Queenslanders are already laughing at the debate that has preceded the naming of Ricky Stuart’s slightly wounded, slightly confused and slightly Kiwi looking New South Wales team.
On Sunday, he may provide them with the ultimate punch line.
The question is no longer about who will fill the utility role on the bench, but rather who will play in the number three and four jerseys after one time certainty Michael Jennings was dumped to the New South Wales Cup.
According to the club, the representative flyer has been sent back to play with the Windsor Wolves against the Vulcans in Auckland this weekend because of poor form and not poor attitude.
You suspect the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
Jennings was given his last, last, last warning after the other last warning he received after drinking while trying to recover from injury.
It wasn’t a bender that ended in disgrace, but just a couple of beers on ANZAC Day.
Club rules state no player can drink while trying to rehab an injury because it hinders the recovery process.
It followed an incident last season where the Panthers forced Jennings to buy 2000 tickets and hand them out to fans after he turned up to training under the influence of alcohol.
It’s clear new coach Ivan Cleary is fed up with not only his form, but his commitment as well.
But will Stuart be bold enough to ignore the demotion?
Jennings already had his name on the team-sheet for game one in Melbourne.
Stuart said at the weekend that the only position that was really bothering him was the utility role on the bench.
Is it possible for New South Wales to name a reserve grade player in its starting line-up?
Bulldog Josh Morris has suddenly become a State of Origin certainty, but who else will fill the void?
Chris Lawrence played five-eighth for the Wests Tigers against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night. He’s an Australian international, but has struggled to find form this year, much like the rest of his team-mates.
Matt King played centre for Country, but has been well below par since that match while the other centre for City was BJ Leilua from the Roosters. He’s hardly ready for a call-up.
Jennings, if fit and focussed, is a devastating ball runner.
There’s an argument he rarely sees enough early, clean ball at Penrith to do significant damage.
Playing outside of Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce should provide an opportunity to display his potency.
But will Stuart take what seems like the ultimate gamble?
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
I think you hit the nail on the head.
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
Nine tries in 10 games is a top return for a centre though
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
That's exactly the way I think he'll go.
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
It's true. I think he'll be picked as well. Terribly undermines Ivan Cleary's decision.
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
Fair point. Not endorsing Qld's poaching. Just calling a spade a spade.
Luke Doherty
Roar Guru
4 year deal I think it was. Getting comfortable is always the danger. Especially on massive $$$$
Bozo Gummo-Zeppo
Guest
Gee, that Phil Gould must be a genius.....
Bozo Gummo-Zeppo
Guest
I like it - the Morris Brother must both be picked
Mick
Guest
It will be Hayne and Jennings in the centres. Josh Morris was in the paper today saying he hasnt heard from sticky. You'd have to assume he's not on the radar based on that. Left centre for nsw will have a huge bearing on the outcome of game 1 as hodges is one of the best at exploiting his direct opponent
LM
Guest
Do not forget I.Folau
LM
Guest
"There’s an argument he rarely sees enough early, clean ball at Penrith to do significant damage." Hit. Nail. Head. I'm a Panther and this has been painfully obvious for years. If Jenko played for Brisbane or Melbourne, he would score 100 tries a year and be constantly raved about by every man and his dog like Slater is. Penrith's whole attack should be based around early ball for Jennings, but instead they usually go to him once early in the game, then leave him to catch a cold. Then when Penrith need quick points late in the game they toss him the ball with 3 defenders in front and expect him to create a miracle.
Tony
Guest
Hey boy's for what it'a worth I think Jennings is a bit overrated for mine Bro likes it when it's easy but when the going's tough? Hey Cuzzy were you at? run the ball up create move and hustle....He won't ,that's what breaks my heart for all his talent, he doesn't try!!!!! For what it's worth, here's my backline for Game 1 1-Brett Stewart-2Uate-3-Chris Lawrence-4-Josh Morris-5-Brett Morris-6-Todd Carney-7 Mitchell Pearce Etihad Stadium we have a chance...Defend well Attack well with all that strike power ,we have a chance "GO BLUE'S"
Dom
Guest
How can u leave out Brett Morris he is one of the only backs that has been in great form. Jennings should not play origin. His defence has been appalling and attack not great either. 1. Brett Stuart 2. Uate 3. Hayne 4. J.morris 5. B.morris 6. Carney 7. Pearce Utility - hinchcliffe
Galaxy Hop
Guest
Karmichael Hunt? Greg Inglis? Wait, no, he's just from New South Wales.
eagleJack
Guest
Jennings is clearly injured and is protecting his shoulder. Bellamy directed plenty of traffic at him. He shouldn't have been playing. But the 7 games leading up to the Storm game (he was out against the Tigers) he was brilliant. Back to his devastating best. Everytime he touched the ball against Manly he looked like breaking through. He was their only point of attack. Cleary and Gould have come out to say he isn't giving 100%. He probably does have an attitude problem. But I'd get sick and tired of being my sides only danger to opposition teams. He has scored 6 tries in 8 games. Not bad for a bloke "out of form", Particularly in a side that celebrates if they score 10 points a game. Put him in a backline with other stars and the bloke will shine. He will play for NSW.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Just spoke to a mate who is a mad Panthers fan. He watched the Storm game and said Jennings was terrible particularly in defence and got hooked after 50 minutes. If his confifence is shot then perhaps Lawrence is a better option.
Tigger Madness
Guest
No only will he be there, he will have a blinder!
Patrick Angel
Roar Guru
I was not sold on Morris on the right but he did very well against Parra. But as the next game is against the Titans he won't really get tested by a solid defensive left centre until the teams are picked.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I don't think NSW has the depth of talent not to pick him.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Jennings will be picked, he is a special talent and despite his issues at Club level he is an Origin player. Ditto for Hayne when he is out of form at Club level, you can count on him lifting for Origin. still undecided on the pack but here is my backline for what ever it's worth ! 7. Pearce 6. Carney 5. Hayne 4. J Morris 3. Jennings 2. Uate 1. Stewart