With the 2012 State of Origin series just around the corner, the chat around who will represent New South Wales is really starting to heat up.
Ricky Stuart has already begun his mind games, and plenty of players are emphatically stating their case for selection.
While there is still plenty of football to be played before the team is announced, today The Roar‘s selection committee of one nominates its New South Wales Blues side for this year’s encounter.
When selecting an Origin side, you hear plenty of strategies and countless schools of thought.
Don’t pick players out of position. Don’t pick players out of form. Pick club combinations. Pick players who are ‘made for Origin’. Pick players with Origin experience. Stay loyal to the players you picked last time. Pick young players and build for the future. Don’t pick anyone under an injury could.
While all have some merit, I’ve completely ignored all such policies. My strategy for picking this year’s Blues squad? The team that will give New South Wales the best chance of beating Queensland.
Drum roll please…
1 Josh Dugan
He’s inconsistent and prone to costly mental errors. But he’s also a match-winner. So all in all, he’s a bit of a gamble. But having lost six series in a row, I would suggest that the Blues needs to roll the dice.
2 Brett Morris
He’s in sparkling form in the number one jersey for the Dragons, and is one of the deadliest finishers in the game. He’s still a bit inexperienced at fullback to be thrown into that position at Origin level, but his form warrants selection in his natural position on the wing.
3 Michael Jennings
The Penrith centre runs some brilliant lines. His pace, use of angles, and general speed with which he hits the line all make him a handful for defences to contain. He’s been in pretty good form for the Panthers, and was excellent in last year’s series, so he’s practically an automatic selection.
4 Jarryd Hayne
What’s his natural position? Who cares, select him wherever you need him. The Queenslanders were shocked and then delighted when Hayne was overlooked for Origin one last year. The fear and respect he commands north of the border demonstrates how highly he’s regarded.
He’s a class player with an unbelievable skill set, and has consistently performed at Origin level. He needs to be in the team, period, and if that’s at right centre, so be it.
5 Akuila Uate
The Newcastle winger burst onto the representative scene with a stunning performance in the City versus Country match last season, and then backed that up with a brilliant debut Origin series, in which he may have been the Blues best player. The blockbusting Novocastrian is all but assured of his wing spot.
6 Todd Carney
This may not be a popular pick, but Origin isn’t about making friends, it’s about winning. And that’s something New South Wales hasn’t done for a long, long time.
Drastic times call for drastic measures, and Carney is a footballing freak. You can’t teach talent, something Carney has in bucketloads, and I think he could provide New South Wales with the X-factor required to beat Queensland.
He’s been trouble free, and that is realistically the only reason you wouldn’t pick a player with his ability. It’s time.
7 Jarrod Mullen
Mullen has matured this year, and his kicking game, long and short, has been very good. I like the options Mullen gives you in attack, and his defence is absolutely superb.
I also believe Mitchell Pearce needs a rocket up his pants. Continually selecting Pearce without justification, be it club form or past Origin performances, sends the wrong message to all New South Wales players.
8 Michael Weyman
The big Saints prop is in great form, providing plenty of go-forward. And a few weeks ago he even scored a brilliant solo try, complete with a right foot step. Essentially picks himself.
9 Danny Buderus
Having watched Buderus a few times this year, it has suddenly occurred to me that most hookers in the NRL don’t actually know how to play the position.
Perhaps it’s because they’ve been converted from another position. Or perhaps they were simply never taught the basics of dummy-half play. Whatever the reason, the ability of Buderus to quickly pick the ball up and pass it laterally to his forwards, without looking, is an incredibly important part of the hooking role.
Too many hookers hold the ball for too long, or take a step or two sideways or backwards, or look up to see who they’re passing to, or pass the ball two to three metres backwards. Or make all four mistakes.
Origin is the quickest rugby league in the world, and those vital half-second delays can make all the difference in gaining 10 to 15 metres per set of six. New South Wales need to pick the best dummy half. And that’s Danny Buderus by a country mile, regardless of his age.
10 Kade Snowden
Snowden won’t shy away from the hard work or from confronting Queensland’s big pack head on. He’s been playing pretty well for the Knights, and is bursting at the seams to have a crack at the vaunted Maroons line-up.
11 Anthony Watmough
The term ‘made for Origin’ is horribly overused. But there is no better way to describe Anthony Watmough. Tough, talented and hard. He also has a touch (OK, a lot) of mongrel. He’s the first forward I would pick for the Blues.
12 Glen Stewart
Provides an extra option in attack with his five-eighth like skills, while not shirking away from the traditional backrower’s responsibilities of running hard out wide, and helping to protect his halves in the defensive line.
13 Paul Gallen
I won’t insult Gallen by attempting to justify why he should be captain, let alone selected.
