New South Wales State of Origin team 2011 announced AAP Image/Dean Lewins
NSW selectors seemed to have learnt some lessons from the past, and, for the most part, have picked in-form players, in position. It sounds like an obvious selection strategy, but it’s certainly not something they have adhered to in recent times.
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The inclusion of Dugan, Jennings and Soward, amongst others, indicates that NSW recognise that they need to score more points if they are to defeat Queensland. In the past, there have been some negative selections based on defence, but the reality is that the Maroons backline is so potent that no matter how strong a defensive side you select, they’ll still score their share of tries. So instead, why not be positive, and simply try to outscore them?
It’s a bold strategy, but after losing 5 series in a row, something had to change.
But whether that is enough to beat a rampant Queensland, motivated to send Darren Lockyer out a winner, remains to be seen…
Fullback: Josh Dugan
Whilst the ascension of Dugan to NSW fullback has been mooted for some time, I was still a little surprised to hear confirmation he had replaced Jarryd Hayne. Dugan is a special talent, and the selectors and Ricky Stuart obviously believe that Dugan can replicate his club moments of magic, at Origin level. Considering NSW’s struggle to beat Queensland in recent times, I have to applaud the gamble, even if I was a tad shocked.
Left Winger: Brett Morris
Blistering pace, in-form, good size and a great finisher. What else do you want from your Origin winger?
Right Centre: Mark Gasnier
Now that he has his ‘rugby league body’ back, ‘Gaz’ has returned to his customary standing amongst the game’s elite centres. He adds an attacking weapon the Blues have sorely lacked. His footwork is outstanding, his defence brilliant, and everyone is looking forward to his battle with Greg Inglis.
Left Centre: Michael Jennings
I have to admit to being surprised that Jennings got the nod. His chief talent is scoring tries, but he hasn’t been doing a lot of that this season. Whilst Idris is a natural right centre, he played on the left for Australia, and it wouldn’t have been a shock to see him picked on the left hand side for NSW. But Jennings is a dangerous attacking player, and a specialist left centre, and Ricky made it clear he didn’t want to pick players out of position.
Right Winger: Akuila Uate
Booked his spot with a powerhouse display in City/Country. Big, fast and strong, he takes a lot of stopping with his damaging runs. Looks suited to Origin football, and the rookie will enjoy playing outside Gasnier.
Five Eighth: Jamie Soward
The most talked about position, and most contentious selection. But as I have said before, he has earned the right to personally answer the question of whether or not he is up to Origin level.
His defence and attacking skills have been called into question in the past, but both have been excellent of late, especially his new-found willingness to attack the defensive line. Hopefully, the negative field goal tactics from Friday night were just an aberration.
Halfback: Mitchell Pearce
Not in great form at club level, but was superb in City/Country. Perhaps he just needs to get away from the crazy house that The Chookpen has become. Along with Soward, needs a big game, because Jarrod Mullen is breathing down his neck.
Lock: Paul Gallen (c)
Almost the lone automatic selection in the team. Tough, uncompromising and often tip-toes the line between aggression and foul play. But Gallen is made for Origin football. Hopefully the responsibility of captain will help him control his emotions, because he’ll need to lead by example.
Second Row: Greg Bird
Like Gallen, Bird was born to play Origin football, and is one of Ricky Stuart’s favourite players. Hard, strong and always itching for a contest, Bird and Gallen will take it upon themselves to show Queensland that NSW has plenty of passion as well.
Second Row: Beau Scott
I think Scott was lucky to be picked. He lacks Origin-type impact in both attack and defence. A solid player, no question, but I believe he’s the product of playing in a good team, rather than being a great player himself. He looked out of his depth last year, but to be fair, that was in the centres, not the second row. Still, you can be sure Queensland would prefer to face Scott rather than, for example, Anthony Watmough.
Front Row: Kade Snowden
Will be asked to provide the NSW pack with plenty of go-forward. Don’t underestimate his importance for the Blues, because he can make everyone’s job easier by laying a foundation for the rest of the team and setting the tone for the forward battle.
Hooker: Michael Ennis
It was always going to be a tight choice between Farrah and Ennis, but ‘The Menace’ got the nod, and one can only assume that his niggle was as much of a defining selection factor as his dummy-half play. In any case, he’s supremely talented at both.
Front Row: Jason King
Bit of a surprise, considering he has some fitness questions marks, but does provide plenty of the grunt needed for a State of Origin encounter. NSW will be counting on him to take the ball up and absorb the expected early onslaught from a fired up Queensland.
Interchange:
Ben Creagh
Surprisingly named on the bench, rather than starting. Nonetheless, his damaging runs out wide, and ability to run off Soward, will be a cornerstone of the Blues attack. Has been in great form for the Dragons, but needs to carry that into Origin, where even his biggest fans would have to admit that he has yet to make a name for himself. Well, apart from infamously running away from a fight.
