I’ve often stated here that the only difference between NSW and Queensland over the last seven series has been class. Forget motivation, “spirit” or “will to win”.
The team with the most talent – not desire – usually wins the premiership (the existence of a salary cap proves this point) and it is no different in Origin.
New South Wales took advantage of the flat performances of Queensland’s more talented spine in Origin I.
I tipped the Blues in that game due to the subdued play of Queensland’s big guns – Billy Slater, Greg Inglis, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith and Jonathan Thurston – in preceding club games leading up to first Origin match.
But that was never going to repeat itself.
Having said that, it seems that no one in the media wants to be blunt about certain aspects of Origin 2.
Let’s start with one of the most pathetic performances by a forward pack in Origin history.
One unmentionable is that Aaron Woods has been overrated for over a season now. As much as I love Ray Warren, he has been talking this young man up since he debuted for the Tigers.
I put Aaron Woods in the Mitchell Pearce class: good first grader. That’s it.
Andrew Fifita was my starting prop for Game 1. Luckily the Blues had James Tamou (who will be there in three weeks and is sorely needed).
Without the heavy-drinking, unlicensed North Queenslander, it was imperative to have someone with Fifita’s power and legdrive starting the game.
Laurie Daley swung and missed by picking Woods and then whiffed again by not injecting Fifita sooner once it became clear that none of the NSW forwards wanted to charge onto the ball in an effort to gain the Blues any kind of field position.
Woods was an abject disaster, looking like a shy teenager at the school dance.
His two opening runs (the only two of his first stint) reminded me of my wife hugging me after I’ve put on a newly ironed shirt- extremely delicately so as not to leave creases.
But the young Tiger wasn’t the only problem. Let’s mention another unmentionable: Paul Gallen has been past his best for some time and has been getting picked on reputation.
“Total metres” is one of the most misleading stats in our game. Yes, Gallen’s work rate with the ball is usually high but that factor must be combined with an assessment of the quality of his runs.
He has been down on speed and power the last two seasons, not making much of a dent. Starting him at prop with Woods was a huge mistake you could see coming.
NSW had no one to turn to when coming off their own line. Added to that was the refusal of Robbie Farah and Mitchell Pearce to organise their players for spreads early in the count.
I couldn’t believe how often NSW was bunched in its own territory.
The Queensland defence must have been giddy.
There was absolutely no pressure on any Maroon players to space themselves and make reads. They simply closed in and with no NSW forwards except Fifita willing to move forward with power and speed, it was a mismatch.
NSW must pick Jorge Taufua for game three with Jarryd Hayne returning at fullback. Dugan had some good moments but the Blues need Taufua’s dummy half running in their own territory.
“Metres after collision” is an example of a useful statistic and in this Nathan Merritt falls into the Brett Stewart category of being a soft tackle for defenders. Kind of like Woods.
Tamou and Hayne back. Taufua in. Gallen replaced by Fifita in the starting line-up.
And one more thing. No disrespect to Josh Reynolds, who’ll have other days, but it’s time for NSW to select my bench man for Origin I.
Ladies and gentleman, meet Albert Kelly. He is one man who could hurt Queensland late in each half and maybe nudge the Blues over the line in game three. If they pick the right men in the middle to give him a chance.
Tommy the queenslander
Guest
But god we can play some great footy, how great is 8, queenslander!!!!!
isaac
Guest
hayne, morris, idris, morris, tafua, pearce , Reynolds, gallen , farah , Hoffman, woods, Lewis, tamou bench fifita, watmough, t rex, tolman
isaac
Guest
drop maloney and put josh Reynolds in as number 6 , drop merrit and put idris and utility should be tony Williams t rex!
Willyd
Guest
+1 it's all sonny bill...the rest of the team is per much the same crap team they've had e last few seasons
BlueBlood
Guest
I've said that about Albert Kelly, so I totally agree with you he could play off the bench. I'd like to see beau ryan(despite the fact he'. Be 10th in line for a wing spot) but I reckon he's tough, finishes well and he can defend. He'd never tear the game apart but you know what you'd get from him... Anyone but Merrit.
