With their 54th halves combination now looking set in quicksand, a lot of the Origin debate has now switched to who will line-up on the NSW wings.
And a bloody good thing too.
For you see, while wingers may traditionally have a reputation for purely being finishers and blokes who hang around with football players, a bad one can really blow your state’s Origin dreams apart quicker than any Andrew Johns-led bonding session.
And boy, haven’t NSW had some doozies!
While I don’t want to point the finger of blame squarely at the ‘Paul Stringers’ for the Blues recent run of outs, they certainly haven’t helped an awful lot have they?
For a few years there it seemed as if the only pre-requisite to getting a start was a good marketing angle (funny facial hair, born somewhere weird etc), being able to take repeated Greg Inglis palms to the face and making Darius Boyd look like the next Immortal.
Perhaps however it’s something about the blue jersey, as even famous players like the usually unstoppable Rod Wishart have been mowed down by front-rowers when donning the obviously cursed jersey.
And let’s not even start talking about the man from the Moree Boomerangs…
Compare this with Queensland’s history; where a player like Brent Tate grows an extra six inches (four of those on his chin) for Origin and Adam Mogg is given the keys to the city post-match. Something is amiss.
This makes you think, if you’re Nathan Merritt, do you really want to make the NSW side and join this Blues Wingers Hall of Shame?
The Nathan Merritt story is a heart-warming tale.
A man who in 2002 made his debut in a South Sydney side that ranks up there with some of the most appalling in professional rugby league history, and from whom he is the only name most fans can say without giggling.
Then on to the bright lights of Henson park, where he plied his trade for the mighty Jets in front of a crowd of 8,972 week in, week out.
Then back to Souths, who still sucked, but where he somehow managed to score 22 tries in the 2006 season.
Representative honours followed via the Prime Ministers XIII and Indigenous All Stars. A premiership is finally within his sights.
But what’s this? The Johnny-come-lately Blues look like they’re about to swoop in and sully Merritt’s remarkable journey by plonking him on the wing three years after they should have as a fetid little footnote in the great one’s biography.
It’s deplorable, it really is, and if Merritt has any sense regarding his future legacy he would put to good use his blistering pace and evasive skills to avoid Laurie Daley like the ASADA line of questioning.
Sure this might not ethically seem like the right thing to do, after all NSW could use a try or two, but Merritt has a legacy to uphold and needs to look out for number one.
And, after all, it’s not like the Blues don’t have the depth to pick someone else’s career to ruin anyway. Just look at Kevin Gordon’s funny haircut for example…
Bearfax
Guest
I must be watching another Merritt there Kellett. I agree I cant understand the downer on Merritt who I have considered one of the best wingers in the comp for years and one of the safest and cleverest. Sorry Silvertail, but I'm a Manly supporter as well but have a much higher regard for Merritt and early on wished Manly had grabbed him. Perhaps he should identify himself as a Queenslander...then he'll get a rightful opportunity.
Dakey
Guest
Jennings has to play centre. Cooper NO CHANCE FOR ORIGIN. Too old. Ferguson maybe. I think he would have the passion for origin. He has the size, skill and speed.
Dakey
Guest
Merritt for wing is a great idea. Hayne has never played we'll on the wing. He is not a winger and does not have the experience or brains to defend there, he has made several critical mistakes if you watch the Origins when he played there. Merritt is solid in defence and in attack and always seems to find the line. Hayne is far too hot and cold in Origin and also throughout the year with the Eels. He has struggled to lead a team that is looking for someone to step up AND lead the way. Ferguson would be just as good on the wing but Merritt has earned it over countless years of good form, not just a one year of having a good start to the season. He holds form all year round if you notice. Just so you all know, Travis & Reese Robinson are Merrits 1st cousins and grew up playing in Redfern. I would still pick Nathan Merritt because as mentioned before, he has kept form for years, not just 1 season. Seriously, if Steve Turner can get picked, I don't know why, then Merritt can definately do better. If Hayne isn't picked at fullback then he wouldn't be in there for my team. Uate cannot defend or take a high ball, Stewart could not defend at wing while up in the line against Inglis or Hodges also. Fullback for him or nothing. If you do recall over the last 2 years Hayne has tried a bash & barge over Thurston and has lost the ball during crucial moments of the game. this has happened several times, feel free to watch them too. He is a good player but a fullback only. They picked Uate last year and he let in more tries than he scored, because he can't defend. Great attacker but very limited in defensive ability and decision making. Merritt can tackle at least and is very good under the high ball. You could name a few other wingers but none with the safety he has in defence and the attacking prowess and try scoring knack and ability he has.
WoobliesFan
Guest
"You mess with Queensland you mess with our whole family. We’re commin to get ya." Classic Inglis, Cam, Slater, Cronk, Thurston, Thaiday.....you can't beat this..... The NSW Hamster wheel continues......God how we love to hate Daley....nearly as much as Sticky......classic move picking former-origin players us QLDers love to hate 8 in a row coming up
Worlds biggest
Guest
Nice one Chris ! If Merritt isn't selected it will be farce. He deserves a run in Game 1.
