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NSW Origin selectors have an opportunity to pick a side, and more importantly, a backline that is capable of winning game 3. The Maroons backline has been their most potent weapon during the 2010 series, however I believe NSW has the talent to compete and upset the Maroons.
Provided they select players based on form and developing talent for future campaigns.
The most recent round of the NRL was testament to the talent pool that exists in NSW. Most of the players that starred are yet to score an Origin cap.
A dead rubber provides a great opportunity to blood a player, and prepare him for the next series.
It’s expected Mitchell Pearce will be selected at halfback. Pearce definitely ticks all the boxes as a future Origin star. It’s unfortunate that his first game was as a member of a side which was so unorganised and unbalanced that he was he was forced to pick up scraps and defend like a lock forward.
Given the platform and go forward, Pearce will be a shining light for the Blues in the future.
Five-eighth is probably the most contentious spot. Selectors will probably err on the side of caution and stick with the ageing Trent Barrett.
However, Jamie Soward certainly staked his claim in the Dragons victory over the Tigers at the weekend. The only question mark surrounding Soward is his defence.
John Sutton has been the quiet achiever, and must be considered. However, won’t have his rampaging Bunnies forward pack in front of him to lay the foundations.
For me, Todd Carney is the man. He’s beginning to develop a combination with Pearce, and has the ability to make an impact at the next level. His aggression and vision is a much-needed asset for a team that has lacked direction, and the ability to penetrate throughout the series.
This is the perfect opportunity for Michael Jennings and Chris Lawrence. They tick all the boxes with regard to youth and form.
Despite the fact that Jamie Lyon is unavailable, his form is surrounded with question marks. Jamal Idris is a better choice for the future. His non-selection after being used sporadically in game 1 was testament to the ineffectiveness of NSW selectors.
It would be a shame not to see a player as damaging as Idris receive another opportunity, perhaps a spot on the bench would see him provide some impact. As far as I’m concerned, Idris should be considered before Lyon, regardless.
Brett Morris on one wing with Jarryd Hayne on the other. Personally, I’m not one to select players out of position, however, it must be considered that Hayne began his career as a winger and is more than capable in that position.
Wing is the one position I think NSW lack some depth in, which is why I also believe Hayne is needed there rather than placed there just so he’s in the side.
Despite his patchy form in 2010, he’ll score points when given opportunities from players inside him. Pearce and Carney have the ability to provide these opportunities.
If Kurt Gidley is the captain of NSW, then he must be selected at fullback. Despite his impact off the bench in game 2, it makes no logical sense to have your captain miss the first 20 minutes of a match.
His past two outings with the Knights have shown his form is on the money, and his goal kicking is close to the best in the game.
So, in my opinion, the NSW backline should be as follows:
7. Mitchell Pearce
6. Todd Carney
5. Brett Morris
4. Chris Lawrence
3. Michael Jennings
2. Jarryd Hayne
1. Kurt Gidley (c).
NSW selectors picked one of the most unusual sides in Origin history for game 2. Game 3 gives them one last opportunity to salvage some pride, whilst also develop Origin stars of the future.
Origin is far from dead, however, the dead wood floating around NSW teams needs to wash up before they have any chance of beating the toads.
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