One thing that wasn’t lost in the euphoria of the New South Wales dressing room after State of Origin 1 was the fact that only 16 of the 17 combatants saw action.
It’s tough being the team man, but Josh Reynolds made, and continues to make, all the right noises.
Blues coach Laurie Daley has already guaranteed, fitness permitting, he’ll be a part of the side that tries to end Queensland’s seven-year stranglehold on the interstate series.
How Reynolds has handled being called into camp in the most awkward of circumstances – forced to go through a train-off against South Sydney five-eighth John Sutton, before eventually being selected for what he believed would be the biggest moment of his career – has been admirable.
Being the eternal fountain of positivity is difficult though and surely has a used-by date.
It was clear from the outset, given Daley called Reynolds and Sutton in at the same time, that the rookie Blues coach isn’t quite sure how to fill that remaining spot on the bench.
His comment after the game that he just couldn’t get the tough Bulldogs star into the game should throw into question the whole concept of the State of Origin utility.
There’s no questioning the skill and will of players like Kurt Gidley and Reynolds when they’re given set roles and time to shine, but what did NSW gain from having Reynolds on the bench?
The only thing it showed was that they could beat their opponents with 16-men.
Towards the end of the game, as the Maroons tried to mount one of their trademark comebacks, the Blues looked out on their feet.
Yes, they gallantly defended their line like their lives depended on it and the ultimate credit is due to them for doing so.
Still, Daley didn’t see the need to throw Reynolds into the game to soak up the impact of some charging Queensland forwards.
Yes, it would’ve taken up a vital interchange, but would he have made the same decision if he had an extra forward or second-rower at his service on the bench?
As soon as Gidley was ruled out of the game, most of his players, while differing in the identity of the replacement, were unanimous in their belief that a forward should’ve been called into camp instead of another utility.
It’s only natural to want to cover for every if, but and maybe that may arise during a contest that is more likely than any other to produce injuries.
But if an injury that has forced Robbie Farah to miss a fortnight of action isn’t the cue for Reynolds to take to the field, then what is?
Rick n a hard place
Guest
First Daley picks a utility and doesn't use him then he guarantees him a game in SOO2 - Big Mistake! What if the game goes the same way asSOO1? Ben Hannant is gonna give a lot more punch and Shillington is a better bench playa. So who is Daley gonna put up to stop that? I bet he wished he hadn't promised Reynolds a game now.
Howzat!
Guest
NSW did dominate but if you look at Tamou he was pretty ordinary! He had 9 runs for really no metres compared to gallen 20 runs with good metres (sorry can't remember exactly) Tamou also had some very ordinary defence stat's. I know you don't want to change a winning team, but he is really out of form and another prop might offer a lot more in attack and defence, taking the heat off Gallen in a game he will be targeted.
Pete75
Guest
Aaron Woods for Josh Reynolds. Josh Dugan for Jarryd Hayne if injured. As has been pointed out, Ben Hannant will be back for Origin 2, so Queensland will have much better go-forward. I'd drop Gallen back to the back row, and Luke Lewis can be your "cover" for five-eighth or centre. If Farah is injured during the course of the match I'd move Maloney to 9, and Lewis to 6. The NSW back row has enough "utility" to cover running injuries.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
18th It was stark that Loz did not have the confidence in Reynolds to play him. If he is not going to play him when they are 2 tries up then when will he? He would have played Wing or Gidley. I have no prob with him being on the bench but if the coach has not enuff confidence in him to play him under any conditions then he is the wrong utility.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Note, I wrote this before Dugan killed them on Sat night.
the spectator
Guest
+1
18th man
Guest
You can't keep playing 16 agst 17 and get away with it. In a game of inches it may just be the edge the opposition need to win. I thought Fifita shoulda been on there longer than Tamou, Daley could've pushed Gallen up to the front and put Reynolds on for an injection of energy when Qld were coming back into the game.
Brett the manly fan
Guest
It would beef up the defense and experience
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
I remember someone suggested Kelly before game one and got shouted at, IMO he is easily the most gifted half NSW has and hes been impressive with his strength and footwork around the ruck, very good support player as well. Im guessing Cartwright would say hes not ready yet. As for impact off the QLD bench, replace McQueen with Barba, cmon Mal.
DR
Guest
Nice team. Really like the inclusion of Mason and G Stewart for Game 2 especially as I think it will get pretty tough up there.
shallowfal
Guest
Wont matter who NSW pick. I assume QLD wont stand around in game 2. Seems like a great way to get the crowd in . 8 years it will be.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Two of the bench players only played 30 mins each. They had the legs on the bench if required. Another forward just means more players play less minutes.
DubbleBubble
Guest
I think both yourself and Barry make excellent arguments for a utility back but as others (and I) have said with Lewis and Bird I think we have most spots covered . I like the idea of having the likes of Mason coming off the bench for 15-20 mins in the second half with fresh legs running at tiring defense, it could be very useful in either changing Qld's momentum or running over the top of them if we have the upper hand. I guess its a trade off between running the risk of disruption though injury and missing out on a possible impact player.
Boatman of River Styx
Guest
Are you trying to give us a pep talk about Gallen? We'd rather do it naturally, mate.
Renegade
Guest
Does it really matter? All we need is Paul Gallen's right and left don't we :P For all you sensitive QLDer's out there....i'm just joking :P relax!
DubbleBubble
Guest
Yeah, sorry if I came across as a bit harsh. From what I've read he looks a talent for the future. Also that's good news about Hayne.
soapit
Guest
evan they played a field position game in the second half.
Renegade
Guest
His form has been good but his had a few niggling injuries as well....i'd hope Hayne is fit for Game 2.
Wilson Flatley
Roar Rookie
Of course he won't get picked i was being facetious but i really like the look of him, he got dropped from Penrith this weekend because of second tier salary cap issues involving his match payments, so did the winger Robinson. Personally i haven't seen enough of Michael Gordon this year but going on past seasons he would surely be a chance as well. Radio is reporting Hayne is Grade 1 and he should be back in time anyway.
DubbleBubble
Guest
Smoky? the kids only played 4 first grade games. That's less than a smokey that's not even a puff of dust. How about Michael Gordon? He's been excellent for the Sharks so far this year and is a pretty experienced player.