Bigjohn
Guest
I agree that Fifita did not perform as expected, and it will be interesting to see how he plays when the refs eventually start giving penalties for his 'second effort ' flops and the use of the knees.
Bazzio
Roar Guru
Whatever they've got, they're holding it tight & pulling it hard
Renegade
Guest
yes.
oikee
Guest
Hehe, how we all long to be part of something special, Queenslanders have it, Sydney dont. simples.
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Its true, Snake has scarred many, however I wonder Mr burbanks excuse for hating on Stewart! prior to Origin 1 and a bone chip he was 90% fullback in sides posted, no hoo haa at all, a bone chip later Hayne Dugan and co get tauted as this that and the other, M Johns makes up this "we need a big strong fullback bla bla bla that a lot have used since, how big is B Slater ? its a hate for all things manly. Hayne will get only a small chance to get his hammy right as they are very touchie so lets hope he gets it right cause one way or another we need Hayne at his best where ever he is selected.
AdamS
Roar Guru
Yes, but even scripted, it's the best part of the show.. :)
Peaches
Guest
The possession in the first 20 minutes was the most one-sided with penalties, repeat sets, a poor kicking game and plenty of errors and you bag a classy rookie prop. Wow. Anyone who has seen Woods play knows he is a much better player then that and the whole Blues performance was lethargic and ill-disciplined. Calls went Queensland's way all night and despite the mountain of possession they only really made headway when Merritt rushed in on Inglis when he didn't need to. Dugan was good in broken field but couldn't help NSW get on the front foot early in the tackle counts like Hayne did. It was just a poor Blues performance. Game 3 will be different.
Knight Vision
Guest
If Pearce is the best we have we are in a lot of trouble. he was woeful last night.
Jukes
Guest
The side below I think would at least give the third game a shake. I still think Qld is too good FB - Dugan Wing - Hayne and Morris Centres - Jennings, Idris Five Eighth - Carney Half Back - Reynolds Lock- Sutton Second row - Lewis, Gallen Front Row - Tamou, Fifita Hooker - Farrah
angry bird
Guest
Hey turbo, I agree with you re idris, great form for the titans, high level of involvement, big collisions in defence and plenty of metres and offloads. He looks lean and fit. Hayne B morris Idris Jennings J morris Maloney J Reynolds Tamou Farrah Fiffita Gallen Lewis Bird Merrin Watmough Hoffman A Kelly
Charles NSW
Guest
The major problem with NSW is the selectors and the coaches. They are simply not tuned in to what is required to win Origin. Superstar Superhuman touches on some of the problems that indicates on why they keep falling down. In regards to Mitchell Pearce he is the first player that they should replace. Put Cairney in with Maloney or better still replace Maloney with Josh Reynolds. Have Adam Reynolds on the bench as he needs to be groomed for the next series. We need to fix the halves for now and the future. They are the ones that should be planning and organising team and over the years NSW have been rudderless.
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
And Jennings and Morris deserve to be dropped? Both have played well this series and have done nothing to warrant being dropped.
SuperEel22
Roar Guru
Have you been asleep this year? A turnstyle? Held up Matt Scott, Tariq Sims, Glen Hall and Cameron Smith this season. He has easily been one of the best defensively this season. Just because he has mobility in the backline does not mean he should be isolated on the wing. Dugan is a more liability in defence. Which fullback when defending on their own line stands behind their goal line? The reason he couldn't hold Thaiday up was because he was out of position. Dugan does not scare Queensland in the same way Hayne does.
db swannie
Guest
Mythcell pearce the worst half to ever wear a jersey (of either colour). How a man with the creativity of a wilted pot plant continues to get the nod defies belief. Awful kicking game,litle playmaking skills,& does a good speedbump impersinaton in defence. Adam Reynolds would get more repeat sets(Vital in SOO)in 1 game than Pearce would in a season.
Johnny Bracken
Guest
Last night?