Queensland prop Steve Price is tackled during Queensland v New South Wales State of Origin Game. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Is it just me or is everyone else over the salary cap, high profile code jumpers and the ramifications of expletive-laden player rants in the NRL.
I know these issues are important to the game but it’s getting colder, it’s the middle of the footy season and there’s some great action on the field that everybody seems to be ignoring – not to mention an Origin series to square up.
Mal Meninga’s current crop are THE best State of Origin side in its 30-year history, with or without AFL wunderkind Israel Folau. The old brigade of Thurston, Lockyer, Civoniceva and Thaiday have got the Blues selectors all at sea trying to figure out just how to beat them.
While sticking with the ageing warriors has worked for the cane toads it’s time the NSW brains trust bit the bullet and invested in some long term plans.
I thought we were heading down the right track last year when Canberra’s Terry Campese got the nod for Game One but the selectors pulled the pin as soon as we were under the pump.
And it looks like they’re about to hit the panic button again.
I say forget about the old stagers in Barrett and Kimmorley this time. As good as they’ve been it’s time to take a punt on the next dynasty. Blood ‘em this year, get ‘em ready for next.
What have we got to lose?
There’s really not that much difference between a ‘four-peat’ and a ‘five-peat’ in my book. It’s hard to swallow either way, so it’s time to give Mitchell Pearce, Todd Carney and Josh Morris a run. I’d keep big Jamal in the mix too with Cooper on his last legs.
I’m a fan of Kurt Gidley but I’d use him as an impact player off the bench and move Hayne to fullback, so we have to find a new skipper. Paul Gallen would make a great leader for mine. He’s got the aggression to match it with the Maroons forwards and he should be around for a few years yet to help groom the kids – he just has to make the line-up first.
The front row is where we have real problems but either of those two big boppers from the Sharks, Luke Douglas or Kade Snowden wouldn’t look out of place in the engine room with Michael Weyman.
On the NRL front, what about the Jekyll and Hyde Tigers turning it all around after that 50 point thrashing from the Rabbits? On their day they’re up there with the Raiders as one of the game’s great entertainers. It’s just a matter of Tim Sheens making sure the right side turns up each week.
It’s great to see the Panthers back with some real grunt this year. There another side that are a bit inconsistent, to say the least, but they’ve got the talent to make sure the Dragons, Sea Eagles and Titans won’t have it all their own way heading into the business end of the season.
Finally, I can’t believe how well Isaac Luke is going for the Rabbitohs. Week in week out he produces the goods for the Bunnies. He’s up there with the best in the game at the moment for mine. What a shame he’s from across the ditch
He’d look great in sky blue.
My NSW Origin side: Jarryd Hayne, Brett Morris, Jamal Idris, Matt Cooper, Josh Morris, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Paul Gallen (c), Ben Creagh, Anthony Watmough, Michael Weyman, Michael Ennis, Luke Douglas; Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Luke Lewis, Kade Snowden, Josh Perry
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