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Following Queensland’s continued domination in State of Origin, it is necessary for NSW to make a few tweaks to its squad in order to win back some pride.
Here is the team the Blues should pick to face Queensland in the final Origin match of 2016.
1. James Tedesco
Moylan has impressed us in the No.1 jersey after the first two Origin outings, but has never done enough to get the job done for the Blues.
James Tedesco, on the other hand, is one of the most exciting players in the game right now and the No.1 jersey has his name written all over it in the dead rubber Game 3.
2. Josh Mansour
In the first two games, Mansour has done everything he’s been asked to do, giving us no reason to scrap the Panthers flyer in Game 3. I would love to see him get across the line a few times and Tedesco’s combo with the outside backs may be the secret to this.
3. Michael Jennings
Despite being quiet in the first two games, Jennings is still one of the best centres the Blues can supply. Jennings is quick and strong and using him more in the NSW attack could be the road to success for the Blues in Game 3.
4. Josh Dugan
The Dragons fullback missed Games 1 and 2 due to an elbow injury, but there is no doubt he deserves a place in the centres, especially against Greg Inglis. That would be a match-up to watch.
5. Brett Morris
Only one game back from a knee injury, Morris was nothing short of spectacular in his three-try performance against the Broncos on Saturday night. Replacing Blake Ferguson on the wing is a big call but this man has the talent to give the Blues a victory.
6. James Maloney
This all depends on whether Adam Reynolds is 100 per cent for Game 3. But Maloney has been easily one of the best in the opening games for the Blues this year. Without a doubt he deserves the No.6 jersey once in the curtain closer.
7. Adam Reynolds
I wouldn’t take Reynolds out of the Blues squad for the simple reason that in a few years time he will be running the squad. Quiet in Games 1 and 2, but after a few trial runs the premiership-winning half is due for a big one.
8. Aaron Woods
Not much to say about the big fella. Without a doubt the starting front rower, no questions asked.
9. Michael Ennis
It’s time that Robbie Farah pulls the pin, for years he has been the weak link in the Blues squad. Who else to replace him but the man behind Cronulla’s success so far in 2016, Mick Ennis? He’s the kind of player to get under Queensland’s skin and lead the Blues to victory.
10. James Tamou
A recent big move to Penrith will boost the front rower in Game 3, playing alongside some of his future teammates. A great player and has definitely earnt his spot.
11. Wade Graham
All depending on Boyd Cordner’s fitness, but Graham is the next big thing after having his Origin dream ripped away by suspension in Game 2 due to suspension. A perfect pick.
12. Josh Jackson
It hurts to leave out a player like Beau Scott in this position, who was once able to target Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. But Jackson is one solid defender and never fails to keep the boys strong in defence.
13. Paul Gallen
A big call placing the ‘G-Train’ and after showing his dedication in the past decade of Origin, Gallen deserves no more than a massive final 80 minutes in a Blues jumper. A NSW victory is the send-off he deserves.
14. Jack Bird
It was either Bird or Moylan being the utility player off the bench and Bird wins out because he fits in anywhere from No.1-13. He didn’t disappoint in Game 2 after his unexpected call into the halves after Reynolds injured himself.
15. Dave Klemmer
The only front rower I have chosen to come off the bench. If someone can fire this man up then he will have Queensland running sick just like last year. An absolute weapon who has a big future ahead of him.
16. Tyson Frizell
Getting the call-up after the Graham suspension in Game 2 was the best possible thing for the Dragons back rower. He played brilliantly for the Blues even scoring a try (which was almost two) but definitely still a player to come off the bench.
17. Bryce Cartwright
This would be the biggest decision on the team as Cartwright can also play a role as a utility player as much as a second rower off the bench. But once again the Blues have nothing to lose so why not let him have a run?
18. Matt Moylan
I want nothing more than to see this man play in the final game of the series, but Tedesco is a much-needed player. However, if Reynolds is unable to play I’d have no worries placing Moylan on the bench or into five-eighth, tossing up between him or Jack Bird.
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