NSW hopefuls have just one more week to force their way into the Blues lineup for State of Origin game one, with coach Laurie Daley determined to have his squad settled after this weekend.
Daley, who last week said he had decided on all but two of the 17 positions for the June 5 series opener, says recent rounds have cleared his mind on some of the trickier selection dilemmas.
And with skipper Paul Gallen cleared of a medial ligament tear on Monday, Daley’s focus is now on locking down the remaining spots in his team – which will follow discussions with chief selector Bob Fulton and last year’s coach Ricky Stuart.
“I’m still determining the make up of the side but I’m not too far away,” Daley said on Monday.
“I’ve got a clearer picture on where we want to go and who we want to use.
“I’ll speak to Bob Fulton and I’ll probably speak to Ricky over the coming days (to) get their input on things and go from there.
“I am determined to be pretty settled on what I want after this weekend’s round of football.
“That will give me two weeks to know exactly where we’re going.”
The key position under the spotlight remains five-eighth, with selectors understood to be leaning towards Sydney Roosters’ James Maloney in order to preserve his club combination with guaranteed No.7 Mitchell Pearce.
But incumbent Todd Carney from Cronulla, South Sydney’s John Sutton and Canterbury tyro Josh Reynolds could all come into consideration with big games this weekend.
The Blues back-row appears more settled, with Gallen, Manly’s Anthony Watmough, Gold Coast enforcer Greg Bird and Cronulla’s Luke Lewis likely to occupy four of the starting and bench spots.
But the same cannot be said for the front-row, with only North Queensland’s Test star James Tamou a certain starter.
That leaves the likes of Tim Grant, Trent Merrin, Tim Mannah, Aaron Woods, Aiden Tolman, Willie Mason and Andrew Fifita battling it out for the other starting prop role and bench spots.
Mannah and Fifita thrust their names forward with courageous efforts on the weekend.
Fifita outshone Mason on Sunday, running for a staggering 251 metres for Cronulla and stepping up after Gallen had left the field with a knee injury just three minutes into the match.
Mannah showcased his ironman qualities by overcoming what was initially feared to be a broken leg to take on Test props Matt Scott and Tamou just five days later.
He led the Eels in both metres gained (119) and tackles (44) in the four-point loss, earning special praise from Stuart and most likely catching the eye of Daley too.
Mannah, while loath to talk himself up, believed he was ready for another Origin call-up to add to his four appearances in 2010-11.
“I feel I’m a lot better player now than I was in 2011 when I last played,” Mannah told AAP.
“Not only with my form, which I feel is better than (in 2011), but I feel a lot more experienced and a lot more confident to be able to handle the demands of Origin footy.
“It’s something that’s driven me for the last few months and I definitely want to be able to put my hand up and be ready if I get the call up.”
Charles NSW
Guest
From memory did Giddley not get the Player of the Series a few seasons ago?
James
Guest
Carney is a step up in class in the Nsw halves, I'd have Adam Reynlds @ 7. Look what happened when Carney played for the roosters, made Pearcy look good. Just like Maloney is doing now. As much as I don't like Carney he has to be NSW 5/8. As for Pearce well how many excuses can we come up with to put him at 7 in front of Reynolds I've heard a few.
brother mouzone
Guest
Reynolds and Sutton for me
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
The difference between Pearce and Wallace is the last name.
James T
Guest
If Stewart is injured they could do a lot worse than Reece Robinson. Mullen and Reynolds are both better options then Pearce. From memory Wallace played pretty similar to Pearce and only lasted 3 games, how's Pearce lasted so long.
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
I think before the season started I would have agreed with you regarding Gidley. But now I wouldn't have Gidley anywhere near the NSW side. I think he has been very average for Newcastle this season, and apart from anything else he isn't playing halfback for the Knights, so I wouldn't play him there for the Blues. And having him in the side to give Farah a spell is not necessary as Farah doesn't need a spell. In fact, NSW need him on the field for the entire game. The argument about having Gidley in the side to cover for injuries is a fair one, but it is probably the only logical reason for having Gidley in the side and I see no point in picking someone purely as injury cover, especially when Bird can cover five eighth, Lewis can cover hooker, wing and centre and Hayne can cover fullback, wing and centre. Gidley is, for lack of a better term, surplus to requirements.
MMADoggzofwar
Roar Rookie
why not? nothing's worked the last 7 years why not try something now? The QSLD side you can pretty much quote verbatum, NSW?? only 2 possible give ins, thats the Cap (Gallen) and the No9 Farrah...apart from that pick a team!
muzz
Guest
PEARCE OUT, REYNOLDS IN. SUTTON 5/8!
The eye
Guest
I'd love for the Blues to get a pro active aggressor in the backs,none of them try to hurt.Josh Reynolds,Josh Reynolds,Josh Reynolds for Gidley.
Tom
Guest
You answer your own question about Gidley - what's he done? I can't recall him ever putting in a great performance at origin level. He is the consummate jack of all trades, master of none. We have Luke Lewis who can cover the utility back role, so he isn't needed for that. He seems to me to always overplay his hand, especially when playing out of dummy half, and furthermore, Farah has always been comfortable playing 80 minutes, so I don't think much of the argument that he needs a spell.
