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While NSW might be more desperate than ever to end Queensland’s now eight-year supremacy at Origin level, the reality is that they won’t be able to take down the Maroons unless they get the right team on the park.
Until they start playing the right players, they’re never going to get the right result.
How, then, should NSW line up for the 2014 Origin series?
Well, it’s a while away, but here’s a potential side that would certainly be a step in the right direction – assuming everyone’s healthy, that is.
1. Jarryd Hayne, Fullback
I like Josh Dugan, I really do. I thought he was one of our best in Origin III and has seemingly done himself no discredit in the No.1 jersey for NSW.
However, there’s simply no way he beats Hayne for the starting gig.
Hayne is the most dynamic playmaker NSW have at times, and he was missed in the decider – making him a very obvious selection for the 2014 series.
2. Brett Morris, Wing
Brett Morris didn’t do a whole lot wrong in Origin III, but he didn’t do a whole lot right, either.
Other than a simple put-down in Origin II, the Dragons winger didn’t find the line all series and chalked up less than 220 metres for the series.
However, he’s a proven finisher with blistering pace, and the Blues will pick him on that alone. He hasn’t done anything to warrant losing his position.
3. Michael Jennings, Centre
After a disappointing season with Penrith, it’s been great to see Michael Jennings get back in the winners’ circle at the Roosters, and it’s been even greater to see him carry that form over to the representative level for NSW.
He is a great runner with the ball and a potential game-changer on the left edge – particularly if he can finally figure out how to stop Justin Hodges from finding space.
4. Josh Morris, Centre
Once again, Josh Morris did the job on Greg Inglis.
The Rabbitohs star might have played injured in the second half of Origin III, but the reality is that for the entire series, Morris did an excellent job at snuffing out the threat of Inglis.
For a player of Inglis’ calibre to finish the series with just one try and one try-assist is an excellent effort from Morris, and one that definitely warrants selection next year.
5. Blake Ferguson, Wing
Nathan Merritt isn’t the answer. James McManus doesn’t appear to be, either. And while Blake Ferguson might be more trouble than he’s worth at times, the truth is that Ferguson (without Dugan around him) can actually be a quality footballer.
He showed it in Origin I, and he’s shown it for Canberra all year. If he can get his head in the right place, Ferguson can be the Blues’ No. 5 for many years to come.
6. James Maloney, Five-eighth
It was a mediocre series from James Maloney if we’re going to be honest, but I’m not completely sure that it warrants him being dropped.
He took the line on with great pace and determination and when he kicked, found space pretty effectively.
Plus he muscled up in defense when needed. I wouldn’t mind giving him another series for him to prove his worth in the Blues’ squad.
7. Adam Reynolds, Halfback
If it’s Adam Reynolds or Todd Carney in the No. 7 jersey, I’m not all that fussed. Just please God, don’t let it be Mitchell Pearce again.
8. Paul Gallen, Prop
Paul Gallen is Paul Gallen. He is a freakish player who continues to defy what the human body suggests is both possible and practical.
If he wants to play prop, then let him play prop.
If he doesn’t, then let him play wherever he wants. Just this time, don’t let him get injured any more than he usually is.
9. Robbie Farah, Hooker
By his high standards, Robbie Farah was poor in Origin III. He tried to take on too much responsibility and as a result, kicked poorly and made decisions that he’ll no doubt wish he made differently.
But Farah is a champion player and one that thrives under pressure and competition.
He’ll be back next year, better than he was the year before, and will be a huge factor in any Blues’ resurgence.
10. James Tamou, Prop
James Tamou was dearly missed in Origin II and the fact he only played 40 minutes in Origin III showed as well.
NSW need Tamou to be at his most aggressive, most destructive self, and then reap the results of that.
He has the potential to be a genuine X-factor if he can continue to develop his skills in both the attacking and defensive elements of the game.
A must-pick player for NSW.
11. Ryan Hoffman, Second Row
Of all the selections heading into Origin I this year, it was Ryan Hoffman that concerned me the most.
And yet, if there was any player that showed he deserves a Blues jumper next year out of the three-game series, it was the Storm forward, who worked tirelessly at both ends of the field to great success.
Laurie Daley gave him 75 minutes in Origin III for a reason, and we’ll hopefully see him again in 2014.
12. Greg Bird, Second Row
Healthy or not, Greg Bird was born to play Origin footy. He is tough, competitive and always gives everything he’s got to NSW.
There are bigger blokes on the field than Bird, but few with a bigger heart and passion – and it shows.
13. Anthony Watmough, Lock
107 metres in Origin I. 89 metres in Origin II. 147 metres in Origin III. Anthony Watmough was one of NSW’s most underrated players this series, and showed in Origin III why it’s crucial he’s on the field as much as possible.
He’s not an 80-minute player at Origin level, but he is definitely worth giving 60 minutes to.
Watmough is an attacking weapon who can create something out of nothing, but also isn’t afraid to get stuck in there and cart the ball forward when needed.
It’d depend on his club form, but I’d be more than okay to give him a starting spot.
14. Andrew Fifita, Interchange
It’s Andrew Fifita – the one-man, wrecking ball. If he’s fit and healthy, he’s nearly the first player that NSW will pick in their 2014 forward pack.
15. Tim Grant, Interchange
Given how good both Gallen and Tamou have been lately, it’s hard to drop either of them for Tim Grant.
However, the Panthers prop is a huge impact player who could work well off the bench.
He would nearly have made the team this year were it not for injuries throughout the season, and he could be a genuine X-factor in 2014 – especially given that he’ll only be 26.
16. Luke Lewis, Interchange
Utilised in a bench role before at Origin level, picking Luke Lewis is the ideal way to cover any injury in the back-line or forward pack. Lewis could play centre, five-eighth, hooker, second row or lock, and would be a more-than-handy player in either of those roles listed.
It saves NSW from picking someone like Josh Reynolds (and then not playing him at all), but also gives them some creativity in attack and another playmaker on the edge to potentially work off.
17. Trent Merrin, Interchange
Trent Merrin will get in there and get the job done.
He’ll run forward, tackle hard, and he won’t let the Queensland pack dominate – which is exactly what NSW will need in 2014.
Plus, if he’s going to be our equal highest try-scorer for the series, well, he’s almost impossible to leave out of the final 17-man team.
Agree? Disagree? Who would your NSW 1-17 be for next year?
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