Trent Merrin
I actually thought he might be in the starting line-up, instead of King. But perhaps it’s wise to bring him in off the bench. The fire and brimstone early clashes of Origin are no place for a rookie, but when the game settles down, look for the Dragons prop to enter with immediate impact.
Tim Mannah
Mannah has been one of the few shining lights in the Parramatta pack, and therefore gets another chance at Origin level. Might see game time earlier than expected, considering Jason King can’t possibly be 100%.
Dean Young:
A solid player in good form, who certainly has the toughness required for Origin football. Can play hooker or anywhere in the back row, but it’s debatable whether NSW had the luxury to pick Young on the bench, when a more skilful backline player may have been a better idea.
Those missing out:
Jarryd Hayne
Hayne has probably been the Blues best player over the last two or three series and his absence will raise a few eyebrows. Particularly north of the border, where he may not be liked, but is extremely well respected.
It’s hard to believe that a team that has lost five series in a row can afford not to pick a player of his talents, but Ricky Stuart hinted that he doesn’t view Hayne as a fullback, yet wouldn’t pick players out of their club position – thus dooming Hayne.
Robbie Farrah
With Soward getting the nod at number 6, I thought NSW may need the extra creativity that Farrah provides with the ball in-hand. The selectors thought otherwise, but he must have been very close to getting picked.
Kurt Gidley
Perhaps the thought of a less than 100% Gidley was too much of a gamble. Whatever the reason, his ability to run at tired Queensland legs, or interchange for any injury to the backline, would have been useful off the bench.
Jamal Idris
Despite his weaknesses, Queensland would have preferred not to have to deal with him. That alone suggests to me that he would have been a worthy selection gamble.
Tom Leahroyd-Lahrs
NSW’s best forward last year, and returned to form in the City/Country game. But a slow start to the season has cost him a spot.
Jarrod Mullen
Absolutely no truth to the rumours that he hired a hitman to take out Soward and Pearce…
Read all the info for State of Origin 2011
More reactions: NSW Blues – Playmakers Overlooked
Glen Holmes
Guest
Love your work i live in Queensland But allways Born and Bred N.S.W Kick there arse Again next game Please
Ryan Conners
Guest
Agreed It is fregen fustrating aye
Kanga
Guest
State of Origin is not a selection ground for Australian selections. The Australian selection process is a joke. The state of origin is now more important to the NRL.Therefore Idris is good for Australia but Origin is to hard for him. Remember the Australia team was selected very early in the season, and they played the 1st game against New Zealand the same night that Country played City for Blues selection. NRL are ridiculous for promoting State of Origin above Australian selections.
Hans
Guest
The useless boys that are given the blue jumpers.... DONT YOU EVER LEARN To pick the right side to beat the opposition.... WE are sick of the beating every bloody year by so called players who cant commit themselves well enough to beat QLD... Another bloody year we will have to put up with another loss.... GET RID of the SELECTORS FIND some backbone to at least compete
Sam
Guest
GO THE BLUES!!!! :P
PaddyBoy
Guest
Good I say, the coach gets what the coach wants. If the coach thinks he could do it with a pub side, it's on his head. Gallen has a connection with Ricky, and has a connection with the other players. First name on the team sheet. I was disappointed that Idris didn't play off the bench, but an impact player obviously isn't on the want list with this side, just grinders to a man. Building a NSW team, Gallen should be first on the team sheet, he has matured as a player, and is the only bloke from NSW who genuinely can be assured of his spot in the Roos, Idris was there as one for the future. Best lock in the game, Dallas Johnson a close second.
jock56er
Guest
Think there might be a Ricky connection PaddyBoy. Idris selected for Kangaroos but can't make the state side. Follow my train of thought?
PaddyBoy
Guest
Paul Gallen, that would be the Australian lock I presume?
jock56er
Guest
Bench player at best i think. Cannot imagine how he has made it to the Captaincy Role. Didn't NSW have a captain on the bench though??? Srtange days indeed.
jock56er
Guest
No Farrah!!!!! What the hell do they put in the water down there?
A sax
Guest
How is everyone still overlooking the worst ever selection and it's been happening for years. Get Paul gallen out of that team. He has tits for hands and gives away penalties at every crucial point of every game. He's no thug, just a mug!
mathew geglua
Guest
Hi, Iam from PNG and have been a distant admirer to the maroons. I have no dobt that marrons will win in tomorrow's game. Daren Lockyer will definately lead the boys well with determination and Bill slater will add on the cream to the cake . Only my opinion but if you have any comments I will certianly accept. Reply is needed.