Why would you watch Cricket?
Guest
haha NSW selectors will never forget the Tallis tackle on Hodgson. And they will never select a Winger who weighs less than 90kg because of that 1 Tackle.... EVER!! Talk about leaving a legacy....... Good Job Gordie!! hehehe
Mango Jack
Guest
But did you tell him they don't have hair dryers in the change rooms anymore?
Cameron
Roar Guru
He could not handle criticism at all. Just because a few people shared their opinions doesn't mean you just give in. with not being able to handle the criticism that's a form of not dealing with the expectation and the pressure that comes with it.
Cameron
Roar Guru
That's all a part of playing professional football. I bet you Canberra would much rather have him before and after then never at all.
James
Guest
@silver tail, I reckon he's got more to offer than McManus or Turner who have both played before him. He's earned his shot a long time ago
Bearfax
Guest
Should have been in the state side long ago. How they consistently overlooked him when he is such a clever try scorer and prolific at that, is beyond me. I know as a Manly supporter, I would love to have him in our team. He's clever, unpredictable and fast. The State sides have tended to go for the bigger wingers thinking they can steam roll Queensland. It hasnt worked. A bit more speed and cleverness is needed as an X factor and I believe Merrit has it. Have admired this kid since he first came into first grade and think he's international class.
Bob Mondo
Guest
Merritt deserves to be engaged as blues winger this season..Hope his inclusión will boost blues backline..
oikee
Guest
I agree, and Merrit was born in the wrong state. He would have his name on the Brisvegas Suncorp walk of fame if he was a Queensland born and Bred. Having said that, no matter now what happens, Queensland are fired up to take out this bunch of green jolly misfits and daley embarressments and teach them a lesson, on their own soil, in front of nearly 100 thousand fans and millions tens of millions watxching on TV hear and around the world. You mess with Queensland you mess with our whole family. We're commin to get ya. Like Genghis Khan and Laurence of Arabia, no prisoners, take no prisoners. Daley is meat for the beast, his carcass will be left for the souviner scavengers with little to cheer for after the Mighty Maroons sweep all before them and take the last ounce of pride left, in this league wasteland. Only then will this city of latte sippers and mardi-grass performers rise, and wake from a coma, a dark place that is visted by moths and squirrels and nomads without a city to call their own. P>S,,,,, if by some unseen chance or fluik the blues win, then you will be subjected to the most ungodly pain you have ever felt come 2014 in Brisbane when we have 2 home games to inflick the most horrendous pain on this team of wannabees and misfits, the world has ever seen, because they all will be watching. . Cheers, good luck. hehe.
maximillian
Guest
you really must be a maroon supporter with those selections. Why change Hayne to fullback when he has won man of the match awards & been a star for NSW on the wing? B Stewart should be available for game 2 so then you would have to move Hayne from fullback to the wing, meaning you would have a different left side combination for games 1 & 2?? Thats a recipe for disaster when you consider they will be up against Hodges/Tate who have played together alot. Its better to build on the Hayne/Jennings combination that the blues built last year instead of chopping & changing positions throughout the series.
Chris Chard
Expert
Hi Blake Unfortunately as a citizen of the Gold Coast trips to Henson are not on my agenda...however I do own a copy of 'The Final Winter' and a bit of Jets paraphernalia if that gives me more cred! Cheers Mate CC
JezRu
Roar Pro
Agree maxi R. Robinson certainly looks the goods and IMO could be a star for the blues.
Clark
Guest
Unfrtuantely it looks like Merritt will be one of the best players not to play State of Origin, along wit Alan Tongue in my opinion. But at the moment you have alot of wingers whoare contenders. By the looks of things if Stewart and B Morris are out then it would make sense to shift Hayne to fullback and possibly give Reece Robinson (who is i great form) a go, or even Blake Ferguson. I mean he has had his worries off the pitch but has the energy and skillset capable of challenging the Maroons. One name (off top) I hope gets nowhere near the blues side is John Sutton, it's easy to look good when you are in the same team as Greg Inglis and having a massive forward pack at your disposal, but I'm sorry, he will still remain the most over rated player going around.
itsuckstobeyou
Roar Pro
Just got off the phone with ET and he's available for origin one. He's also available for hen's parties and discreet liaisons if any ladies are reading this.
BlakeW
Guest
Chris, good to see the 8972 crowd figure getting a run. Are you a regular at Henson Park?
Silvertail
Guest
Nothing to do with handling pressure bud , you don't achive GF victories and a constant semi appearances without handling pressure, it's the lack of respect shown towards him when he didn't live up to expectations on one particular day, after the criticism he copped I'm not surprised he's given the middle finger salute to rep footy, say what you like about the bloke but how about alittle accuracy !