Interchange
14 Luke Lewis
The hard working and inspirational Panther does whatever is required of his team. Every Origin team needs a player like that, and Lewis’ experience and versatility earn him a spot on the bench.
15 Beau Scott
If the Blues select Gallen in the front row, then I expect Scott will actually start for New South Wales. But as it stands now, the defensive juggernaut should start the game on the bench, before his work rate and defensive nous is called upon when the starting forwards tire.
16 James Tamou
Big, strong and athletic. If he has declared himself to be a New South Welshman rather than a Kiwi, then he should be picked. The Maroons certainly won’t be looking forward to facing a fresh and pumped up Tamou after he’s been steaming on the bench for the first 20 minutes.
17 Kurt Gidley
Has struggled to stay on the park this year, but if he can prove his fitness, his versatility makes him the ideal utility player off the bench.
Let the dissection and debate begin.
chicken do
Guest
heres the thing, u cant pick a state of origin side purely on skill, u need to pick a side that will bring aggression and mungral to the field, tis is what nsw have lacked the last 6yrs, that qld have beaten us at, and thats y i wouldnt pick ben creagh, or michael weyman, because their not big enough, or mungral enough, this would be my side. 1. Brett Stewart 2. Brett Morris 3. Jarryd Hayne (if in bad form, than Josh Morris) 4. Michael Jennings (if still injured, than Chris Lawrence) 5. Akuila Uata 6. Todd Carney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Paul Gallen 9. Robbie Farrah 10. Tom Learoyd - Lahrs 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Luke Lewis 13. Greg Bird 14. Dean Young (since he has had trouble with his knee, he might decline, in that case, id have Ryan Hinchcliffe) 15. James Tamou (or Keith Galloway, if not in form) 16.Trent Merrin 17. Tariq Sims (if Tony Williams isnt in good form)
RB
Guest
1. Brett Stewart 2. Akuila Uate 3. Josh Morris 4. Michael Jennings 5. Jarryd Hayne 6. Todd Carney 7. Jarrod Mullen 8. James Tamou 9. Michael Ennis 10. Kade Snowden 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Beau Scott 13. Paul Gallen (c) Interchange 14. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs 15. Tariq Sims 16. Luke Lewis 17. Matt Hilder or Jamie Soward
JP
Guest
this side, is also a good side to beat queensland.
JP
Guest
yes, nice side. although he is old, minichiello is playing great this year, and he has the experience for origin. and pearce and carney will demolish the maroons, their form is great atm.
Jonah
Guest
Guys, guys. Come on, there are players that are an absolute must for me... Players that just have to be somewhere in the 17. An origin team is not all about ability... It's about selecting players that have a thorough understanding on field and use their noggins regularly. These kinda players, followed up with hard workers and natural born talents... Are going to make a dream side. I am not going to dissect each players abilities individually... As I think you can sort of think for yourself why I picked them... Without further ado.. 1. Anthony Minichiello 2. Brett Morris 3. Michael Jennings 4. Jarryd Hayne 5. Akuila Uate 6. Todd Carney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Paul Gallen (C) 9. Danny Buderus 10. Kade Snowden 11. Anthony Watmough 12. Luke Lewis 13. Glenn Stewart Interchange: 14. Kurt Gidley 15. James Tamou 16. Tariq Sims 17. Tony Williams Only 3 props as opposed to 4, with Gallen playing 80 minutes, a 2 way rotation between Tamou and Snowden is manageable. I believe that this kind of side can beat the Maroons on any given day.
Jack
Guest
I'd say Ricky Stuart and selectors would have pencilled in a number of players by now. Obviously there are a few spots in the team that are going to be real close. If i was coaching NSW id be going with : 1. J. Hayne (Provided Dugan hasnt had substantial game time leading up to origin due to injury) 2. B. Morris (Form back of the competion) 3. J. Morris/ M.Jennings (Again Jennings would be my choice provided he is match fit) 4. C. Lawrence (Specialist Right hand side centre, big body that can contain Inglis) 5. A. Uate (dont need to say anything here) 6. T. Carney (Can be dangerous, Threaten Queensland, X-Factor) 7. M. Pearce (Proved in city vs country the impact he can have. Always performed well at origin level) 8. P. Gallen (c) (again, nothing to be said) 9. D.Buderus (Controls ruck and speed of the game, perfect for origin footy) 10. K. Snowden (Take QLD head on. generate good go forward) 11. G.Bird (Tough, Ball playing second rower) 12. G.Stewart (Provided he is fit, a must for the team, much like Bird, He is a tough ball playing second rower) 13. L.Lewis (Outstanding form this season, picked for Australia, a definent for NSW) 14. J.Tamou (In great form for the Cowboys, Held his own against Kiwi's) 15. A. Watmough (Great option of the bench. good against NZ) 16. T. Sims/T.Williams (both provide impact of the bench. Inclined to pick Sims given the amount of footy Williams has missed) 17. K.Gidley (Versatile of the bench. Good option at hooker. Give NSW some speed around the ruck. Give Buderus a break. If injury to halves or backs Gidley can cover a number of those postions)
Size Matters
Guest
NSW Side: 1. J. Hayne 2. L. Lewis 3. J. Idris 4. T. Williams 5. A. Uate 6. J. Soward 7. P. Wallace 8. M. Weyman 9. D. Buderus 10. T. Sims 11. A. Watmough 12. B. Creagh 13. P. Gallen 14. R. Farah 15. T. Learoyd Lars 16. J. Tamou 17. G. Stewart 18. G. Bird
Jeff McGinn
Guest
This is possibly the best side I have seen suggested, Nir sure on Snowden, reports from people who watch regular seem to suggest that he is lazy. -- not seen enough of him to criticise! --- IMO Tariq Sims needs to be in this team. he is a strong running, hard tackling machine! No real 'penalty magnets' on the team Except Watmough and he is too good to leave out!
