Kurt Gidley’s untimely foot injury opens the door for untold possibilities in Laurie Daley’s NSW team but for my money, there’s a no-brainer choice as the new bench man.
Bulldogs’ five-eighth Josh Reynolds looks to be ideally suited for the job.
He’s tough, versatile and hungry for the big stuff. I’d have no hesitation picking him for the opening Origin game and I reckon it would be a master stroke.
Sure, there are many strong candidates for the prized bench spot.
Penrith’s Tim Grant, Cronulla’s Todd Carney, Souths’ John Sutton, Newcastle’s Willie Mason and maybe even Tariq Sims from the Cowboys.
But, to my mind, Reynolds has the form required and he’s going to be an Origin player one day in the near future – why not now?
OK, before you smash me for a perceived Bulldog bias, I want you to ask yourself exactly what you would want from your bench, now that Gidley has been ruled out.
Some will plump for an extra big man and there are quite a few candidates well and truly in the running.
Others will want to see a back coming off the bench. I am definitely of that opinion.
Sutton and Carney have outstanding claims, but again I come back to the Bulldog Reynolds. He plays every game as though it’s an Origin decider. His puts his body on the line time and again whether it’s in defence or attack.
He’s the toughest young footballer on the rise and I’d even say there’s a touch of a young Laurie Daley in the way he approaches his footy.
This guy is fearless, he knows how to makes things happen and he’s rough and tough – tough as many of the forwards picked in both state teams.
Anyway, having said all of that, I am delighted with the team Daley has chosen for Origin 1. It has a terrific blend of experience and youth – I am excited at what the Blues can achieve in what is shaping as the most exciting series we have ever seen.
James Maloney, at five-eighth, was an inspired decision. The coach says it was a “gut” feeling but this guy is a very special talent who plays really, really well in big matches.
I like the way he is ultra-cool under pressure. I like him trying to manufacture something when nothing seems to be on.
I like his combination with Mitchell Pearce – the Blues will need this sort of chemistry to combat the Cronk-Thurston partnership which has been killing all challengers for three or four years.
We (sorry, I have blue blood coursing through my veins) have a serious shot at ending Queensland’s reign and if this team doesn’t shape up, I’ll be very surprised.
The Maroons’ team contained few, if any, surprises. I am pleased to say I went within a whisker of predicting their entire line-up in last week’s column on The Roar.
Queensland looks to have brilliance all over the park but I do think we have an edge in the mobility of our forwards. We might be able to create a few chances if we play them up the middle.
It’s a long wait from now until the kick-off but if you are like me, you’ll love the mind games, the cat-and-mouse tactics, the dramatic media build-up and all of the theatrics, as we set ourselves for another gripping Origin series.
I just wish my calendar said we are on the eve of June 5.
Oh well, we’ve got seven sleeps to go before the mighty Blues start retrieving The Holy Grail. This is going to be big.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
I thought Josh had some problems with his shoulder, which may be good enough for club footy, but for SoO it's probably not what you want to take onto the bench in case it gets worse.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
I think there is a smokie in play here with the so called lose of gidley and 2 replacements, Daley would be out to pull a shifty on Mal i think Loz made contact with Ocean. Nothing suss!!!
nathan reeves
Roar Rookie
arrggh turn down the volume !!!
nathan reeves
Roar Rookie
HMMM i think sutton will do a good job but please no JR please no
djcooper
Guest
If they go with Reynolds then someone might finally be able to catch up with him and fix him up.
eagleJack
Guest
Well you got your wish Steve Both J Reynolds and Sutton called into the NSW squad Im hoping they go with Sutton. Big body, in the mould of ball playing backrower. Could certainly cause some issues for a tiring Maroon defence
muzz
Guest
hahahahah!!
Wildman From Borneo
Guest
Your article is what is wrong with the NSW team! Past players picking their mates!
Sideline Commentator
Guest
I have to keep believing Jaiden, haha, I'm a Newcastle fan. But as to position, I actually think he's a good hooker and will probable move there permanently when Buderus retires. If only he wasn't made of glass.
manlyman
Guest
Sutton. Keep dreaming matey
manlyman
Guest
What a joke! Josh reynolds? Really? He has no.skill can't tackle has ONE kick (the cross field kick for perret or brown) cannot read the play and is a grub through and through. Steve turner you have no clue mate. Where was Reynolds in the.gf? Did he or Barba play? Oh wait Barba played... And got owned! Multiple times. Carney sutton Maloney on another level compared to this no frills 5/8. He was a hooker before Manly great des hasler tried to mould him in the image of foran! And he failed!
Silvertail
Guest
Not only that , why do people have to yell !!!
seven dollers worth
Guest
So true. NSW for some strange reason always pick poster boys instead of talented players. Oh well, I guess another easy win for QLD.
Mango Jack
Guest
Serious? Where did you hear that, zac? Didn't see that one coming.
Matt
Guest
My god it's hard to read things when it's all uppercase
Dee
Guest
Go The Maroons its so good to see a state picking the best of the best and always comin out on top. Unlike NSW IF YOUR THE BEST OF THE BEST HERE YOU DONT GET LOOKED AT NOTHING AGAINST ALL THE PLAYERS AS THERE GOOD PLAYERS BUT SOME OF THE POSITIONS PICKED IS NOT THE BEST OF THE BEST IF YOUR FATHER WAS A FORMER NRL PLAYER THAN YOUR IN FOR A SELECTION NO WORRIES. GO THE MIGHTY MIGHTY MAROONS TAKE IT HOME AGAIN. HOPE FERGUSSON HAS A DEADLY GAME THOUGH AS HE DESERVES IT AND HE KNOWS WHERE THE TRY LINE IS AS WELL. GOOD ON YA BRA FOR YOUR SELECTION AND FIFITA AS WELL. AND IF ONLY MERRITT WAS THERE AS WELL I,M PRETTY SURE YOUS WOULD HAVE BEEN GOIN OVER THAT TRY LINE AS THATS HIS GIFT TO SCORE TRYS BUT HE STILL DONT GET RECONIZED. BROTHER YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT YOUR NAME DOWN TO BE A MAROONS CAUSE THEY DEFINTLY SELECT THE BEST OF THE BEST AND THATS WAT U R NSW,S LEADING TRY SCORER AND THEY CANT TAKE THAT AWAY FROM YOU. KEEP YOUR HEAD UP ON A GREAT CAREER.
Zaccaaa
Guest
News just in; Beau Ryan called up by Loz to take Gidley's place :/
Jaiden Florimo
Roar Rookie
you keep on believing in Gidley the myth. He cant play any position other than fullback well. In saying that, he wouldnt tie up the laces of Slater,Inglis, Hayne or Stewert.
The Koomz
Guest
Nearly everyone in the blues pack can play 80. If another forward is picked then, where the hell do you play them all? It is likely the likes of Gallen, Lewis, Bird and Watmough will play the bulk of the game. It is only logical for a backline player to be picked. BMoz is a vulnerability on the wing comming back from knee surgery. Dugan needs to be there, fullstop..........
NSWelshman
Guest
There are players in the comp at the moment that are in much better form that Josh Reynolds...........Todd Carney is the logical choice, not Reynolds! Carney can play half, 5/8, hooker, fullback & probably centre if required & is just as tough. Reynolds is a half 5/8 fullstop. In any case I'm just glad Gidley is out of the team (not that i say i'm glad he's injured)............now we have a reasonable bench!