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The second game of the 2014 State of Origin takes place at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday 18 June. My thoughts below are based on the likely line-ups and everyone being passed fit to play.
Queensland Maroons
1. Billy Slater
11 tries from 23 games. Played up to his champion tag with a blinder in Origin I, with 220 metres from 18 runs, 6 tackle breaks and 2 line breaks. He came from a similar injury in the World Cup final with no prep and played a starring role. Always a thrill to watch him play.
2. Darius Boyd
Scored 14 tries from only 18 Origins (77%). Professional finisher who has developed a potent combination with Inglis to combine with 29 tries.
3. Greg Inglis
15 tries from 22 Origins. Although he made 126 metres in Game 1, he was well contained based on his lofty standards. He marks up on two different opponents this time if Slater is fit.
4. Justin Hodges
5 tries from 19 Origins. Naturally gifted, he is the team’s best offloader (4 in Game 1) and although well marked, he looked dangerous whenever he had the ball with 97 metres from 12 runs.
5. Brent Tate
5 tries from 22 Origins. Always excels in rep games and made 151 metres from 15 runs in Game 1, and did a great job on the inexperienced Daniel Tupou.
6. Johnathan Thurston
5 tries from 28 Origins. Champion and the best Origin player over the last eight years, but had his worst ever match in Game 1 when he missed 7 tackles that led to 2 tries and missed both his kicks at goal. He will likely take over Cronk’s role as chief organiser, a role that he thrives on.
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
Forget he played in Game 1 as he was thrust into running the team after nine minutes when he had no experience or combinations as halfback. He is destined to be the game’s No. 1 player and will be much better prepared in Game 2. Recovering from injured knee.
8. Matthew Scott
15 Origins and the Maroons’ best go-forward, but for the first time this year he failed to go over 100 metres in Game 1, only making nine runs and being heavily targeted.
9. Cameron Smith (c)
The best ever in his position and topped the tackle count in Game 1 despite finishing on one leg. He will thrive in this sudden-death situation and will be scheming all over the park.
10. Nate Myles
Missed 6 tackles in Game 1 including a bad one on Jarryd Hayne, but has a big motor and managed 122 metres and made 39 tackles in 65 minutes. Tends to die with the ball when a pass is on.
11. Sam Thaiday
Played 20 Origins but missed Game 1 with a calf injury. His energy and enthusiasm will be welcomed. Expected to start and play some time at prop.
12. Chris McQueen
Has held out the in-form Dave Taylor. Made a great run early in Game 1 and got away a brilliant off-load, but very quiet after that. The selectors have stuck solid.
13. Corey Parker
The perfect forward with all the skills, he is a tireless worker, can bust tackles and is brilliant at creating second-phase play.
14. Matt Gillett
Cost his team probable victory when he dropped the ball near the line in Game 1, and made only 51 metres from 8 runs over 74 mins are not great numbers. Sam Thaiday forces him back to the bench.
15. Ben Te’o
Another outstanding contributor off the bench who was a handful in Game 1. Can play most positions if required, including centre.
16. Josh Papalii
Numbers were down on what his club form suggests he can deliver at this level. Only 3 runs in 34 minutes is not good enough as he can be devastating. Worth persisting.
17. Aidan Guerra
Highly impressive in his debut as he offers so much in all aspects of the game, especially when he runs and attracts multiple defenders with his gangly style. Can also play centre.
NSW Blues
1. Jarryd Hayne
9 tries in 18 Origins. Man of the match in Game 1 with 173 metres, including 10 tackle breaks, 2 line breaks and a fabulous try. One of the world’s great players at the top of his game.
2. Will Hopoate
Replaces the world’s best winger and he looks to be down on pace after two years out of the game. This is a big gamble but he is a quality player.
3. Josh Dugan
Big risk in defence against Inglis and Thurston, but he will be dangerous with the ball and bagged three tries for the Dragons last w/end. Has a poor passing game.
4. Michael Jennings
3 tries from 11 Origins. Had 5 runs for 5 tackle breaks in Game 1, but generally well contained. Always looks dangerous and only needs half a chance.
5. Daniel Tupou
Looked to suffer from stage fright in Game 1 when he made 4 errors and failed to use his mighty leap to advantage. Would prefer Jorge Taufua or Josh Mansour.
6. Josh Reynolds
Loved his debut at No. 6 in Game 1. He was in everything and a constant menace to the opposition with his excellent pace and formed a dangerous combination with Hayne. Areal gun for the Blues who won’t sit back and wait for something to happen.
7. Trent Hodkinson
Did very little in his debut match in Game 1, making only a solitary run, but worked hard in defence making 24 tackles. His opposite Cherry-Evans, playing on one leg, spanked his backside last week in a club game.
8. Aaron Woods
Went very well in Game 1 and deserves to be retained to start after making 98 etres from 10 runs in 46 minutess. Needs to go with Gallen and not be Mr Nice Guy.
9. Robbie Farah
In the top three hookers in the world and received the ball more than anyone in Game 1, ensuring good direction while still making 40 tackles.
10. Paul Gallen (c)
Has only won 6 Origins from 11 games but he is the team’s go-to man. Has a massive motor, and posted 170 metres in Game 1 and also making 33 tackles. Moves from lock to prop but will still likely be the best forward on the ground. He is the team’s Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess.
11. Ryan Hoffman
Wonderful work ethic but he is not dangerous with the ball and missed 4 tackles in Game 1.
12. Beau Scott
Very much like Hoffman and also missed 4 tackles in Game 1. Two of them led to Boyd tries.
13. Greg Bird
Suspended for Game 1 but an automatic selection who is in career-best form. Always excels at this level. He will run on the left and is always dangerous with Jennings, and as tough as it gets.
14. James Tamou
Man mountain and credited with good numbers in Game 1, but he is better than 80 metres from 10 runs in 49 minutes. Given his experience, he was slightly disappointing.
15. Anthony Watmough
Will play with a torn bicep. Although he can be prone to making dumb errors at crucial times, he always makes an impact when he comes on.
16. Luke Lewis
Wonderful competitor and here based on reputation as his club mate Wade Graham is in much better form.
17. Trent Merrin
Unlucky not to start. He is similar to the Maroons’ Corey Parker and has all the skills, plus a big motor and can step off both feet near the line.
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