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Did we see the two Origin fullbacks in action last Sunday – Billy Slater and Brett Stewart? Slater’s an Origin legend with 25 appearances, and in every one he’s given NSW many a headache.
There’s no way Mal Meninga will move him away from the No. 1 jersey if he’s fit.
Stewart has only played eight Origins, but should have played many more. With Jarryd Hayne out of business, Stewart is by far the best bet to take over the responsibilities.
Both scored two tries on Sunday, and both are entrenched in the top 10 of the NRL try-scorers in history.
(1) Ken Irvine – 212 tries from 236 games, 1956 to 1973.
(2) Steve Menzies – 180 from 349 games, 1993 to 2003.
(3) Billy Slater – 172 from 277, 2003 to current.
(4) Andrew Ettingshausen – 165 from 328, 1983 to 2000.
(5) Terry Lamb – 164 from 350, 1980 to 1996.
(6) Mat Sing – 159 from 275, 1993 to 2006.
(7) Hazem El Masri – 159 from 317, 1996 to 2009.
(8) Nathan Merritt – 154 from 237, 2002 to 2014.
(9) Harold Horder – 152 from 127, 1912 to 1924.
(10) Brett Stewart – 151 from 204, 2003 to current.
Queensland will throw everything but the kitchen sink at NSW on May 27 at ANZ Stadium after losing the Origin series for the first time in nine years last season.
And with Paul Gallen unlikely to be fit, and Greg Bird serving his well-deserved eight-week suspension, NSW will be light on with hard men up front to withstand the onslaught.
The alternative will be to have brilliant attacking backs to make full use of what limited possession will be on offer.
Brett Stewart is the perfect choice ahead of fullback contenders Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan, and James Tedasco.
Which leaves the most discussed selections of all – the NSW pivots.
Does coach Laurie Daley stick with loyalty, and give the Bulldogs pair Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds the nod after being such an integral part of last season’s historic series win?
Or look to the Roosters pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney?
If they are the only two alternatives, on current form alone it has to be the Roosters pairing.
But there’s a third alternative – Pearce and Adam Reynolds.
Queensland have successfully selected two halfbacks as pivots with Johnathan Thurston moving out one.
Pearce’s form has been consistent, while Reynolds made an early comeback from injury last night to inspire the Rabbitohs to an excellent 16-10 win over the Dagons.
And there’s no better goal-kicker in the NRL than Reynolds, with his kicking in general play first class as well.
Food for thought Laurie – Brett Stewart, Mitchell Pearce, and Adam Reynolds for May 27?