Never has a State of Origin series meant so much to New South Welshmen. With Queensland on the verge of an unbelievable seventh straight success, the Blues need to make the right calls or risk being embarrassed again.
There has been talk recently that legendary Blues rake Danny Buderus should be brought back into the squad to combat the Queensland assault. His record speaks for itself and the man bleeds blue. But so does Michael Ennis. Why not pick them both?
With Kurt Gidley injured on the weekend, a possible bench spot has opened up for coach Ricky Stuart. With Queensland sure to go with captain Cameron Smith at hooker, the Blues need to not only match Smith, they need to outplay Smith.
Could Buderus play eighty minutes and outplay Smith? Maybe. Could Ennis play eighty minutes and outplay Smith? Perhaps.
But playing them both means Smith and the other Maroons forwards will have their hands full the entire game. Ennis for the first thirty minutes, Buderus in for the next thirty. Play them both for the final twenty?
Why not? We can’t be left wondering anymore.
Buderus has made it clear he wants his Blues jersey back.
“I am a proud New South Welshman, and I would love to play,” Buderus said. “I think a few boxes would have to be ticked for me to get a run there.
“I am not going to count myself out, but a couple of hookers would probably have to fall over before I get a start. I will just be as consistent as I can and if the opportunity arises, I’d jump at it.”
Ennis probably has the early running for the spot being the incumbent. But Buderus is a leader few men would dare question. He is a warrior that lets his actions do the talking. And when Origin time comes, he hates the Queenslanders.
Stuart loves Buderus. “Isn’t it great to see the culture of Origin is changing with our senior players with this type of attitude,” Stuart said.
“Over the years players have been pressured not to continue playing Origin football and have opted to take the easy option by not putting their hand up.
“When Danny Buderus was playing Origin, he was Origin. I love the attitude that he’s shown in declaring he’s willing to pull on the Blue jumper.”
Ennis is a commodity Stuart needs too. He has that x-factor in Origin that the Blues need.
Both men are venomous and both want to win the Origin series back for their state. Pick them both and let them do what they do best.
Scotty
Guest
Wait you mean the guy that was drinking until 3 in the morning before an origin game? Very unprofessional.
Shaamus
Guest
I would suggest that Ennis gets the nod over Farah and Buderus to begin with but in saying that I myself am not confident in saying this. While everyone has a valid point on each player I still think for the best option for NSW is to stick with Ennis. Everyone needs to keep in mind that Ennis didn't play any trials and was coming back from injury so his inform will only get better. Buderus has just come back from England and while he has been good, he hasn't been the player we use to love to watch. Age has caught up with him. The game here is a lot quicker then in the SL. Farah on the other hand does not look the player he was two years challenging for the spot. There is something about him that just doesn't seem right. Watching him in the Dragons v Tigers game he looked off his game and I myself have never seen him like that in years. I think NSW is in a pickle, cause all three are good players but playing way below there best right now and if you look at Qld they have in the pecking order Smith, Ballin, McCullough and Friend. These players are performing good and there stats are showing it. Can't say the same for NSW
Charles
Guest
Gareth, Kurt Giddley has done very well for NSW as Hooker and we could leave him in for the full game Danny Buderus would be the best but if he is too old maybe half a game and then bring in Kurt Otherwise perhaps Dean Young and Kurt Giddley You are right we are very light in that department Perhaps Ryan Hinchcliffe could be a thought I do not know much about him but he did impress me once in a country game
Charles
Guest
Gareth, Kurt Giddley has done very well for NSW as Hooker and we could leave him in for the full game Danny Buderus would be the best but if he is too old maybe half a game and then bring in Kurt Otherwise perhaps Dean Young and Kurt Giddley You are right we are very light in that department Perhaps Ryan Hinchcliffe could be a thought I do not know much about him but he did impress me once in a country game
Gareth
Guest
Personally, I don't think any of the "obvious" contenders should be anywhere near the team. Ennis is an over-rated grub, Farah is a prima donna, and Buderus is too old. But where does that leave us? I honestly can't think of a single NSW hooker who is up to the grade of Smith, Payne, Ballin or even blokes like Kingston or Nathan Friend if he can get back to his best.
