Queensland's Greg inglis is tackled by Mark Gasnier and Peter Wallis during the NRL State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales at Suncorp Stadium. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
NSW head into the 2010 State of Origin series staring down a fifth straight series defeat. The fact the selectors still remain is a problem in itself. The selectors continue to trot out lines that they like to be loyal to players. This thinking must stop.
Why should you reward the loyalty of players who have been defeated four series in a row. It is time to pick players on form, and not on reputation.
NSW selectors always seem to go the safe option. Maybe it’s the media scrutiny, and the pressure placed on them.
But taking risks and giving players the chance to shine at Origin level is what has made Queensland so successful. Think Ben Ikin, picked as a 17 yeard old; Adam Mogg, a hat full of tries in his debut; Carl Webb’s rampaging run on debut; Allan Langer, when many said he was over the hill. The list goes on…
So this is my 2010 NSW Origin side. A bolter, some biff, and hopefully some legendary Blues:
Fullback – Jarryd Hayne
Hayne picks himself. Dally M winner and superstar of the game. There is talk of playing him on the wing, but I think it blunts his attack. NSW need him involved as much as possible.
Wing – Brett Morris
How many tries does this man have to score to get an Origin jumper? There should be no argument here.
Centre – Michael Jennings
Absolute speed machine. Can score plenty of tries and beat anyone on the outside. Has his injury concerns at the moment, but as long as he can shake them, he has shown last season in Origin and for Australia that he will be around for a while.
Centre – Beau Champion
The bolter. Five tries already this year, one of the best runners in the game. Massively underrated in my eyes and in my eyes overtaken Matt Cooper as best defensive centre in the game. Picked especially to mark Greg Inglis. Those that discredit his worth, dig out his stats. They make good reading. Watch how often he is beaten on the outside…. never being the operative word.
Wing – Josh Morris
Versatile. Could easily play centre, but has experience on the wing and is not exposed as much defensively playing out wide. Has played Origin and for Australia and will not be fazed by the occasion. No other wingers really banging down the door and Morris has to be there.
Five Eight – Kurt Gidley (C)
Close between Gidley and Soward, but feel selectors will go this way. Proven experience at this level and Sowards’ form in big games is questionable. Captain last year and Bellamy has said he will reward loyalty and his great leadership. Gidley is not the first choice fullback, and for mine is wasted on the bench, so he slots in here. Can play the position well and given he returns to reasonable form from injury, I expect selectors to go with him here.
Halfback – Mitchell Pearce
Had one taste of Origin and will get another. Standout halfback leading all contenders by a mile. Kimmorley was good last year but his start to 2010 was horrendous. Pearce looks great now he is running the ball more and his increased bulk has made him devastating. Making great decisions when pressed and very good defensively. Close to being first name down.
Prop – Michael Weyman
Tremendous in Origin last year and having a solid start to the year again in 2010. A hard-nut with a bit of mongrel is exactly what NSW need.
Hooker – Robbie Farah
Ennis was superb in Origin III last year and is perfect for Origin football, but I think Ennis 2010 start has been poor. Ennis can often over-complicate things and try and do too much. Farah has shown the complete opposite this year. Farah allows Marshall to do his thing and Farah picks his moments brilliantly. Played two games last year, deserves another shot.
Prop – Keith Galloway
Forward who has been knocking on the door for a number of years, will finally get his chance this season. NSW do not have a great deal of depth in the front row and Galloway doesn’t exactly give you minutes, but he gives you mongrel and plenty of brut.
Second Row – Anthony Watmough
It was a crying shame that NSW selectors let a few misdemeanours in the past prevent them from picking Watmough for Origin again. Got his chance in game three last year and didn’t he leave egg on the selectors faces. Damaging with the ball and damaging in defence. Should of been playing years before.
Second Row – Paul Gallen
Much maligned for giving away penalties, but Gallen like Watmough is an enforcer. He will provide plenty of grunt and there is no one more passionate or determined than Gallen.
Lock – Greg Bird
NSW selectors have said they won’t pick a player out of position, but Bird has to be in this squad. He is a damaging ball runner on the edges and also a handy ball player. I feel his talents best suit him in the back row. Crunching in defence, a kicking option and extremely versatile. Bird is the word.
Bench:
Todd Carney
Leading the Dally M as we go to print. Can play fullback, five eight, half and hooker. Too good to leave out. Selectors have stated they won’t pick anyone out of position to the one they play for their clubs. So Carney’s best bet is a bench spot.
Justin Poore/ Brett White
A third prop is essential, and I can see selectors going with either of these. Both have done the job before. Poore gets the edge, although not in great form for Parramatta. Poore adds a bit more mongrel, whilst White is yet to return from injury.
Ben Creagh
Just misses out on a starting spot. Great whole runner, will keep Thurston and Lockyer honest in defence. Solid last year in Origin debut – no reason not to be here again.
Luke O’Donnell / Luke Lewis / Trent Waterhouse/ Nathan Hindmarsh
Whoever they pick for the final bench spot, they cant really go wrong. Lewis adds more versatility. O’Donnell and Waterhouse will go all day. Public support for Hindmarsh, but having a poor 2010 and simply does not do enough in attack for mine. O’Donnell or Lewis gets the nod.
Is this the side that wins the series back for NSW?
My answer is yes. A fast, physical and dynamic 17, with great versatility and the right mix of experience, exuberance and plenty of mongrel.
Players like Lyon, Barrett, Kite, Kimmorley, Hindmarsh have had their chances over the years and failed. It’s time for new blood and the rolling of the dice.
It has worked so well for Queensland…. it’s time the same approach is adopted by NSW.
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