MMADoggzofwar
Roar Rookie
Sideline, I guess its along the same lines as Pearce in that somehow every year, they get a look in regardless of how good or how average the form has been, given a shot but never fulfilled the potential or the selection. TBH how Gidley even gets a look a look in amazes me considering there have been nothing but mediocrity coming out of the Hunter this year.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
I don't know why people have suddenly started hating on Gidley so much. What's he done? He has always been pretty solid and he can kick. He didn't even play last year through injury so you can't say he lost it for us. I just don't get it. It's like, because he has played through all the dark years, that he just reminds us of the loses and somehow become associated with them. Weird.
fishes
Guest
Until NSW learn how to select a team we will never beat queensland. Coming out and saying that the team is already settled a month out is a joke. and obviously form doesnt matter to Daley, by selecting Pearce already. If Gidley, the most overrated player of all time gets a look in, then we are surely doomed. And don't get me started about Daley's crush on Indris- if he gets anywhere near the team we have no hope.
damoinaus
Roar Pro
I don't mind if Pearce is selected. He is the incumbent and he is in form...HOWEVER (and this is a big however), he needs some caveats attached to his selection. If I were Laurie, I would say: Mitch, you have to meet these following criteria, or you're out at the end of the series: 1. Improve your kicking game. Set some sort of KPI so Pearce can measure the success of his contribution. 70% of kicks find open space, 0% of kicks find Slater on the full, 60% of kicks within the attacking 20 should force a repeat set. Add measures and let the numbers decide whether he is successful. We all have to live up to measures in our jobs - whether we're a copy boy or a CEO. He should have to live up to a certain standard as well. 2. Promote the game. Front up to the media and change perceptions. The public think that you're an entitled snot who gets around on your surname. Show them it means something to you. 3. Be a leader. Even if the Blues are down on the scoreboard, don't you dare go missing. Keep talking, keep motivating. It's not over til the hooter goes. If he fails on any of the agreed terms, he's out at the end of the series...because Adam Reynolds will be waiting on the bench ready for his shot next year.
Sideline Commentator
Guest
I'll also be interested to see the back line. Centres seem set with Jennings and .J. Morris. One winger will be Hayne you'd think but with this injury to B. Morris the other spot might be up for grabs. People might say Merrit but I think Uate is the better option. Merrit is not really any better a defender than 'Arku' and he has the experience. He also scares Thurston, god bless him he just runs full pelt into him every time. He must think 'gap' is Thurston's nick name, 'cause he hits it hard. Fullback also interesting. Stewart has hurt his hip too which makes it even more so. If he was fit I'd put Stewart in but if not it opens up a bit. Some say push back Hayne and get another Winger (Merrit). Others might say Mini but he's old, though he is in a winning team. I just don't know.
Charles NSW
Guest
There is merit in what you are saying. Carney was not brilliant last time but he can be capable and deserves another chance. The answer for NSW is to have Giddley in as halve and swap him with Reynolds during the match. Giddley can then give Farrah a spell as hooker. This allows flexibility and helps to groom Reynolds for the future.
MMADoggzofwar
Roar Rookie
*aware reynolds plays for Souths but am a fan of his play, just wanted to mention the doggz..LoL
MMADoggzofwar
Roar Rookie
bang on superstar, unless we can solve the mystery of the NSW halves, we will never get a look in, no matter how hard the cap Gallen and his forwards go, if we cant convert the hardwork into points and continue to kick aimlessly with predictable set pieces we will be enduring another year of frustration and earbashing from QSLD. Being a doggz fan would love to see Reynolds get a shot but still feel he is one year away from the SOO bigtime, he's got it, just dont want the selectors to throw him i for the sake of "no other options" thought thru...
Daniel Szabo
Roar Guru
I implore the selectors, STICK WITH CARNEY! It is a ridiculous double standard that Pearce with his terrible Origin record is immune from getting dropped (especially when there is a better option in Adam Reynolds), yet Carney, despite not being out of form at club or Origin level is in severe danger of losing his spot to a "flash in the pan" like Maloney. Carney is a former Dally M winner. He is the only half or five eighth from South of the Tweed who is even close to Thurston and Cronk. Carney is the real deal. Maloney on the other hand is being made to look good by playing behind a dominant forward pack. Except for maybe goal kicking, there is nothing he can do that Carney can't do better.
MMADoggzofwar
Roar Rookie
Fully understand Lozza would go to bat for Pearce because well, lets look at it, we have NO ONE positionally ready to go in the halves. Bang on with Pearce being reliant on No9 and and No6 to make him look at least "carriable" but thats why we get done, guys having to carry other positions. Do QSLD carry ANYONE? every position right down to Mr seagull Darius "How did I get into this side cos I am mud" Boyd dont "carry anyone, they are covered whereas we have been trying to compensate for lacking in key positions