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.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
I really only have major issues with Barrett and Scott, those two selections perplex me. The rest certainly make a good claim, I'm not overly educated on Jason King, perhaps he'll step up to the mark like Shillington.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Having Brett and Josh together would be great for the future. I think Josh's form slump is only a result of the Bulldogs poor form. Let's not forget, they played terrific alongside each other in England last year. Had Gasnier not decided to return to the Dragons I think Josh would have returned, that would have been great to see.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Dugan gets injured too much
M1tch
Roar Guru
ooo I was half right ;)
mushi
Roar Guru
I think Gidley is much maligned as a player and there should be room for him as the utility type but fact is watching Gidley on the weekend you still didn’t watch a centre. If Gidley is playing as a centre then how are Jennings and Morris running on his outside as centres in league play on the opposite side of the field to each other. This would require Jennings to be covering 30 to 40 metres in around a second in order to be put through the line. This would have Bolt ringing the NRL asking for him to be not just drug tested but species tested. The role you are describing is a play making fullback not a centre. A role that Gidley has shown he is better at in a club than rep jersey. In the defensive line I feel that Inglis would need to be jailed following the game for the disgusting things he would do to poor Gidley. I’d extend my sympathies to his family having to watch him brutalised on national television, hell Nine may even have to delay the telecast to meet broadcasting standards.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
but i liked your selection...................
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
Jarryd Hayne, picks himself but out of form and out of sorts!! Brett Morris, uncoachable speed, but where is his brother Michael Jennings, Speed and should have been in the first two teams Beau Scott, 27 yo, is he really building for the future Michael Gordon, Young prospect, worth blooding Trent Barrett (captain), in his final year of NRL, he is not worth investing in in a dead rubber Mitchell Pearce, investment for the future Jason King, Yep, will give some go forward but would also like to see his team mate Kite Michael Ennis, not as good as Farah!!!! Kade Snowden, investment for the future Luke Lewis, why is he in the 2nd row???? hes a ball player Paul Gallen, mongrel but a nutter too. Greg Bird. another ball player in the second row In summary, a team of players out of position, little track record of mongrel and a few old blokes like Barrett. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Anthony Watmough, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Tim Mannah It would seem that the only conclusion is that NSW just doesnt have the players!!!!!! Farah should be on the bench, no gidley!!!!
Rikki-Lee Arnold
Roar Rookie
Coote would be my pick over Dugan. Watching him in the game against the Broncos he was so safe and just everywhere. Lockyer himself could not believe how much one little person could take and how he never got out of the Broncos' faces.
Rikki-Lee Arnold
Roar Rookie
I don't think Josh is in form either, but if he had to be in there he wouldn't be on the wing. He would be next to his brother. And Scott is a decision that will forever confuse me. They said he played really well in Origin Two. To be honest I didn't think so. I only noticed him when him and Inglis threw a few punches.
Ronnie the Eels
Guest
Sorry funkygabe, but have to disagree strongly with you there. There is a massive gap between club football and origin for one. Gidley has not performed at origin level and hands tries (a-la two tries from having the ball stolen by Thurston) to QLD and has little or no impact at other times. Playing players out of position has also cost us. Unfortunately, I have to say that Gidley should not even be on the bench for us as there are many better and in-form players who missed the boat to have him there.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Pick it on form, I don't think Josh is playing better than Jennings or Lawrence. I would certainly have him in there over Scott however.
Rikki-Lee Arnold
Roar Rookie
J Morris needs to be the centre pairing to his brother. Unbelievable combination as displayed in last year's Four Nations.
Springs
Roar Guru
Abuse people? You are the only one abusing people at the moment. You have no idea who I am. Random stuff? Saying I know nothing about a sport that is the major thing in my life offends me quite a bit, especially when it is from a random anonymous internet user who thinks Manly and Parramatta should merge. And considering I have played for twelve years, followed Rugby League since I was 7, am still playing now at senior level with guys twice my size, I think I am into League as much as I think I am.
funkygabe
Roar Rookie
If you saw Kurt Gidley play for the Knights on the weekend you would have seen: 1. An excellent display of attacking football created by Kurt Gidley 2 passes off the ruck (about the centres) 2. Solid defence from Gidley 3. An excellent goal kicking display hitting the target from all over the field. At this stage I think they are the skills we need in the centres, especially when there is a Jennings and Morris running support at the speed of light on his outside - just like Folau and Inglis
Mr League
Guest
Im sorry that I have offended you, as it seems that I clearly got you wrong, you know heaps about league and frankly im suprised you not a NSW selector. As clearly they have no idea either. Take it easy mate as you seem to fire up at random stuff, maybe you should admit you are wrong or not as much into league as you thought, you would be a better person for it instead of trying to abuse people and get some cred by pretending you play league.
Springs
Roar Guru
No it's that you have no right to say 'I am a little green and learning the game'. I'm getting pretty angry now, how about you shut up. I guess you have represented NSW and Australia many times right? The greatest league personality ever, no-one knows more than you, yes? Took real guts to say Hindmarsh will be dropped and Barrett will be captain, when the team has already been announced! Great prediction! Price was 35 last year and they still picked him, because he was the best. They drop Hindmarsh because he is old, even though he is the best option. Lewis or Bird would be perfect off the bench in Gidley's spot, Bird would even be better than Barrett at five-eighth. That is the difference between QLD and NSW at the moment. Supposedly Hindmarsh is old, but the players QLD have selected to replace Petero and Price are 28! Two years younger than Hindmarsh! And look at what I said, of course I bloody follow League, you have no right to say those things. Shut up you fool.
Mr League
Guest
Nice try but Hindmarsh will be dropped, Barrett as captain Price hasnt been pick this series and Lockeyr and Petro are worth 4 NSW player. are you sure you follow league? Im not saying you cant comment it just that you are a little green and are learning the game.
Ronnie the Eels
Guest
I still can't believe people picking players out of their position! That's how the NSW selectors went wrong and cause us massive lapses in defence that let soft tries in for Inglis, et.al! Gidley should be nowhere near the NSW side, not even in the dressing shed. He proved he can do damage, even off the benchi n Origin II to our cause! Here is the backline - looking to the future, and agreeing with some of Paddy's choices: 1. Hayne or Coote 2. J. Morris 3. Jennings 4. Lawrence 5. B Morris 6. Soward 7. Pearce Bird has to come in, maybe on the bench and Gallen also has to stay. I am a bit unsure about 5/8th between Soward and Bird, but Soward should be there because of his goalkicking and pace. Whichever one out of Hayne/Coote picked the other should be on the bench. Either one can prove explosive when the maroons forwards are tiring in the second half. If you keep this backline together, they cannot help but gel and form a long-term close unit together. The forwards are a different story. Does Lazzo have a son on the way up through the ranks? haahaha..
Springs
Guest
Well there it is, Barrett's captain, for one game... 'Here's captaincy Trent, for playing 10 origins, not really doing much, somehow being selected 2 years straight after leading around the last-placed team, and then losing two series straight, then leaving next year...'
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Gilbank, that's a fair point. Coote or Dugan would be great to see, this final game should prove exciting just in anticipation of how players like Gidley and Hayne perform. The axe will most certainly begin to fall if they fail.