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I saw a display last weekend that made me think the NSW Origin team I picked on The Roar was not as good as it could be.
Blake Ferguson, the Canberra Raiders’ man-of-the-moment, was an absolute sensation against Newcastle and looks to be well on the way to winning his first Blues jumper.
Your trusty correspondent picked Ferguson on the wing but I was wrong – centre is the position for this tearaway and I’m more than happy to bump Josh Morris out to the wing to accommodate him.
This guy is playing astonishing football and when he gets the nod from Laurie Daley and Co on Sunday week, I reckon there will be plenty of nervous Nellies north of the border.
He is on a roll in all facets of the game. Try-scoring has never been a problem for him but with his confidence soaring, Blake could probably find it blind-folded, even in the high pressure atmosphere that is State of Origin.
His defence has been first class and he is even adept in the goal-kicking department which makes him a more serious Origin contender.
Obviously, I am excited at the way Ferguson is playing and yes, there is every chance he can be the Blues’ answer to Greg Inglis.
That is a huge statement but when you are in the sort of form Ferguson is enjoying, there isn’t a hurdle he cannot clear, no challenge too great. He’s on fire and if picked, I’m not sure the Maroons will find a way to put him out.
Josh Morris, who plays strictly at centre these days, has all of the attributes and skills to handle a wing spot and I would have no qualms about shifting him there in place of Ferguson.
Everywhere I go, I hear plenty of debate over who will be picked to play five-eighth for NSW with four major candidates putting their hands up – Todd Carney, James Maloney, Josh Reynolds and John Sutton.
All have staked impressive claims for the No 6 jumper but for mine, Carney should be a shoe-in for the gig.
After some injury problems, he is roaring back to his representative form and with the experience and confidence gained from last year’s series, I think he’s the guy the Blues should (and will) pick.
The other point I thought I’d raise in today’s column is about Queensland’s team.
Are the Maroons’ main men at the top of their game as we get right down to selection time?
Inglis, of course, is in career best form but does anyone think that Thurston, Slater, Smith and Scott are ripping and tearing in the NRL competition?
There must be some concerns north of the border as by this time every year, the Blues are wondering how they are going to dim their brilliance over the three game Origin series.
I am not saying they won’t hit top gear when it matters most – I’m not that brave – but there are a few question marks hanging over them as I write this column.
This weekend’s games featuring the Broncos, Cowboys, Storm and the Titans should be watched very closely.
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