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The New South Wales selectors have announced the Blues team for the opening game of the 2015 State of Origin series, which kicks off at ANZ Stadium in Homebush on May 27.
With only one game in Sydney this year, it’s vital that the Blues start the series strong and win the opening game.
More State of Origin:
» State of Origin News
» State of Origin team news
» Queensland Maroons team for Origin 1: Expert reaction
» The Roar’s NSW Blues team for Origin 1
» The Roar’s Queensland Maroons team for Origin 1
Injuries, suspension and a lack of form have ensured the NSW selectors earned their money this year, with a number of tough decisions needing to be made, especially in the halves. However, the NSW have named a strong side:
1. Josh Dugan
With concerns around the Blues’ attack, Dugan was probably an automatic selection at fullback. He brings some attacking flair, and if the major criticism of his play is his ball-playing ability, it’s negated by having him counter-attack from Queensland kicks, or run off others, as opposed to selecting him in the centres. A key man for NSW’s hopes.
2. Daniel Tupou
The Rooster winger has played himself back into form in recent weeks, and his height and ability under the high ball will be something NSW can utilise and plan for, while conversely, Queensland will need to prepare and have an answer for.
3. Josh Morris
Despite the Bulldogs indifferent form, Morris’ toughness, defence on Greg Inglis, and his performances in last year’s series sees him retain his spot in the centres. He’ll once again be asked to keep GI in check, yet it’s worth remembering that one of the best ways to neutralise an attacking player’s potency is to make them work hard in defence. In other words, just like his other centre, Morris needs to see more ball.
4. Michael Jennings
Despite constantly looking dangerous, Jennings has been starved of quality ball at the Origin level. The speedster can be a real handful when given opportunities, and it’s incumbent upon the NSW halves to ensure one of their best attacking weapons gets the ball early and often.
5. Will Hopoate
One of the more contentious spots up for grabs, Hopoate’s Origin experience probably gave him the nod on the wing. Though his return to the NRL hasn’t been as brilliant as many had predicted, he’s still a solid player and knows what it takes to perform at this level of football.
6. Mitchell Pearce
The mercurial halfback gets another chance at Origin level, this time at five-eighth, after a number of well-documented failures. Pearce’s game management and options in attack have improved since his last Origin selection, but the biggest obstacle for him to overcome is the perception he simply isn’t up to this level of football. However, it’s hard to argue he doesn’t deserve his spot this year, considering the other options for NSW.
7. Trent Hodkinson
Goal-kicking is vital in tight games, which Origin encounters usually are. As such, the Bulldogs halfback earns the spot for NSW because the team needs a kicker. It’s been well documented, but Hodkinson needs to improve on his general half play: direction, creativity and passing. There’s no room for passengers in State of Origin, and Hodkinson needs to ensure he’s not one.
8. Aaron Woods
In blistering club form, the big boppa needs to stamp his authority at representative level. The Blues will look to him to provide plenty of muscle and go-forward, and get on top of his Queenslander counterparts. Origin battles are won upfront, so Woods has plenty of responsibility on his shoulders.
9. Robbie Farah
(c)
Emotional, tough, talented and skilful, the Blues’ stand-in skipper will be relied upon to lead the team in attack and ensure the game plan is being followed. The hooker isn’t in career-best form, but he’s been one of the Blues best for a couple of series now.
10. James Tamou
A polarising player, it’s hard to get a gauge on the big Cowboys prop. At his best, he’s a damaging and athletic ball runner, capable of breaking the line consistently and getting his team tremendous go-forward. At his worst, he’s a turnstile in defence, and an ineffective attacking player who can go missing. Which Tamou will the Blues get for Game 1?
11. Beau Scott
With suspensions, injuries and a lack of form robbing the Blues of some of their mongrel, Scott becomes an important selection for NSW. He’ll once again attempt to terrorise Johnathan Thurston, and look to dominate the edges for NSW.
12. Ryan Hoffman
I probably say this every year, but Hoffman provides the Blues with a risk-free selection in the second row. He’s consistent. He’s reliable. He’ll be rock solid. He was named the Blues’ best player in last year’s series, and he’s been brilliant for the Warriors this year. An absolute workhorse.
13. Josh Jackson
The Bulldogs forward was widely regarded as the best player in the City versus Country match, and coming off the back of his Australian selection last year, he now ticks the last box in his representative aspirations with an Origin call-up. He’ll be fired up to make his presence felt when the match starts. A surprise starter for many, but it’s deserved.
Reserves bench
14. Trent Merrin
The Dragons forward is in great form, and brings a lot to the Blues pack. Despite consistent Origin selection, Merrin hasn’t yet shown his considerable abilities to their full extent at this level, and will be looking to establish himself as one of the Blues’ most influential players in this series. As he likes best, he will come of the bench in this match, not start at lock.
15. Boyd Cordner
Cordner wins a spot on the bench and will look to provide impact for the Blues by maintaining the intensity and effort that the starting forwards hopefully provide. His running and support play on the edges could provide the Blues with an effective tactic when he enters the fray.
16. Dave Klemmer
Another Bulldog will make his Origin debut off the bench for the Blues, with the aggressive and passionate Klemmer also earning a reserves spot. Queensland don’t fear anymore, but the destructive Dogs forward may come as close as anyone, and is therefore is a great selection.
17. Andrew Fifita
Big, strong and athletic, Fifita could be the Blues’ x-factor off the bench. He has the ability to hurt the Maroons in both attack and defence, but the key will be him not giving away penalties or missing tackles; otherwise the only team he’ll be hurting is NSW.