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The selection of the 2011 NSW Origin team as caused plenty of debate, with the team Ricky Stuart has named recently being labeled the “worst NSW team ever”. While I personally feel the team selected has the potential to do the job, there are definitely some quality players missing.
The depth of talent south of the boarder can be seen when you consider some of the players that have been omitted from this year’s team for game one.
Below is potential NSW team which is made up of players who have missed the cut for game one. This team would no doubt be competitive if called upon.
1. Jarryd Hayne
When in form Hayne is arguably the most exciting player in the game. If Hayne was playing at a club other then Parramatta, whose structured style has been cramping his game, I have no doubt he would have been included in the squad for game one.
In 2009 Phil Gould, the most successful coach in Origin history, described Hayne as “the best player in any code of football in Australia”. Hayne has played 11 Origins, being named NSW Player of the Series in 2009.
2. Will Hopoate
Hopoate has the speed, size and footwork to trouble any opposition defence. Despite being just 18 years old, Hopoate showed class in his debut for City in his representative debut. I have no doubt when he returns from his Mormon mission he will be in the mix.
3. Josh Morris
If Morris was not struck down by injury in the early rounds of the season, he would have been in the mix for the left centre position.
Morris played two games for NSW in 2009. He is a proven try scorer having crossed the 51 times from 91 games for the Dragons and Dogs. It won’t be long before we see Morris back in the Sky Blue jersey.
4. Jamal Idris
Having made his debut for Australia in this year’s Anzac Test, Idris is obviously a player who will play many games for the Blues. While there are still some questions around his defence, he is devastating with the ball. Idris has outshone Greg Inglis in each of their match ups this year, and im sure QLD wont be disappointed by his omission .
5. Blake Ferguson
Ferguson is the prototype modern winger. His move to Canberra has not been as smooth as expected but his potential is clear. He has already scored eight tries and made 48 tackle breaks this year. His skill was demonstrated in the match winner against Melbourne last week. His time will come very soon.
6. Todd Carney
At the beginning of the season Carney was a certainty to be the NSW number 6. His troubles have been well publicised. He also battled a groin injury. Having recently returning from these problems it will not take Carney long to the return to the form which saw him claim the 2010 Dally M Medal.
7. Jarrod Mullen
Mullen’s early season form placed huge pressure on selectors. Mullen has one of the best skill sets in the game, and will be first choice should Pearce or Soward go down in game one. His game has matured tremendously over the last few seasons, and he now looks at ease when running the Knights around the park.
8. Aiden Tolman
The 22 year old prop is definitely a future representative player, who had to be close to selection for game one. Tolman is made for Origin. He is currently ranked third in hit-ups, and sixth in most running metres. He is a no nonsense forward who has the ability to play long minutes. Former Origin Great Mark Geyer was shocked by his omission.
9. Robbie Farrah
Robbie has the X-factor that all teams need to win big games. While he didn’t set the world on fire in his previous Origins performances, he has matured and has the ability to match it at this level. A different style of player to Michael Ennis, he may come into calculation if NSW struggle for points in game one.
10. Michael Weyman
Weyman played all three games for NSW last series. The go-forward he provides has been vital to the success of the Dragons over the last two years. If he hadn’t battled injury early in the year I’m sure he would have been included in Stuart’s team.
11. Anthony Watmough
There are rumours that Watmough will not be considered for Origin in the future because of his attitude. Despite this Watmough has shown in previous games that he has the ability to rattle QLD. He is aggressive and never takes a backward step. If called upon he wouldn’t let anyone down.
12. Luke Lewis
Lewis has proven himself at Origin level during his previous 5 games. He has the ability to move out-wide should injury occur, while also having the ability to dominate around the ruck. Lewis has been unlucky not to play more games after first representing his state in 2004.
13. Chris Heighington
Heighnington must consider himself unlucky to have never been selected by the Blues. A casualty of NSW’s depth of back rowers, he is a player who has declared his passion for the Blues and would thrive if given the opportunity. He is tough, aggressive and has great stamina. It will be a shame if he never gets to experience Origin.
14. Ryan Hincliffe
Hinchcliffe was named Man of the Match in the City/Country game earlier this month, despite being called in at the last minute. He could fill the utility role perfectly. Craig Bellamy can’t believe it’s taken this long for Hincliffe to be talked about in terms of rep selection. He has the ability to play hooker, in the halves and the back row.
15. Luke Douglas
Douglas has been on the fringe of NSW selection for a number of years now. He is one of the most durable players in the game, demonstrated by his record of being the first player to play 100 consecutive games after debuting. Douglas has size, but also the speed to allow him to shift to an edge if required.
16. Chris Houston
Houston, 18th Man for NSW in 2009, has made an incredible return to the NRL in 2011. Houston has the ability to play in the front and back row, and can comfortably handles 80 minutes. His early season form and solid match for Country had to have made Stuart consider to rangy back rower for a position on the bench.
17. George Rose
Gorgeous George Rose would be the “Bolter” of my team. Rose is a much improved performer in 2011 and a major reason for the good early season form at Manly. Coming on late in the first half, Rose’s damaging runs and ability to off-load could cause the tiring Maroons defence headaches. He is aggressive and loves the rough stuff. Would be well suited to a 25-30 min stint.
The above team would have to be the envy of those norths of the boarder. The team is filled with aggressive forwards, young exciting backs and extremely talented halves. I am not sure a second string QLD team could match this team?
Every player in this team was available for selection for game one. This means injured superstars such as Kurt Gidley and Michael Gordon have not been considered. It demonstrates the tremendous depth that NSW has. This team would definitely compete with the first choice QLD origin team.
The strength of this back-up squad is probably also a reason for NSW’s failures over the last few years. With such talented depth, it makes it hard to stick by players who don’t perform. If players don’t perform in game one several of the above players will come into consideration.
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