It seems like every Josh, Willie and Blake has a chance at making the NSW origin team for game one and frankly I’m sick of it.
As much as I love seeing the Blues selectors squirm at the thought of trying to stop the Queensland juggernaut, I also enjoyed the tightness of last year’s series.
But with half the team still yet to be ‘chosen’ due to injuries, not every good display deserves selection.
It was only three weeks ago that Laurie Daley came out and made the rookie mistake of saying 16 of his 17 man team was locked in, instantly creating bad juju and consequently dooming any of those 16 for next few rounds.
Cue Brett Stewart suffering a freak injury after the halftime siren, Brett Morris getting sat on by David Williams, Paul Gallen suffering a ‘minor’ knee injury in the opening minute of the Sharks’ match in Newcastle (funny how “he could play next week” has turned into a decent sit), Greg Bird faces some issues with the judiciary this week and Robbie Farah is coming from such a toxic, morose environment he may not be used to his teammates around him actually having some experience.
This sparked an onslaught, every performance followed with a ‘he should be in Origin contention’ and ‘the selectors could do a lot worse then picking my guy’. More focus was placed on how many guys a coach could name as potential NSW players and less on how their team actually performed.
What’s worrying is this weekend some of these ‘contenders’ had some questionable defensive efforts.
Nathan Merritt was a mere traffic cone waiting to be run over by Marika Koroibete, Jarryd Hayne was fooled very easily by a Ben Creagh step, even the ever-consistent Robbie Farah had a bad outing defensively on Friday night.
The halves continue to be speculated on. Even though Daley has said they most probably will be Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, we’ve seen Todd Carney, Terry Campese, Jarrod Mullen, Peter Wallace, Luke Walsh, Adam Reynolds, Josh Reynolds and Jamie Soward all touted as possibilities for a blue jersey.
The thing that really gets me is that Queensland themselves have some issues as well and selection issues, yet you’ve heard absolutely nothing about the fact Justin Hodges may not be able to play, there’s no winger on the other side of Darius Boyd, and the forward pack is more than open for a raft of players.
So just take a step back NSW media, coaches and fans and realise one-off performances don’t warrant a claim to a jersey.
But choose wisely and this series could be yours.
Raugeee
Guest
For QLD I would love to see Cherry Evans starting in the centres for Hodges. It would be crazy to see what he could do out there, maybe swap with Thurston on occasions. I would also love to see Barba on the bench, he could really create some damage fresh.
Chris
Guest
Love the debate and extra names thrown into the hat following the last paragraph in this story.
fishes
Guest
Fifita instead of T-Rex!
AA
Guest
The reason we do not hear about QLD is because we live in NSW.
turbodewd
Guest
Mate, I dont recall Trex doing much at last year's SofO. This year he has done near zero for the Bulldogs. Ferguson is a must. Hayne has been all over the shop this year, but is probably the best fullback we have. I just dont like his ability under the high ball - he muffed 2 vs the Titans that led to tries.
Clark
Guest
I agree completely with this artcle, does everyone not realise there is only 17 players for each team on the field, not 17,000. I don't think there will be many surprises in the blues team personally but you can be assured that if Merritt or Sutton get pick somehow, then the series is as good as over
The eye
Guest
But players as in most NRL rep teams aren't picked on form,they're picked on what they've shown in the past and/ or how the coach and his advisors deem their 'readiness'.Jenno got selected from St.Marys last year,J. Morris' form is abysmal,Tamou,Bird patchy,T Rex is playing like Adam Blair.And the criteria selection of Mitchell Pearce is an unknown mystery.So,youre right one offs won't get you in,but poor form won't necessarily get you out.
Brett the manly fan
Guest
I love this article....however I do think that we should keep the same team as last year with one or two incursion. Trex needs to there as he is a proven X factor and I have to say so does mason....he has proven himself at origin before and always plays good there. Brett stewart and Morris I am confident will be good by origin if not throw in Merritt or ferguson and move Hayne to fullback but I thnk and hope the will be ready