Though the NSW Blues selectors have chosen a strong team for Origin I, there were a number of players that can consider themselves unlucky not to have heard their name called out during yesterday’s press conference.
Highlighting the improved depth in the state, the following talented players were left out, and though they would be feeling disappointed today, they would also be hoping they may get their chance in game two at Suncorp Stadium.
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Nathan Merritt
The Souths flyer still awaits his chance on the wing after a number of seasons of being one of the leading try scorers in the NRL. His defence has been called into question, and the Blues hierarchy may have been concerned the Maroons would target him.
Though if NSW struggles to score points in the first encounter, Merritt’s ability to find the tryline may see him come back into consideration.
Todd Carney
Though he started the season slowly, and had some injury concerns, he’s returned to his best over the last four weeks of football. As such, it was shock the incumbent wasn’t given another shot at taking on the Maroons.
A fantastic talent with lots of skill, he could have been the man to get the NSW backline firing, along with threatening the line himself to keep the Maroons guessing. James Maloney will need to play well to justify not picking Carney.
Josh Reynolds
His lack of elite level creativity means he was always at long odds to be picked once Mitchell Pearce was confirmed at halfback. That would have made for a halves pairing that scares no one in attack.
However, if the Blues did/do go with a creative halfback – like the guy next on the list – that would make Reynolds’ toughness an appealing selection in the cauldron of Origin football.
Adam Reynolds
Mitchell Pearce was anointed the Blues halfback by coach Laurie Daley before the season had started, so it was with zero surprise Reynolds wasn’t selected yesterday.
But considering his form and the Rabbitohs position on the ladder, it’s hard not to feel as if Reynolds possibly should have been given the Blues number seven jersey.
Should Pearce fail in Origin I, Reynolds name should strongly come into calculations with the NSW selectors.
John Sutton
If you want to select in-form players with a touch of x-factor, who also have the size and strength to worry the Maroons, Sutton must surely be in the frame.
The knock on the five-eighth is he can be hot and cold, but he’s been much more the former than the latter this year. His selection would have been a gamble, but after seven series losses in a row, perhaps the Blues should have rolled the dice?
Glenn Stewart
Stewart ability to play as an extra ball player, along with someone who relishes in targeting opposition halves, would have been a real asset for NSW.
His unique skill-set makes him a valuable weapon, but he ruled himself out through injury.
Brett Stewart
Like his brother and Manly teammate, was ruled out with injury.
Willie Mason
The campaign for Big Willie to be selected gained serious momentum over the last few rounds. Apart from the obvious fact Mason brings plenty of experience to the table, he’s also in very good form.
Yet above all, he brings a certain element of aggression, passion and hatred for Queensland. I would have picked him in Kurt Gidley’s bench spot.
Tariq Sims
Sims is overdue for NSW selection. He’s been mentioned in Origin circles for some time, but inopportune injuries have usually ruined his prospects of earning the sky blue jersey.
Tough, skilful, and with the ability to bend the line, Sims would have loved the opportunity to smash some Maroons, especially his North Queensland teammates.
Aaron Woods
The 22 year old prop was 18th man for the Blues last year. Though his club is struggling, Woods has been one of the rare shining lights for the Wests Tigers.
He wouldn’t have been asked to do anything flashy, just simply the traditional frontrower’s job: plenty of hit-ups, plenty of tackles. Must have been very close to selection.
Tim Grant
Grant’s first taste of Origin football saw him put Queensland legend Petero Civoniceva on his backside. It must have been quite a highlight for man who was recently quoted as saying he hates Queensland. Needless to say, that sort of passion would have been a handy asset for the Blues.
Though no one should underestimate his talent either, for he is a fine ball carrying forward too.
Tim Mannah
Though his club has suffered some heavy defeats this year, it would be hard to pin much blame on Mannah, whose last hit-up is always as strong as his first.
Probably a little down the pecking order at present, but his experience means he would have been in the selection discussions.
Jamal Idris
Though he played well yesterday, the big man’s name would have been a fair way behind Josh Morris and Michael Jennings in the reckoning for a spot in the centres.
Phil
Guest
Mate who cares- in my opinion they are doing us a favour. Lets win the comp then worry about the rest
tee
Guest
this side of players he has hasnt picked inc lyon wld beat current side 1. dugan 2. merritt 3. lyon 4. idris 5. wighton 6. carney 7. a kelly 8. weyman 9. campese 10. t grant 11. w graham 12. g stewart 13. sutton 14. t-rex 15. mateo 16. mason 17. cordner coach: t barrett
tee
Guest
what joke of a side loz's, no question this shld be it! must team picked on best form, no farah.. pearce at hooker makes sense with cover off bench 1 Dugan 2 Hayne 3 Fergo 4 Idris 5 Merritt 6 Sutton 7 Carney 8 Fifita 9 Pearce 10 Tamou 11 W Graham 12 Watmough 13 Bird 14 Mateo 15 Merrin 16 Mason 17 Campese 18 A Kelly
Sau11e
Guest
All I can say is I love reading this team list as a Queenslander especially with the halves that have been selected. 8 Straight
roosterman
Guest
I have no doubt in my mind that we were rorted by the scumbag refs last year, the try to ingles in game one and hodges obstruction in game 3, I don't care what anyone says Pearce deserves his spot, he has been in great form with Maloney at the roosters so there's no doubt in my mind that the blues will do something this year, we have great forwards , fifita on the bench and overall a great team with many X factors, it will be a huge test but we have nothing to lose and like the team or not everyone should get behind them whole heartedly because 2013 is our year!
