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Beau Scott and Michael Ennis should be in the NSW Origin squad

23rd May, 2016
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Beau Scott didn't make the cut for Origin. (Image: AAP)
Expert
23rd May, 2016
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NSW coach Laurie Daley will regret not selecting Beau Scott and Michael Ennis for the Origin opener at ANZ Stadium on June 8.

Scott is the enforcer the Blues need to keep Queensland’s superstars Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Cooper Crock in check – even if he hits a bit late.

Scott is a far better proposition than any other backrower, except David Klemmer.

Queensland Maroons team for State of Origin Game 1: Expert reaction

And Ennis, playing the rugby league of his life and one of the major reasons why the Sharks are firing, is the type of footballer who was meant to play Origin, more so than Robbie Farah.

More Origin
» Beau Scott and Michael Ennis should be in the NSW Origin squad
» Thanks for the memories Hoffman, Ennis and Scott
» The big losers from NSW’s Origin team announcement
» NSW Blues team for State of Origin Game 1: Expert reaction
» No excuse for NSW come Game 1

Some critics have suggested Scott and Ennis are paying the penalty for the 52-6 drubbing in the last Origin at Suncorp – but you don’t drop Scott and Ennis for any reason.

Seeing injured Josh Dugan (elbow) and Farah (concussion) have been selected, why not the up-and-coming Bryce Cartwright? He was originally picked as a development player but then dropped with a thumb injury.

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Cartwright will be an Origin rep for many seasons, so why not indoctrinate him in the squad camp? That would be a priceless experience for the 21-year-old Panther.

On the credit side, the selection of Adam Reynolds and James Maloney as the halves will dramatically lift the Blues – two attackers and two quality goal-kickers.

Reynolds deserved to be there before, but was either injured or overlooked. Now he’s an Origin player in his own right – and Queensland will be on the watch.

Fullback Matt Moylan is another newcomer deserving of an Origin berth, giving NSW another attacking centre when he chimes in.

It was intriguing that Laurie Daley named a 19-man squad and not a team with four on the interchange bench.

In a throwaway line, Daley said, “That will keep people guessing.”

He doesn’t have to name his side until next week, which will create plenty of interest as to how he treats forwards Boyd Cordner, Andrew Fifita, Tyson Frizell, Josh Jackson, David Klemmer, and James Tamou – but especially bolter back Dylan Walker.

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This is an Origin series where Queensland have self-destructed a bit, with Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford, and Dylan Napa among half a dozen banned for the series for breaking curfew.

Laurie Daley will regret leaving out Beau Scott and Michael Ennis, while opposite number Kevin Walters will regret suspending those three class acts.

The NSW squad and number of Origin appearances
Greg Bird (Titans) – 16
Boyd Cordner (Roosters) – 5
Josh Dugan (Dragons) – 8
Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers) – 13
Blake Ferguson (Roosters) – 1
Andrew Fifita (Sharks) – 4
Tyson Frizell (Dragons) – debut
Paul Gallen (Sharks, captain) – 21
Josh Jackson (Bulldogs) – 3
Michael Jennings (Eels) – 15
David Klemmer (Bulldogs) – 3
James Maloney (Sharks) – 3
Josh Mansour (Panthers) – debut
Josh Morris (Bulldogs) – 11
Matt Moylan (Panthers) – debut
Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs) – debut
James Tamou (Cowboys) – 11
Dylan Walker (Manly) – debut
Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers) – 8

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