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Josh Morris, Josh Dugan, Michael Jennings or a bolter? Who should Laurie Daley select to play centre for the New South Wales Blues in 2015? Here is the next episode in our look at the 2015 State of Origin selections.
Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Morris recently got the monkey off his back by scoring his first try in 18 months. The potent New South Wales centre has already played nine games for his state. One of the best centres in the world, Morris is fit after recovering from a severe knee injury that saw him running on one leg for the 2014 State of Origin series and most of last year.
Without his brother due to injury, the Bulldogs centre may not feel comfortable with a new man on his wing. Expect Josh Morris to make the Origin side unless he sustains an injury.
Josh Dugan (St George Illawarra Dragons)
Josh Dugan will definitely be part of Laurie Daley’s New South Wales side. At just 24 years of age, Dugan has played five State of Origin games. If Matt Moylan or Brett Stewart are selected ahead of the Dragons fullback, Dugan will line up the centres.
Josh Dugan has proved he can handle the pressure at the State of Origin level – the biggest arena in rugby league – and is one of the Blues’ most consistent performers over the past four years.
Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters)
Having played 12 State of Origin games, he is one of the most experienced players eligible for New South Wales.
Jennings is accustomed to the State of Origin arena. Having created a lethal combo with fellow Rooster and contender for the Blues wing spot, Daniel Tupou, Jennings could create some spark out wide with his partner at the Roosters to bully what is looking to be a baby-faced Maroons flank.
Bolters
He’s pulled on a New South Wales jumper twice but will he pull it on again in 2015? Will Hopoate (Parramatta Eels) is one of the biggest mysteries of the 2015 State of Origin series. Hopoate will likely play, however his position is unknown.
Hopoate has made the switch to fullback at Parramatta, but so far he is not secure under the high ball meaning that if Daley is to select Hopoate, centre would be his best position.
Pat Richards (Wests Tigers) has never played State of Origin. With Richards having played international rugby league for Ireland and winning premierships with Wests Tigers and Wigan Warriors, Origin is one of the final things Richards has to achieve in his 16-year rugby league career. He will be able to handle the pressure without a doubt.
Richards is great with the kicking tee and can make even the best players choke under his deadly boot. He may be 33 years of age, but Richards is in the form of his life.
Raiders captain Jarrod Croker (Canberra Raiders) is deserving of a State of Origin jersey. Having played nearly 150 games for the Raiders scoring 70 tries, Croker has led his team through thick and thin. Croker is just as good a footballer as he is a leader.
Having come close to a Kangaroos jersey before, Croker last year represented the PM’s XIII. The question must be asked, will Croker be able to perform in front of 80,000+ fans rather than the 8,000 he is used to?
Dylan Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs) has won a premiership and played in four Tests for Australia. The 20-year-old, who represented New South Wales U20s in 2013, could line-up for the Blues if he continues his outstanding form displayed over the past two seasons.
Expect the dominant Souths centre to push for a spot in the City versus Country Origin clash in early May – or even in the Anzac Test.
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