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The 2013 NSW State of Origin team has been announced by coach Laurie Daley, and the NSW selectors have pulled few surprises in the announcement of the Blues squad for State of Origin game one.
Daley has been quite vocal, upfront and honest with the media about his favoured team, so the 17 man squad officially announced at 5.15pm today – but leaked yesterday – contained no real shocks, but there was one or two unexpected additions.
A glance at the names in the squad clearly indicates that the team has been picked on form, always a solid selection strategy, but not necessarily one that NSW have traditionally utilised.
The team is:
Jarryd Hayne
Hayne gets his chance at fullback due to Brett Stewart’s injury. No one questions Hayne’s talent, and regardless of his club form he always plays well in Origin, but he’ll need to be at his best defensively, especially with his positioning, because the Queenslander attack, led by Thurston, Smith and Cronk, are experts at punishing defenders that are out of position, either via deft kicks, or astute passing.
Brett Morris
It’s a bit of a gamble selecting Morris due to his injury concerns, but he had some credits in the bank after last year’s series, and his exciting mix of size and strength is always a seduction for a selectors. I’m sure the NSW physios will put him through his paces, because there is nowhere to hide in Origin, and if Morris is less than 100% fit, the Maroons will exploit it.
Michael Jennings
Settled and happy at the Roosters, the dynamic centre is in scintillating form and would have been close to an automatic selection. A dangerous attacking player who has a knack of scoring tries, he’ll be hoping the Blues halves can provide him with plenty of opportunities, or at the very least, plenty of ball so he can create his own.
Josh Morris
He was one of the Blues best in last year’s series and his form for the Bulldogs this year – despite a try drought – has earned him the right to have another shot at the Maroons. Strong, extremely fast and always willing to get his hands dirty, he will be a key player for the Blues in attack, but it’s his defense which may have the biggest impact on the game.
Blake Ferguson
Ferguson’s blockbusting form for Canberra, along with injuries to the NSW backline, will see the Raider make his Origin debut on the wing for the Blues. Big, strong and in-form, if he can contain his nerves, he could be an x-factor for the Blues.
James Maloney
It’s not exactly a shock that Maloney earned the number 6 jersey, considering he’s the form five-eight in the competition, but I sensed that Daley was going to stay loyal to the incumbent, Todd Carney, who has also been back to his best over the last four rounds. However, it seems Maloney’s play, along with his existing partnership with Pearce, plus his goal-kicking, got him the nod. He’s a confident little player, so he probably won’t be over-awed, but the Maroons will run their big forwards at him in the hope of neutralising his attacking prowess.
Mitchell Pearce
The much-maligned halfback gets another shot at Origin level. In solid rather than spectacular form for the Roosters, he’ll be relied upon to lead the team around the park. His tactical kicking at this level has been poor, and the Blues coaching staff will hope that area of his game shows marked improvement. Though consistently solid in defence, if is his attacking game is sub-par once again, you’d have to think it would be his shout at the Last Drinks Saloon.
Greg Bird
I say it every year, and it only contains more truth with every passing season, but this guy is made for Origin. Rough, tough, talented and mean, he’ll do anything for a NSW win, though his reputation for niggle shouldn’t overshadow the fact that he a very talented footballer.
Luke Lewis
Lewis’ position was never in doubt, though I assumed he may have come off the bench. Very experienced at this level of football, in great form, and capable of playing a few different roles, Lewis is capable of affecting the game in a myriad of ways, providing the Blues with a flexibility that could prove crucial, depending on the game scenario.
Ryan Hoffman
An unsung hero for the superstar-laden Melbourne Storm, Hoffman is an old school second-rower who can run out wide and tackle all day. Though he lacks the x-factor of some of his forward pack teammates, his abilities of consistency and reliability are something the team can count on. Bottom line, he won’t let anyone down, and will give his all. Clichés? No, just simply what Origin is all about.
James Tamou
Big, strong and athletic, Tamou is a real handful, and the prototype of the modern day rugby league front-rower. Gone are the plodding props playing 30 minutes of game time. In their place are specimens like Tamou who is relatively quick for his size, and can do a lot more than straight running hit-ups. He’ll be counted upon to make his presence felt early and often, and ensure Queensland ‘feel him’ in attack and defence.
Robbie Farah
Though the Wests Tigers are anchored to the bottom of the NRL ladder, Farah would have been one of the first players picked for the Blues, such was his performance in last year’s series. With his toughness often questioned in the past, Farah’s record 63 tackles in Origin I last year – without missing one – along with the fact he played knowing his mother was gravely ill, ensures that Farah’s toughness won’t ever be questioned again. A key player for the Blues again this series.
Paul Gallen (c)
The heart and soul of the NSW team, the skipper will once again lead from the front – literally – with passion, tireless energy and utmost commitment. He’ll play 80 minutes, he’ll give everything in attack and defence, and he’ll be absolutely brilliant. Again.
Interchange:
Kurt Gidley
I’m not utterly convinced that NSW needed a utility player, considering Farah can quite comfortably play 80 minutes, there is a plethora of backrowers, and you would hope most of your backline can as well. Nevertheless, Gidley is a class player with plenty of skill, and Queensland will need to factor in his fresh legs entering the game at some point.
Anthony Watmough
I could almost write ‘see Greg Bird’. Though he lacks his Bird’s ability with the ball, he mirrors his intensity, passion and toughness. Watmough is the kind of player every fan hates; until he’s on their team. And then they love him. He’ll be snorting and scratching like a caged lion on the bench, desperate to get on the field and smash some Maroons.
Andrew Fifita
In rampaging form for the Cronulla Sharks, Fifita has played his way into a NSW Blues jersey. Able to play in the front or second row, Fifita is a valuable asset off the bench, and his barnstorming runs against tired Queensland forwards will be something Maroons the hierarchy will be very concerned about. Incidentally, would Wests Tigers fans prefer Adam Blair or Andrew Fifita? Ouch…
Trent Merrin
Like many of his colleagues, Merrin’s selection is a reward for good form, and I certainly can’t argue with that selection policy. Quite simply, Merrin made it impossible for the selectors to ignore him. Though he has played Origin before, he’s never really stamped his authority on a game, and will be looking to prove to everyone – himself included – that he belongs at this level.