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
Melanie Dinjaski
Roar Guru
Good call on Kimmorley. Let's not forget State of Origin in 2005 and 'that pass' intercepted by Bowen, losing them the game. He's a good player, but past his prime and NSW need more if they're ever going to beat this formidable QLD side.
TammyS
Guest
I do. Slater plays in a better team. Seriously any fullback would look good playing in that melbourne storm team. Hayne doesnt have the same luxury. What Hayne did was pretty stupid and he should be suspended but Slater's a grub
Redb
Guest
If Inglis is talking to Essendon will fat Arty call for his sacking? Where is the loyalty?
Purpleheart
Guest
Does anyone seriously think Jarryd Hayne is in the same class as Billy Slater ?
Karlos
Guest
Well if you want passion, how about last nights game. That Test Jumper means a lot as does SOO and whilst our game has been copping it since super league time, it continues to grow and has outstanding TV ratings and WILL be fine as sooon as the next media deals are done. I dont think RL will be accepting less money than the AFL get from FOX when RL is so much more popular there. Kim Williams from FOX will find it hard to run his "The AFL has so much more potential and so we pay it more" line he was running 12 months ago and Free to Air is sensational. Back to the game and the passion. Fans look set to be denied one of the NRL's most bitter rivalries on rugby league's biggest stage with duelling full-backs Jarryd Hayne and Billy Slater facing bans for Wednesday week's second State of Origin clash. A simmering feud which had been bubbling along all night finally exploded just after the hour mark at Parramatta Stadium on Friday night when Hayne appeared to headbutt Slater in Parramatta's 24-10 win over Melbourne. Hayne was put on report, and while the force would have struggled to bruise a grape there is little doubt he will have a case to answer at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night. Slater will most probably find himself alongside Hayne at NRL headquarters after his retaliatory elbow to the head of Hayne sparked a brawl minutes later. While team-mates in the Australian side, Hayne is forced to play second fiddle for the full-back jersey they both covet, despite the Eels ace appearing to usurp Slater's standing as the most dynamic player in the game when he scooped the player of the year awards during a stellar 2009 campaign. The pair were set for their first Origin showdown as rival number ones in Brisbane on June 16, with Hayne seemingly assured of being moved off the wing for a NSW side desperate to avoid a fifth straight series win.
Bam Bam
Roar Guru
Great article Mick, NSW do need to sort stuff out, at least for the benefit of RL in general, also I sent the footage of the Tigers over to the American RL guy and he showed to the Rugby Channel and supposedly its become a big hit on their website. The Tigers were unstoppable, I felt sorry for the Warriors, not even the Storm couldn't have stopped that team.