Selecting my Blues team for the coming Origin series

Yes, this is another article about the NSW team and how we shouldn’t have this person and we should have that person.

But hey, regardless of who you want to be in the team, you have to admit that, less than one week out from the team being named, this is your favourite time of year.

My team:

1. Hayne – Unfortunately Stewart is injured, but Jarryd Hayne has proven worthy of taking his spot. His tackle on Josh Dugan one the weekend was superb, and even in a struggling team he is a shinning light

Other contenders: Gordon, Dugan

2. B. Morris – One of the games fastest players, I chose him over Merritt because he can do more than just finish. He is a good ball runner, can tackle well and makes pleanty of line-breaks.

Other contenders: Uate, Merritt, Taufua

3. Jennings – Plenty of skills and speed to burn, he has been in awesome form at the Roosters. Picks himself.

Other contenders: Idris, Ferguson

4. Josh Morris – Hasn’t scored a try all year but the way he played Origin last year means you cant leave him out. Strong defender and contained Inglis well in last years series. He may be in a struggling team, but just like his brother he will shine in Origin.

Other contenders: Idris, Ferguson

5. Ferguson – An origin bolter. Wasn’t even considered last year and now he is one of the in form outside backs in the comp. Beats Uate in defence and ability under the high ball. Measures around 195cm and 103kg. Big, fast man.

Other contenders: Uate, Merritt, Taufua

6. Maloney – He’s in great form again this year and has the ability to create something from nothing. Maloney’s a great hole runner and try scorer,and has possessing great vision and fantastic in-play kicking and goal-kicking.

Other contenders: J. Reynolds, Sutton

7. Carney – Just because you play five-eighth for your club doesn’t mean you cant play halfback in Origin. Carney now has the experience at Origin level and should have a great series if he’s selected. He just edges out Pearce who I was completely against at the start of the year but has improved hugely.

Other contenders: Pearce, A. Reynolds

8. Woods – Incredible workhorse. He can play up to 60 minutes which is great for a prop. I’m letting him start because he isn’t really an impact player, more of a hard-worker. Will definitely step up for Origin.

Other contenders: Mason, Fifita, Grant

9. Farah – Do I really need an explanation? 64 tackles and Brad Fittler medallist in 2012. Second in the league for tackles made and in line-break assists.

Other contenders: Ennis, Peats (not really contenders)

10. Tamou – Hard-running but agile monster. He has the ability to spin out of tackles and create second phase play. A certainty.

Other contenders: Mason, Fifita, Grant

11. Watmough – Great speed and tackling ability. He always plays hard and damages the other team’s defence. Can break tackles well.

Other contenders: Stewart, Hoffman

12. Bird – Aggressive, strong and a damaging edge runner with plenty of skill. A fantastic worker who can also play a five-eighth if need be.

Other contenders: Stewart, Hoffman

13. Gallen (c) – He plays his heart out every game. A great leader and born for Origin.

Other contenders: Stewart, Fensom

14. Lewis – An Origin veteran who has the ability to make a huge impact and cause havoc for the Queenslanders from about the 50th minute when he comes on. He can also play in the outside backs if need be.

15. Williams – Yes I know, but after a poor start to the season T-Rex is starting to improve hugely. He now actually runs onto the ball and tackles more than he did at Manly. He also has a great ability to draw in four defenders at a time to create room for the attack.

And if you were a Queensland player would you want him running at you? Just edges out Tariq Sims because Sims has the fifth most missed tackles this season

16. Merrin – Tops the league in offloads and is an outstanding workhorse who can play in both the front and back row. Hard to put down as he is so stocky and fast. Picks himself.

17. Fifita – He may be an unusual choice, but this giant can score crucial close-to-the-line tries. So when our halves can’t crack Queensland close to the line, he can just barge over. Breaks plenty of tackles and makes plenty of hit-ups. Should be a great impact weapon against a tired Queensland defence.

18th man. G. Stewart – Could end up making the team with a good Round 11 game but in my view hasn’t had long enough to make a good impression.

I think Daley’s team will include Gidley, Pearce and Merritt.

I do love Gids as a player but we don’t need a utility as Bird and Lewis can play in the backs and Farah can play 80 minutes.

What do you think Roarers?