Will incumbent Blues hooker Robbie Farah be selected again in 2015 by Laurie Daley, or will the New South Wales coach opt for a bolter? Here is the next in our series looking at 2015 State of Origin selection.
Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
Having represented his state 11 times, the NSW vice-captain looks likely to grab the No. 9 jersey yet again in 2015. He could face some stiff competition this year. Having been a mainstay in the Blues team for the past few years, Robbie Farah is one of the most experienced hookers in the National Rugby League and has performed well at State of Origin level even when he is out of form at club level.
An NRL veteran of over 200 games, Farah will most probably be the first man Laurie Daley chooses when he names his team for Game 1.
Bolters
Michael Ennis (Cronulla Sharks) has previously been the main man to oppose Robbie Farah, however this season he has flown under the radar since arriving at the Cronulla Sharks. Ennis has represented his state on seven occasions between 2009 and 2011 and has played over 200 games at five different clubs. Alongside Robbie Farah, Ennis is one of the most experienced hookers in the National Rugby League and is able to handle State of Origin football.
Michael Lichaa (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs) has barely started his NRL career playing just 21 games to date but is already in contention for a State of Origin jersey. Selected by Brad Fittler in last year’s City Origin team, Lichaa is one of the hottest young hookers in rugby league.
The Cronulla junior has previously represented his state in 2011 (U18s), 2012 and 2013 (U20s), was named NYC hooker of the year two years in succession (2012-13) and also represented the Junior Kangaroos (2012-13). Michael Lichaa is one of the most experienced young players at a junior representative level, however it is unknown whether he will be able to cope with the pressures of State of Origin as he has never played in front of a crowd exceeding 40,000.
Nathan Peats (Parramatta Eels) is probably Farah’s stiffest opposition for the Blues No. 9 jersey and is made for Origin. Having delivered some great form in the past few years, Peats has earned City Origin and Indigenous All Stars jerseys.
Could he add a New South Wales jersey to his collection? Many will ask whether Peats can handle the pressure that comes with State of Origin but he will no doubt perform due to his tough style of play, suiting his state’s forward pack.
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