- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Once again Queensland were too good in the first State of Origin rugby league match. And once again, New South Wales were punished for playing players out of position, rather than biting the bullet and choosing the best team, even if it meant leaving out some notable names.
If Matt Gidley has any place in this year’s Blues team (and I’m not convinced he does), it is not at fullback.
A big call perhaps, given Gidley is captain, but he was ineffective at best and handed the game to the Maroons when he was stripped running the ball back late in the game.
Fullback is Jarryd Hayne’s position.
You know, the best player in the game in 2009? As a fullback.
Similarly, Hayne is lost as a winger. Jamie Lyon is a stop-gap five-eight, and a world-class centre. So why was he wearing Number 6 in Game 1?
It’s time to end the Brett Kimmorley affair.
I know quality NSW half-backs are as rare as head-on Billy Slater tackles at the moment, but Noddy looked two steps slower than the game. Hopefully, in three weeks time, Mitchell Pearce will have played his way back from injury because he is sorely needed, as Kimmorley Vs Thurston was a no-contest.
It’s also time to consider Penrith’s two Michaels – Jennings and Gordon – for Game 2.
They are in form, their team is in form, and they can match the attacking brilliance of the Queensland backline. And in Game 1, that was the difference.
Act now, before we hear talk of “six-peats.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.