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Around 6,367 players are currently in contention to play for NSW in State of Origin one, but unfortunately for coach Laurie Daley, he must whittle that number down to a more manageable 17 or 18 on Sunday.
Just about anyone who turns in a good game now and has decided to pick New South Wales over Queensland (where you were born or grew up, or played the majority of football doesn’t count remember) is being touted as an Origin possibility.
Even Josh Dugan, one game back from the brink of NRL extinction, put his hand up after, admittedly, carving Parramatta up on debut for the Dragons on Saturday night in Wollongong.
While the volume of ‘hopefuls’ has reached slightly comical proportions, it does show Daley has a pool of players capable of ending the Maroons’ stranglehold on the annual interstate series of dislike.
However, he is unable to pick even half of those mentioned, unless they decide to name the largest extended squad in State of Origin history.
The backline, surely, must now be settled.
Jarryd Hayne, who’ll be moved to fullback due to an injury to Brett Stewart, has shown he isn’t just an enigmatic spark. Eels coach Ricky Stuart has turned him into a try-saving machine with the number one on his back.
Nathan Merritt, even though he missed a tackle that led to a try to Marika Koroibete against the Wests Tigers on Friday night (yes, they did score), has enough credit in the bank to get a spot on one wing.
Blake Ferguson scored another try at the weekend, this time using brute strength, and has finally got back on the path to fulfilling his potential. The Canberra flyer will be on the other wing.
The centres, Michael Jennings and Josh Morris, were never challenged and would’ve been scribbled on the team sheet in permanent marker a long time ago.
Todd Carney should play five-eighth.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said he thought the playmaker was playing better now than when he made his Origin debut 12 months ago. Yes, he’s duty bound to laud his star, but Carney was red-hot against the Raiders on Sunday and, being the incumbent, deserves another crack.
Was there even another challenger for the halfback role?
Daley took a risk by declaring at the start of the season Mitchell Pearce would be his number seven. Pearce, to his credit, dealt with the pressure and has looked dangerous running the ball.
The only dilemma is what happens if Pearce gets injured?
Daley has been forthright in his belief the perceived heir to the throne, Adam Reynolds, isn’t ready for State of Origin just yet.
So what happens if the Blues suddenly need a halfback?
Does Reynolds get thrown to the wolves he is apparently not able to handle yet or do they shift Carney to halfback and play James Maloney at five-eighth?
Of course, we’re dealing with hypotheticals here, but this is a question Daley could conceivably have to face.
The forward pack is where the mystery comes in and perhaps the only part of the side that allows for widespread contender cheerleading.
Just where Daley decides to play Paul Gallen will have a flow on effect to the chances of several others.
If Gallen is picked at lock that means the Blues need another prop with Tim Mannah, Aaron Woods and Tim Grant all trying to join James Tamou and Robbie Farah in the front row.
Alternatively if Gallen is picked as a front-rower, it opens the door for one of the seemingly dozens of back rowers the Blues have at their disposal this year.
Regardless, Gallen, Glenn Stewart, Greg Bird, Anthony Watmough, Luke Lewis, Tamou and Farah will all be picked, leaving three positions to be filled.
The only problem is there are eight contenders: Trent Merrin, Aaron Woods, Tim Mannah, Tim Grant, Willie Mason, Andrew Fifita, Tariq Sims and Ryan Hoffman.
I’d take Merrin, Woods and Mannah, but it’s my understanding Mason is almost a lock.
So who misses out to allow for his experience?
My New South Wales 17 for game one:
1. Jarryd Hayne 2. Nathan Merritt 3. Josh Morris 4. Michael Jennings 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Todd Carney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. James Tamou 9. Robbie Farah 10. Tim Mannah 11. Glenn Stewart 12. Greg Bird 13. Paul Gallen 14. Anthony Watmough 15. Luke Lewis 16. Trent Merrin 17. Aaron Woods
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