phil
Guest
I definitely think nsw has some good players, particularly in the forwards, but far out there are some overrated players who have had more than a fair go. Brett Morris in particular did nothing last year in state of origin but get dominated by Izzy and bomb a try in game 3. Even in good form all he does is finish off the good work of other players, but when the going gets tough he's nowhere to be found. At the moment he's in bad form having scored only two tries but keeps getting selected. Michael Jennings is good at nrl level but clearly not as much at state of origin. Kurt 'butterfingers' Gidley drives me nuts because all he's done so far is contribute nothing and captain two easily defeated teams. Players like these keep getting selected and for some weird reason nsw cant work out why they keep getting defeated. There are plenty of great players out there who deserve a go. The exception of Jarryd Hayne just baffles me. He's nearly won the game for nsw, even out of preferred position on the wing. Hopefully they'll finally learn.
fab
Guest
I no that Kirt G isnt been at his best, but the man has allot of experience, he shud b on. N hayne lik honestlyy, why dont we just after five orgin losses take our best player off.. I think there r quite a few masiv mistakes here, we hav allot of line breakers, but what does that help if they have Slater.. We r setting ourselves up for deathh..
kazza
Guest
They should of kept IDRIS and also put in KEITH GALLOWAY and LEAROYD LAHRS
Brent
Guest
This is a step foward for NSW...yes Idris and Hayne deserved runs(Idris in the Australian team but cant make his state...hmm dont know how that works) but they are on to some good positive changes and trying to put some mutt back into the NSW pack..Uate and Gasnier need to be watched and could create some problems on their side of the field..Gasnier is still a very creative player and setting up Uate could be something to watch....Soward runs a professional unit that wins..you need that in games like this...adding Jennings & Dugan means there is some finishers along with the reliable Morris and the vibe with Stuart bringing Johns back in is to make it speacial to be a part of an origin team....its also why Gallen is captain..they have realised they have to fight back to even have a chance...if they lose and the selectors chop and change AGAIN...then a series win is a long way off...if they let this team grow and get battle scars together then we are looking at some good origin ahead...Dugan is a gamble and I think its to build him into an Origin/future rep player..much like any young player that gets an origin call up....I think this goes 2 ways...he becomes a REALLY good player by realising what top level footy is really about...getting hit hard and getting back up...or he pans out and never really becomes a superstar...no bigger tester than Origin...I think this team looks dangerous...and if they play with passion and a hate for QLD then this will be a great series.....and I go for QLD!...being a kiwi I can look at it from both sides...the best outcome..a good series...
dave sarginson
Guest
WELL THE BLUES SUPPORTERS ARE EVEN ACCEPTING DEFEAT ALREADY AND THERE IS ALMOST A WEEK TO GO. GET BEHIND YOUR TEAM LIKE US MAROON SUPPORTERS DO AND STOP YOUR BITCHING. WHATEVER NSW PICK THEY WILL HAVE A GOOD BATTLE ON THEIR HANDS. THE ONLY THING I AM PUZZLED ABOUT IS HOW COREY PARKER MADE THE 17 AND DALLAS JOHNSON (50 TACKLES A GAME BOY) WAS LEFT OUT BUT I AM SURE BIG DES (KING TIGER) KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING
tim
Guest
Look , NSW lost last year becasue they did not have the creativity of Qld, Qld have Thruston and Lockyer and a pretty cunning hooker. That was the real difference and even more so was Thurston and his skills of creativity. In other words second phase play is so much harder when you can't create opportunity. Now Beau SCOTT is the most consistent player int he NRL, every week he hammers people in defence and he is so hard to damn well tackle and knock straite down. NSW need creativeness so that Soward, Gasnier and Jennings tcan ply their trade and give some tteis to Morris and uate
2GT
Guest
We can't keep referring back on past series because the blues lost.....Ricky made the right choice, time to change....it's a team effort. You do not use "respect" when you're doing selection according to the strategies for the game plan.....Go blues!!!
grizzlybears
Guest
I try to take an objective means to select the best teams and I think most of the fantasy team sites would have picked only eight of this team. Foxsports would have Tolman, Bailey (not available) Snowden and Douglas as the props, Farrah followed by Luke and Hinchcliff, with Ennis more than 10 points per game below Farrah!!!!! Backrowers are Gallen, Heighington, Watmough and Creagh. Halfback Pearce then Henry (injured) and McCrone, inside backs Gaznier, Soward, Cooper (not available), Champion and lastly Bird (note no Idris or Mullen), outside backs Michael Gordon (now injured, what a blow), Hopoate, Hayne, Gidley (injured), Gardner and Uate. I know these are only stats, but it is objective and you can see how many have been chosen subjectivly (or reputations in the past teams) as most League teams have been by coaches who all have their own bias of friends and relatives, much to the detriment of their teams winning chances. Queensland have done the same thing as well so it sort of evens out, but if you want ot win you need people that perform every minute of the game and not just in the highlights. I agree with leaving Hayne out for this very reason. Those that miss out using this method are King, Ennis, Mannah, Merrin, Young, Scott, Jennings, Morris and Dugan. That's over half the team! It seems like Queensland wrote this team for us not Ricky. At least they got Gallen as captain at last, he had been the top scoring player over the last few years, but never acknowledged for his work rate.