Jonah Anthony
Roar Rookie
I just think Souths work as a team. I can't say any of them, besides Inglis, are really must-picks for Origin.
Sau11e
Guest
Spoken like a true roosters fan, Pearce always seems to go hiding during the crucial moments of origin. They have picked Maloney to keep Pearce calm, wasting 2 spots in my opinion, why not pick 2 decent players and let them grow together.
roosterman
Guest
i'm really sick of people bagging pearce, he has time and time again had to defend against sam thaiday and done a good job, we lost last year's series by 1 point so to blame everything on him is rubbish. i believe they should of kept carney in there but maloney has been in great form and deserves it and probably should of been there last year before the warriors slump. we lose a few series and instead of supporting our team with everything we got we decide to bag out the team, we are getting closer and 2013 could be the year we take down the queensland scum
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
I'm sick of people saying this player should've been picked or this player shouldn't have been picked. That's the team so suck it up. People are saying "Maybe they should look outside the box." In case you've been living under a rock for the past 7 years, our problem has been constantly changing the team. Our most experienced player is Hayne with 16 Origins (17 when he plays). We have used more than double the players that Queensland has with something like 10 different halves combinations. Pearce should've been picked and was. I was umming and ahhing about Carney. Yes he's great when he's in form but he's terrible out of it and in every Origin game last season he went missing when he was needed. He was also terrible with his kicking. Maloney has been going great at the Roosters and let's not forget that at the Warriors he kicked something like 25 straight goals. Against a team like Queensland who boast sharp shooters Johnathan Thurston and Cameron Smith, an accurate goal kicker is needed. Carney just didn't cut it. New South Welshmen support your team and stop whinging about it.
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
Won the Brad Fittler medal back in 09 and is probably NSW's most dangerous attacking weapon. People expect him to play like he did in 09 but that was a once in a life time run of form that won't be repeated.
edwardkelly
Guest
Bugger all this indigenous stuff; Bird and Ferguson deserve to be there and so did Anthony Mundine at another time.
Max Ayers
Guest
Now Kurt Gidley is gone for game 1 selectors and coach must replace Gidley with another utility player who is a very good ball player. I believe Feleti Mataeo is an ideal candidate.
nswlivinginqld
Guest
Not being rude but, grant instead of Gidley... Really. Yes, Gidley's getting old and he's not as good as he once was, but he brings a lot of experience to the team. He is without a doubt the best all-rounder in the game, take this weekend for an example he played Hooker, Took on Uate's wing spot when he went off, then took over Boyd's spot as Fullback, and spent the whole game doing Princesses (MULLEN) job for him. Yeah, they still lost but with 2 key players out who wouldn't, but Gidley would be the last person to blame. Not only Experience, and being an All-Rounder but also Support Play. There's been many times where the ball carrier has just popped the ball out the back hoping that someone was there, and 9 times out of 10 Gidley's there which is more than I can say for half the selectors picks. Plus on top of all that.... He has a Cool move named after him "The Gidley Flick". Get up Gidley!!!! Get up The Knights!!!!!!! And GET UP THE MIGHTY BLUES!!!!!!!!!!!!
ori blues
Guest
my team...j.dugan,j.toufua,j.idris,j.morris,j.hayne,t.carney,a.reyonlds,t.grant,r.farra,j.tamou,c.bird,l.t.sims,p.gallen,l.lewis,r.hoffman,a.fifita,w.mason 18th j.sutton, 19th a.woods.
Clem
Guest
Glad Souths players got shafted it means we can build our points over the coming weeks...
Clem
Guest
If the refs are with Souths what was that penalty count against the sharks ???? Can't seem to recall? NSW will get what we deserve and while we continue to pick mates before form we will keep coming second... Or if your from the insular peninsula first loser....
Clem
Guest
And Sutton what ailment does the insular peninsula prescribe for Sutton????
Clem
Guest
What combination are you talking about... Smashed the eagles at Brookvale that's all I remember... With ease and as usual all Manly could do was whinge about Inglis running style. I can see the problem with Merritt you're right he hogs the ball and scores too many tries... After all the team that scores the most points doesn't win origin do they?
fishes
Guest
perfectly said and I'm a NSW fan
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Yes well, you've got me there! Pearce is the massive elephant in the room!