NSW Blues squad for 2013 Origin Game 3: expert reaction

Despite the New South Wales Blues suffering a convincing loss in the second game of the 2013 State of Origin series, coach Laurie Daley and the selectors have largely kept the faith in the team that won the opening encounter, but have extended the squad to cover for some injury concerns to key players.

The extended 20 man squad includes Aaron Woods, James McManus and Boyd Cordner all on standby, however Nathan Merritt has paid the price for a poor game in Brisbane, and has been dumped from the NSW set-up.

Update: With Jarryd Hayne out with injury, as announced on Monday, McManus will play on the wing for the Blues.

Paul Gallen failed to recover from a foot injury, with Aaron Woods replacing him.

Boyd Cordner has come onto the bench for the Blues for this debut at Origin level, in place of utility back Josh Reynolds.

Robbie Farah will captain the Blues for the final match, while Aaron Woods will take the place of Gallen.

The squad is:

Josh Dugan
Dugan retains his spot, despite the return from injury of Jarryd Hayne, who was exceptional in game one. Laurie Daley has said the two will swap between wing and fullback, which may just end up just confusing both teams. Dugan was solid in his return to Origin football, but needs to integrate his brilliant individual ability into the structures of the wider team. Though, when on his game, he can be a match-winning x-factor, something the Blues have gambled on by keeping him at fullback.

Brett Morris
The winger has had a very good Origin series, without being great. He’s looked dangerous in attack, and safe in defence, and you couldn’t ask for much more from him in that regard. However, just like his backline partners, he will be hoping for more opportunities in Sydney, and looking to do what he does best: cross the try line.

Michael Jennings
The Roosters centre has been a constant attacking threat for the Blues across the last two series, yet you would have to agree that, based on his performances, he hasn’t been given enough opportunities. The Blues halves need to recognise how hard Jennings is to contain, and find a way to get him the ball.

Josh Morris
Morris has had a quiet series, and although his opposite number Greg Inglis has been held somewhat in-check (considering his superstar ability) the Blues will be looking for some improvement from Morris in game three. An attacking player, who, like his centre partner, hasn’t seen much ball, Morris will need to be at the top of his game defensively, because Inglis loves the big stage.

Jarryd Hayne – Updated: Hayne has been ruled out, with McManus taking his place.
Hayne’s brilliance and experience at this level will be missed in game two. In comes James McManus, who was named as cover. The Knights winger has already played a game for NSW, but it was one he and Blues fans would like to forget, as he looked a little overawed back in 2009. He’s obviously grown as a player since then, and will be looking to prove he’s up to this level of football. But his selection does indicate that Daley has no confidence in Nathan Merritt being an Origin player.

James Maloney
As expected, things weren’t so smooth in his second Origin match. After a brilliant debut in game one, Queensland came armed with a game plan to nullify the five-eight’s effectiveness in Brisbane. The Maroons ran their big forwards at him early and often, and his attack – both kicking and passing – was almost completely neutralised as a result. As the key to the Blues attack, NSW will need to find a way to keep Maloney fresh and potent when they have the ball.

Mitchell Pearce
Maloney may be the key to the NSW backline, but not all responsibility should fall on his shoulders; it’s also the halfback’s role to get the Blues organised in attack. There is a lot of pressure on Pearce heading into this match, for if the Blues should lose, Pearce’s Origin record will once again be called into question, and rightfully so. He can silence his doubters by not kicking down Billy Slater’s throat, threatening the line, and getting the ball to his outside backs.

Paul Gallen (c)
There has been a lot of noise from north of the border that NSW will never win as long as Gallen is Blues skipper. It’s quite surprising, considering how inspirational and respected he is within the Blues camp. Sadly for Gallen, a lot of the focus upon him over the last six weeks has been on his game one punches, but it’s overshadowed another brilliant series from arguably the best forward in rugby league. Unfortunately Gallen is an uncertain starter, and remains in considerable doubt.

[UPDATE: Gallen is out with injury] – replaced by Aaron Woods

Robbie Farah
Farah has been asked to do a lot in this series. He’s been the Blues leading tackler in both games, and was required to do most of the tactical kicking in game two, along with his usual work in attack from dummy-half. The Blues hierarchy would be wise to attempt to free him up from having to do so much, so that he can concentrate on creating opportunities for his teammates.

James Tamou
The big prop returns to the NSW set-up after his well-documented off-field issues. Though he was disappointing in game one, the Blues still missed his size and aura in game two. Made a fantastic return to football last round, racking up over 200 metres against the Sharks, and will be looking to make-up for his sub-par performance in game one, not to mention his suspension.

Ryan Hoffman
Mr Dependable for NSW. He rarely misses tackles, he does plenty of hits-up, and he uses his athleticism to get through a lot of work during the game. Nothing flashy, just effective and reliable, Hoffman is consistent in his consistency.

Luke Lewis
One of the best players in the series so far, Lewis has gotten through a mountain of work in both attack and defence. What’s been most impressive has been his running game, with the Sharks backrower making numerous incisive runs across the first two games. The Blues and the fans will just ask for more of the same.

Greg Bird
In the aftermath of game two’s ridiculous sin-binnings, Bird may have come out with the best quote I’ve heard in awhile: “I got ten minutes anyway, I should have just unleashed.” It says a lot about his approach to Origin football; he’s rough, tough, a little dirty, and hates Queenslanders. They’re qualities that have served him well at this level, and NSW are hoping he can overcome an ankle injury in time for the game, but have called in cover just in case.

Interchange:

Andrew Fifita
Fifita has been absolutely sensational in his Origin debut series. Though he has a propensity to give away a cheap penalty, the Sharks forward has been otherwise brilliant. He’s bent the Maroons line, and he’s been a monster in defence. A valuable weapon off the bench for coach Daley, he’s seen game time within the first twenty minutes in both matches, and that will no doubt continue in Sydney.

Trent Merrin
The Dragons prop finally made an impact at Origin level. Sadly, it was for his cheap shot on Brent Tate’s face in game two. The most unfortunate aspect of Merrin’s punches was when he said he would do it again, if needed, in game three. That attitude convienently overlooks the fact that it wasn’t needed in the first place. He can expect some heavy tackling from the Maroons when he enters the game, and Blues fans will be hoping his impact this time helps – rather than hinders – NSW.

Boyd Cordner
Cordner will debut from the bench in the place of Josh Reynolds.

Anthony Watmough
Watmough was a little quiet in game two, though he did try to spark the Blues in the second half by following the ball runners and linking up for some second phase play. It was to no avail in Brisbane, but considering the Blues’ struggles to score points in game two, I hope he’s not discouraged from doing the same in game three. A fantastic runner of the ball, and with plenty of mongrel in defence, he’ll be looking to have little more influence on the game this time around.