each other’s games well.
– They are ultra competitive – particularly Reynolds.
– Hodkinson is a proven match-winner and clutch goal-kicker/field goal taker.
– They’re not scared to run the ball.
Sure Laurie Daley, “stick” with the same halves, but expect the same results if you do so.
Size, strength, power and passion will decide if NSW are any chance. Sometimes, to win Origins, you don’t need the most skilful players.
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