If the Maroons’ selectors do not include the Bulldogs’ Ben Barba on the bench for Origin I in Melbourne next month, they have not been watching the footy this year. The man they call “X Factor” has put his hand up so high that he cannot be denied.
I say that as the unofficial president of the “Daly Cherry-Evans Fan Club” and also a great admirer of Matt Bowen.
Of all the other contenders, DCE is an easy one to dismiss. While he may be the best halfback, he does not have the proven combination in the spine like Cooper Cronk. And the national combination will not be split.
I was confused by the Australian selectors including him on the bench to play New Zealand in the ANZAC Test. Surely an impact utility like Matt Gillett would have been much more useful to coach Tim Sheens, who snubbed the farce by leaving him on the bench for the entire 80 minutes.
Matt Bowen is in career best form but has not played for the Maroons since 2007. His 10 Origin appearances off the bench have resulted in four tries, but it appears his time has come and gone.
The Maroons got away with playing Cronk off the bench last year as he was able to slot in everywhere including lock, but DCE is an out and out halfback. He is not necessary with Cronk and Thurston already on the field. Barba, however, is something different.
Every time he gets the ball we have an expectation that he will make a break. He is so strong and so fast. There is no denying that he would be a nightmare for Ricky Stuart and the Blues when he came on.
He can play 1, 6, 7 or 9 and if the Maroons happened to be behind on the scoreboard, there is no other player in the NRL who has the god-given talent to make an impact like the Darwin born Barba.
The opportunity for a “little man” to be on the bench will likely come down to whether the Maroons choose to go big or small.
“Depending on what Mal (Meninga) wants to do with the bench, there are a number of options,” selector Allan Smith said.
The likely Maroon team will be: 1 Slater, 2 Boyd, 3 Hodges, 4 Inglis, 5 Tate, 6 Thurston, 7 Cronk, 8 Scott, 9 Smith, 10 Civoniceva, Hannant or Shillington, 11 Myles, 12 Thaiday, 13 Harrison.
As for the bench, two must come from Barba, Parker, Gillett and two from Civoniceva, Hannant or Shillington, Taylor, Cherry-Evans, McGuire or Kennedy.
Gillett and Hannant are certainties, leaving seven others to fight out for two spots. Ben Barba must grab one of them. Ricky Stuart will drop his head when Barba runs out to face the tired New South Wales forwards.
Like Barba, big Dave Taylor has put his giant hand up for inclusion and despite Shillington being an international incumbent his form all season has been poor, but he will be in a shoot-out with Civoniceva.
My bench would be Barba, Hannant, Taylor and Gillett, but I could only do this if Parker replaces Harrison as starting lock. I would drop Harrison and Shillington and i cannot find a place for Cherry-Evans, McGuire or Kennedy.
We rated Barba the best “bench “player in the world when he was a regular first grader in 2010 and since owning the Bulldogs number 1 jersey in 2011, his attacking stats are amazing.
The Manly defence had no answer to his incisive runs on Friday night. He made 8 tackle breaks and a stunning 200 metres from 15 runs.
Brett Stewart was named man-of-the-match and made 7 tackle breaks and 188 metres, also from 15 runs. It was a treat to witness two world class athletes on display.
Barba played his firt full season last year and with 23 tries was the leading try scorer with Nathan Merritt. He also topped the line breaks with 30 (Slater 17). Scarily, there is no doubt he is a much better player now.
The final make-up of the Maroon bench may be decided by injuries. While I would select Parker over Harrison, the selectors are expected to go with the Titan in the squad.
The concern for Queensland is Matt Scott who is expected back next week, but as good as he is, he is very replaceable. The Broncos pairing of Petero Civoniceva and Ben Hannant should start, which would open up a spot for young Bronco Josh McGuire.
Any talk that Civoniceva is “passed it” is off the mark as he was the best big forward in last year’s third Origin and his recent form at club level has been outstanding. His selection should be a no brainer.
The media are suggesting Shillington will be favoured, even though he only made 52 metres from seven runs against the Sharks in 41 minutes on the weekend.
What do you think, Roarers? Are my selections on the mark?
Barbasupporter
Guest
Barba is a freak and I would have him on the bench for QLD anyday! Unfortunately, I think Meninga is going to put Bowen in though. Honestly though, Barba would rip NSW to pieces. All this rubbish about him only being good against weaker teams is ridiculous. The guy has torn through every defense in the competition, and he's a trying scoring machine. I think everyone is going a little over the top about his defense, he would have no troubles behind a big QLD team and regardless, he's not actually a BAD defender. He's better than Bowen and SHOULD be there. I fear that he won't be picked though.
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
Tim Sheens didnt think he was the best left wing in Australia 2 weeks ago, Hayne beats Morris in every aspect of the game. Tate, like Burns, is tough and willing but thats about it these days. Tonga has played the last few series now. I wont 100% agree if Costigan or Harrison gets picked but Mal has his favourites, nobody tells Mal what to do, Id prefer to see Taylor, Gillette, Parker on form.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Costigan has zero hope. Tonga should have no , I think they will go with Tate, I would. Brett Morris is the best left wing in the world and you have left him out...mmmmmmmm
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
Pretty scary isn't it but if NSW are smart I reckon that backline can be broken. Eg 1 Tahu kept Hodges very quiet a few weeks back and had a great game in attack on Monday and has been rated by Mark Gasnier as being very good this year, combination of size, skill, footwork. Eg 2 Idris is the only player to have completely dominated Greg Inglis in both attack and defence, Idris is NSW best chance of shutting down GI. Eg 3 Hayne on the wing with Uate looks better than Boyd and Tonga on the flanks. Eg 4 If Carney and Pearce get a flashback, all of a sudden things look pretty good for the blues. My blues backline- 1. Stewart, 2. Hayne, 3. Idris, 4. Tahu, 5. Uate, 6. Carney, 7. Pearce Otherwise it's no big deal, I'm a QLDer.
