Laurie Daley has the luxury of so many New South Wales players hitting their stride this season.
Still, the Blues coach has hinted that he wants to select the tried and trusted.
“You have to realise these two guys have never played in a big game,” Daley said of Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer, who have only played a handful of games together.
Daley obviously does believe the hype in the two. Yet I don’t recall Trent Hodkinson playing in a big game before his Origin debut, while Josh Reynolds had only lost a grand final.
Still, I would not pick both Canberra’s halves for this year’s State of Origin, because there are other options.
Matt Moylan is unproven in the halves, but he is destined to play there, with a great grubber kick, ball skills and running ability. I would team him up with Sezer, who will bring the control and kicking game.
As far as the rest of the side goes, I would select:
1. James Tedesco, 2. James Roberts, 3. Josh Morris, 4. Josh Dugan, 5. Blake Ferguson, 6. Matt Moylan, 7. Aidan Sezer, 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Michael Ennis, 10. Andrew Fifita, 11. Bryce Cartwright, 12. Wade Graham, 13. Paul Gallen (c).
Interchange: Tyson Frizzell, David Klemmer, James Tamou and Josh Jackson.
James Tedesco wins the fullback spot over Josh Dugan, with the Tiger’s stats of seven tries, six line breaks and four try assists this season.
Blake Ferguson and James Roberts as the wings offer speed and power. Both can beat players inside and out, their defence is solid, and both supply x-factor.
Aaron Woods and Andrew Fifita add size and grunt, and both can inspire the pack with their performance and never-say-die attitude.
Mick Ennis is the form 9 in NSW, controls the big men well, and gets in the heads of the opposition. Age may be a problem but there are other options.
Bryce Cartwright and Wade Graham deserve debuts. Cartwright has an all-round game, and an offloading ability most players only dream of. Graham has been underrated for a long time but he controls Cronulla’s edge, kicking game, hits hard and is a leader.
Paul Gallen will play down the middle in his last year. Don’t need to say much to justify his spot – he plays his heart out, and sadly this will be his last Origin.
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