Charles
Guest
It is good to see that people are now comming to the realization that Michael Ennis is not up to NSW Origin standard. Next they may also realize neither is Mitchell Pearce! Danny Buderus if fit should certainly be given a go and if Giddley is fit too they should share that position. I believe we should stick with Jamie Soward at 5/8 as he has all the skills, especially the kicking game. It is very difficult for the halves to shine when our forwards go backwards! Perhaps Ben Hornby is the safest as the 1/2 back, as he pairs with Jamie in club football, so at least they know each other If Ricky can get the right forwards and have the two halves run to the line more, we will be in for a good show. It will interesting to see where he will put Jarrod Haynes and who will be the centres with Josh Morris, Michael Jennings and perhaps Jarrod Hayne, if he does not want him as full back. Brett Stewart will be knocking on the door for the full back position!
peeeko
Roar Guru
the blues biggest disadvantage against the maroons lately has been i nthe quality of the halves, a more creative hooker (farah) may assist in this regard
Dan Wighton
Roar Guru
Farah! The Blues need creativity, and he is the most creative hooker they have.
James
Guest
Didn't ennis kick it out on the full twice this past weekend and Is now sharing the hooking role for the doggies? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
peeeko
Roar Guru
i think if you play 2 hookers the second guy needs to be a speedy player who can exploit tiring big men eg Craig Wing a few years back
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Interesting piece. I'm a Bulldogs fan, but even I question Ennis' worth to the Blues at times. Farrah can win yo match, he's that brilliant in attack. But he can lose you one as well, in defense. And let's face, he hasn't been setting the world on fire in the first two rounds. As such, I'd seriously be looking at Buderus to play the full 80.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Curtis, Gidley is clearly the best 80 min origin hooker NSW have, but he is unlikely to be ready. Farah is clearly the most talented but he cannot tackle a weetBix. Farah can win NSW the game, Ennis cost them last year. I would risk Farah and close my eyes when Thaiday runs at him.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
What do we do than?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Curtis, Mal would be very happy with your article. Are u are Queenslander? I need to see more of Danny but he looks down a notch on the great player he was, and Ennis is simply not in Smiths class.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Didn't he play 80 on the weekend? he looked good doing it too
Big_Marn2000
Roar Pro
It is definitely a two horse race between Buderus and Ennis, but it is too early to say who is in the lead. If Sticky Stuart were to pick Farah it would require a huge shift in mentality from Stuart in terms of the game plan and tactics. Farah plays his best footy when a team is built around him. If you have too many guys like Hayne, Soward, Pearce and possibly Dugan (all of whom are the focal points of their respective club teams' attack) then Farah just gets in the way. I think Ennis should be given the benefit of the doubt on this one. He's arguably a proven performer at Origin level and he is the incumbent hooker. And yes, obviously Buderus is a proven performer at Origin level too, but 4 years have passed since he last played Origin and in that time he has been playing half a game in the SuperLeague every week (a far cry from the 80 minutes he used to play week in week out in the NRL). He may not be up to Origin football physically anymore. Give him a shot at City vs Country though and we'll find out.
Curtis Woodward
Expert
Pick Ennis because he is a thug and he will start a brawl. Buderus will die trying to win the series for the Blues and Farah is way passed it. He has lost something, through injury or otherwise. He isn't the same player. And his 1 on 1 defence is scratchy to say the least.
Das Boat
Guest
Agree with above. Ennis is more overrated than most, yet awards along those lines always seem to go to poor ole Braith Anasta. Ennis is a hot head who has made significant lapses in judgment at big moments his lasting contribution to an origin series. And one of the problems in the last few Origins has been a lack of attacking spark. So you know what NSW selectors say, lets leave out Farrah, because he isnt an origin player. Pfft. NSW are their own worst enemy sometimes, and overrated Ennis is a large part of that. I would almost rather see Bird at hooker. At least he can spark a brawl AND some attacking spark
Matt Bungard
Roar Guru
Michael Ennis; is there someone that more personifies this myth of an "Origin player", simply because he's a thug? And NSW selectors wonder why we've lost six in a row..and Buderus? A great player, a few years ago. And even now he's above average but not the player he was. Robbie Farah is the best hooker in the NRL that is eligible to play for the Blues. Not even close.
Tiger Tez
Guest
I agree with Buderus, but Ennis??????? He is the worse statistically performing hooker in the NRL, I don't know why the selectors pick him. It is all perception with this guy, and he comes across as a tough and hard working hooker, but when you look at his stats, he is no better than no names Lawton or Rein!!!!!