NSW backs have scored fewer tries then their Queensland counterparts in the last six State of Origin series.
With an equally strong backline set to take the field for Queensland this year, it is crucial for New South Wales to pick a forward pack capable of scoring points.
There should be no doubt in any supporter’s mind that the New South Wales team will have the determination, preparation and will to win that is required, come game one.
Unfortunately however, the last six years have proven that this alone is not enough to win an Origin series. What they are lacking and what Queensland are full of, are genuine try scorers and match winners.
Over the period of their Origin dominance, it has been the Queensland backline that has proved the difference between the two teams. The fact that the most recent Australian team consists of only one New South Wales back, is testament to this.
Queensland’s point scoring ability will be no different this year. With Greg Inglis and Billy Slater, who have scored a combined total of 23 tries at Origin level, lining up outside Cooper Cronk and Jonathon Thurston. Cronk and Thurston have produced the most try assists by Origin eligible players in the NRL season to date with 17 and 11 respectively.
Recent history shows that New South Wales will not be able to match the strike power of the Queensland backs and must, therefore, select a mobile forward pack capable of creating and scoring tries.
NSW made a move in this direction last year by selecting Paul Gallen at prop, rather than his preferred position lock. The move must have been seen as a success as he is set to be picked at prop again this year.
Players such as the Cowboys Tariq Sims, Manly’s Tony Williams and Jamal Idris from the Gold Coast, who have proven game-changing qualities, are the type of mobile forwards that Ricky Stuart must select.
Sims showed off his try-scoring ability in the City versus Country match, where he scored a double. Sims, like Gallen, does not play prop for his club side, yet has been touted by Steve Roach as the man to play prop off the bench.
Tony Williams has scored two tries from four games for Australia and started the year with two tries from the four games he played before being suspended. While still currently suspended, he will be available for Origin.
Jamal Idris is another player who, if picked out of position, will give New South Wales the edge they are looking for. Idris has all the qualities of a centre and has played the majority of NRL career with either the number three or four on his back. Being the size he is, Idris has also played in the back row, and it is there that he will be most beneficial for New South Wales.
Players like these play a brand of league that comes with a high degree of risk, however they also have the ability to win matches for their team.
My team
1. B. Stewart
2. Uate
3. Jennings
4. J Morris
5. B Morris
6. Carney
7. Pearce
8. Gallen
9. Farah
10. Tamou
11. Idris
12. Williams
13. G. Stewart
14. Hayne
15. T. Sims
16. Watmough
17. Lewis
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