Jeff McGinn
Guest
At Origin level Ennis' yacktics seem to motivate the opposition more than undermine their confidence. although, I would consider Ennis to start the game and Buderus replacing him in the latter 20 minutes of each session. When forwards are tiring and his skills can find holes in their defence!. -- I seriously doubt that Buderus is not injured worse than we are being told!.
Jeff McGinn
Guest
With yourteam on the paddock, Queensland would get so many penalties -- they may end up with maybe 40% possesion.. Don't we learn, this team cannot be beaten by bash, penalties put the ball in their hands in good field position and they take advantage of it!.
Jeff McGinn
Guest
Isn't Campese out for the year with bad inury??.
John
Guest
Ryan, that's interesting. but for my line up i would have: 1. josh dugan 2. brett morris (or andrew everingham) 3. josh morris 4. michael jennings 5. akuila uate 6. todd carney 7. mitchell pearce 8. kade snowden (or luke douglas or michael weyman) 9. michael ennis (or robbie farah) 10. paul gallen (captain) 11. luke lewis 12. tony williams 13. greg bird Bench: 14. danny buderus (or ryan hinchcliffe) 15. feleti mateo 16. tariq sims 17. james tamou
Allan
Guest
1. B. Morris 2. Uate 3. Jennings 4. J.Morris 5. Hayne 6. Soward (due to kicking game) 7. Carney 8. Gallen 9. Buderus 10. Weyman 11.Lewis 12. Watmough 13. Beau Scott 14.James Tamou 15. Williams 16.Kite 17. Gidley
dB
Guest
Starting Line Up 1. Brett Stewart ( if injured - Anthony Minichello ) 2. Akuila Uate ( if injured - Jarryd Hayne ) 3. Michael Jennings ( if injured - Chris Lawrence ) 4. Josh Morris ( if injured - Ben Pomeroy ) 5. Brett Morris ( if injured - James McManus ) 6. Todd Carney ( if injured - Kurt Gidley ) 7. Jarrod Mullen ( if injured - Mitchell Pearce ) 8. Trent Merrin ( if injured - Brent Kite ) 9. Kevin Kingston ( if injured - Danny Buderus ) 10. Aiden Tolman ( if injured - Tom Learoyd Larhs ) 11. Greg Bird ( if injured - Ryan Hoffman ) 12. Glenn Stewart ( if injured - Anthony Watmough ) 13. Paul Gallen (c) ( if injured - Gallen doesn't get injured. He's a Soldier. But if he does - Chris Houston ) Interchange 14. James Tamou ( if injured - Luke Douglas ) 15. Kade Snowden ( if injured - Keith Galloway ) 16. Luke Lewis ( if injured - Jamie Buhrer ) 17. Ryan Hinchcliff ( if injured - Kurt Gidley )
Ricky Stewart
Guest
Great Bench ?
Tim Smith
Guest
1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Brett Morris 3. Michael Jennings 4. Josh Morris 5. Akuila Uate 6. Todd Carney 7. Peter Wallace 8. James Tamou 9. Danny Buderus 10. Paul Gallen 11. Greg Bird 12. Anthony Watmough 13. Luke Lewis Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Trent Merrin, Glen Stewart, Tony Williams Extended Squad: Ryan Hinchcliffe, Chris Houston, Aiden Tolman, Mitchell Pearce Perfect balance of experience, class, pace, size, mungrel, solid defense, players in position and for the most part, form.