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
Or he could have GI in the centers teaming up with Boyd on the left as usual and have Tonga on the wing again. Mal is very loyal and it wouldn't surprise me to see Costigan and Harrison in the side.
Gaz
Guest
GG, you've just made Tickey feel rather ill, made him go for the smelling salts, he'll be straight on the phone to Gus. Can you imagine that backline running at you and lookup and see Taylor and Gillett chiming in. Still want to pull on your Blue Jersey Dan?
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
I reckon Chambers would be a better option than Nielsen even though he went alright last year. But I'd throw Willie Tonga in before Chambers, Nielsen and Tate who hasn't played origin since 08. Mal has the option of having Tonga at centre and Inglis on the wing for his kick returns. My backline- 1. Slater, 2. Inglis, 3. Hodges, 4. Tonga, 5. Boyd, 6. Thurston, 7. Cronk
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
Not only were two of the losses against last years premiers and minor premiers (by a combined total of 8 points) but last year they were worse. He was the ONLY thing for huge patches that was putting points on the board for Canterbury, and this season has started swinging out wide a lot more and added his passing game in. By your logic Thurston, Greg Inglis, Dave Taylor, etc, should have had big red marks next to their names for various stages saying "Not fit for rep football".
The Barry
Roar Guru
Tom - you're a kidder. That comment displays your absolute ignorance...Barba's saved any number of tries one on one in defence this season. Try watching a game or two instead of going off what you read two years ago.
Blazza
Guest
I just don't understand how Corey Parker can be left out. He is the equivalent to Gallen in most parts of the game (although Parker isn't much of a front rower but still plays that way). I'm sick and tired of players getting picked just because they were picked the previous year. Ash Harrison has done nothing at all this year and is playing for a poor poor team. There is going to be a time where this system wont work. Petro to has got to be on his last legs, and i don't think its good for him,Brisbane or QLD if he makes the team. He is probably the 6th or 7th prop in line atm on form. Scott with the utility player i just don't see how Barba fits into the system Mal will use, Cronk will play a different role this year and will be the main playmaker while Thurston will play the Lockyer role and come in every couple of sets and try to work his magic down the left side. I'd have Gillett as my utility, he can cover pretty much any position but fullback which QLD have Boyd and Inglis to fill if needed. My team. 1.Slater 2.Boyd 3. Inglis 4. Hodges 5. Neilsen 6. Thurston 7. Cronk 8. Scott 9. Smith 10. Hannant 11. Myles 12. Thaiday 13. Parker 14. Gillett 15.Taylor 16. Shillington 17. McGuire I'm confused about whether McGuire is available yet, I've heard he is but then people say he isn't. Nielsen is by the best option to replace Yow Yeh, his form for Melbourne has been outstanding and he is probably the best outside back defender in the NRL.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Gaz, I think they'd play him without a specific position, just lurk around the ruck in attack. He's the best weapon for broken field or second phase play that I've seen. They could give Smith a breather if they needed to, they could replace one of their forwards late in either half.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Dan Define rubbish?
Gaz
Guest
Can you play halfback Dan?
Dan
Guest
Arrghh!! I want to pull on a blue Jersey myself after reading this QLD rubbish!! Go the blues!! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Tom I am not going to ague with you and to be honest most fullbacks are poor defenders. Thats not my point...he is THE best option if the Maroons are desperate for a try. he is worth the risk, the upside is much greater to play him.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Gaz Yes I remember the game. Tell me this Gaz! Do you remember gallen in Origin II last year? That was probably the greatest single performance I have seen from any player in any game. My point being both sides have amazing culture and passion. The point of differnce is the truly great players and the Maroons have more of them at the moment. They miss Andrew Johns big time.
peeeko
Roar Guru
I think you are deluded
peeeko
Roar Guru
Agree Craig Wing was the ultimate bench player, good at 1,3,4,6,7 or 9
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Gareth I dont think you understand how close NSW went last year. Glaring selection stuff ups cost the Blues. Ricky should have zero say in selections.
Gaz
Guest
"all crap" Scott. You seem upset. "Give NSW Thurston and they win, end of story" You've hit the nail on the head Scott, you are assuming Thurston would play for the Blues with the same amount of spirit and passion he has for the Maroon jersey, not so my friend. Ask him. We have the players at the minute no doubt, as we had them when Origin began too, Beetson, Meninga, Lewis, Lang. Remember Artie Beetson Scott, he was the kid from Roma that went to Sydney for the big money. He used to come back in a Blue jersey every year and give us a flogging just like all the others. The big money in Sydney was made available through the pokies, north of the border we had daily doubles and chook raffles. Were you there the night Big Artie led the Maroons out for the first state of origin Scott? I was and the cheer he got from the crowd that night will live with me forever. Not only the State of Origin was born that night, out of frustration of being belted with our own players year after year after year so was the Queensland spirit. You won’t hear a Queenslander say it doesn’t exist, only those south of the boarder, aye Scott.