Aaron Lasei
Guest
1. J. Dugan 2. J. Hayne 3. M. Jennings 4. C. Lawerance 5. U. Uate 6. T. Carney 7. M. Pearce 8. M. Weyman 9. D. Buderus 10. P. Gallen 11. G. Bird 12. G. Stewart 13. L. Lewis 14. M. Ennis 15. J. Tamou 16. T. sims 17. T. Williams
JJ
Guest
As a Qld I love it. You seem to think we are afraid of Hayne, but most Queenslanders think he is lazy so pick away. TLL got smashed out of the park by the broncos pack and he won't have it any easier at SOO level. Please pick Pearce I want Wallace for the broncos. I also love how you cockies keep thinking the way to win is picking players out of position, they are constantly found out at SOO level. So here is a Queenslanders, NSW side. 1. Morris B - currently the form player in this position with game time 2. McManus 3. Jennings 4. Pomeroy 5. Uate 6. Carney 7. Wallace 8. Gallen 9. I don't know here none are shining so I suppose you pick Buderus for experience. 10. Weyman 11.Bukuya 12.Williams 13.Bird 14.Tamou 15. Merrin 16. T Sims 17. Lewis Luke In form players all, except hooker.
Charlie
Guest
I think it's really important to get the balance of the team right - especially on the bench. Too many of the teams here have, in my opinion, got that balance wrong. The composition of the bench would change depending on if Gallen is picked at prop or lock. If he is picked at prop, then you need 2 props on the bench, with 1 backrower and 1 utility. If Gallen is at lock, then you need a bench of 1 prop, 2 backrowers and 1 utility. At this stage I prefer Gallen at lock. I like the balance of Ryan's team, but I would make a couple of changes: 1. Brett Stewart - has probably the most reliable defence of the three fullback options (Hayne, Dugan, Stewart) and is currently playing well. If injured I would pick Mini, as I don't think Dugan is quite ready for Origin yet. 2. Jarryd Hayne - needs to be picked somewhere in the team and has played wing in Origin before, and played it well. If Hayne is injured I would pick Brett Morris 3. Michael Jennings - is playing well enough and is the incumbent. If injured I would pick Josh Morris. 4. Josh Morris - is the form centre of the NRL in my opinion. Would handle the switch to right centre better than Jennings. If injured then Chris Lawrence. 5. Akuila Uate - Explosive and fast. The best winger in NSW. Brett Morris if injured. 6. Todd Carney - Is playing much better than Soward, especially since being moved to 5/8, and should have some combination with Pearce. If injured then Soward (but would strongly consider Mullen). 7. Mitchell Pearce - Has played a few origins now and the experience should hold him in great stead. Has done enough to keep his spot. If injured then I would pick Wallace. 8. Michael Weyman - In form, playing well and deserves to be picked. TLL if Weyman is injured. 9. Kurt Gidley - This was the hardest position to pick. I don’t think any of the NSW hookers are screaming pick me, so I went for a utility with some game breaking ability. I would take Buderus if Gidley is injured. 10. Aidan Tolman - I have always been super impressed by him and think he should have been one of the first picked last year. Again TLL if Tolman is injured. 11. Greg Bird - The mongrel of the pack. Will not let anybody down and always lifts for Origin. If injured, then Watmough. 12. Glenn Stewart - Is a better player than Watmough, will play more minutes and give away less penalties. Also has a great understanding with his brother at fullback. Watmough if injured however. 13. Paul Gallen (c) – Inspirational leader and 80 minute player. Could have a broken neck and still play, so I’m not going to name a replacement. 14. Tom Leahroyd Lars – Big boy who deserves a shot at Origin. If injured, then either Dan Hunt, Trent Merrin or Tim Mannah (in that order). 15. Luke Lewis – Picked as a backrower and playing really well for the Panthers. Can cover a position in the backs if necessary. Beau Scott if Lewis is injured. 16. James Tamou – What Ryan said sums it up perfectly. Could struggle to be picked if T-Rex comes back firing, but at this stage Tamou gets the nod. Tariq Sims if Tamou is injured. 17. Ryan Hinchcliffe – Utility player that can play backrow or hooker. If injured I would pick Buderus at 9 and Gidley on the bench. I didn’t pick Buderus as I have a query about him playing enough minutes, however I would be happy to have him there due to his experience. I didn’t pick Snowden as I have a query about him playing enough minutes and his tendency to drift out of games. I didn’t pick B Morris as I still haven’t forgiven him for game 1 last year, however he is playing well and I wouldn’t be upset if he was picked on the wing – which would force Hayne to fullback and B Stewart out. I think Watmough either gets a starting spot or nothing - this is due to the balance of the side.
Stingerz
Guest
My side is 1. Hayne 2. Uate 3. Morris 4. Jennings 5. King 6. Carney 7. Wallace (Pearce if Wallace is unfit) 8. Weymen 9. Buderus 10. Gallen 11. Watmough 12 Bird 13 G Stewart 14. Tamao 15. Hinchcliff 16 Lewis 17 B Scott or T Rex