The opening game of the 2014 State of Origin series will be held in Brisbane on May 28, which means there are just five weeks of NRL football before the Blues squad is announced.
That might seem like a long period of time but, when it comes to selecting the halves combination for the Blues, it may need to be. The picture is far from clear when it comes to which two individuals will be wearing the No. 6 and 7 jerseys.
The incumbents for NSW are the Sydney Roosters’ James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce, though unfortunately neither are setting the world on fire at present. This is most clearly evidenced by the position the defending premiers find themselves in at present, having won just two of their six games.
Pearce, to be fair, hasn’t been playing too badly. In fact, he’s been excellent at times so far this season. However, the halfback’s selection in the Origin team has always been debatable, as he has struggled to step up to that level of football. He is yet to play in a winning series since making his debut in 2008.
Maloney has been well down on form, struggling in defence and lacking his usual effectiveness with the boot in general play. Blues coach Laurie Daley has already challenged the five-eighth to lift his game, or face the sack come selection time.
As mentioned, five weeks is a long time and there is plenty of football to be played before the NSW selectors convene. However, should the Roosters duo fail to lift in that time, the Blues may be forced to drop one, if not both, of their halves.
So who would come into calculations should Maloney or Pearce be sacked?
The Bulldogs’ Josh Reynolds would have to be the first individual mentioned. He’s been one of the form players of the competition – his defence has been outstanding and his toughness is well documented. He’s also got plenty of mongrel and would no doubt get under the Maroons’ skin.
Reynolds has also shown a little more attacking flair this season. Though he’ll never be confused with Darren Lockyer, he has nonetheless shown an improved ability with the ball in hand for the Dogs.
Having said that, the Blues hierarchy would still be nervous about a Reynolds-Pearce partnership and would question whether it has the creativity to put points on the board. If they decide it wouldn’t, and if Reynolds’ form cannot be ignored, then a different halfback would need to be selected.
Adam Reynolds has often been mentioned as Pearce’s successor but he hasn’t been in great form himself this year. It would be a big call to select a halfback to make his Origin debut if he isn’t in better form than the player he’s replacing.
Albert Kelly has started the season strongly for the Titans, and would certainly bring some attacking flair, though it would be a massive gamble to hand him the No. 7 jersey.
If the selectors opt for experience then Terry Campese has been playing halfback for the Raiders, however his form is hardly demanding selection.
Should NSW decide they could play a five-eighth at halfback then the talent pool deepens significantly and opens up options, though it doesn’t make things any clearer.
Todd Carney was unlucky to not play in last year’s series, but he’s not back to the form that would warrant an Origin recall. The Sharks playmaker is not looking great at present, and I’m not talking about his dyed-blonde haircut.
Jamie Soward performed well for the Blues in 2011, and brings an excellent kicking game to the table. In many respects, his selection would actually make a lot of sense, but it’s far from a no-brainer.
Jarrod Mullen would be an interesting selection, and has the backing of Immortal Andrew Johns. However, Mullen has only just made his way back from injury and would need to put some great games together before he could be seriously considered.
There’s no doubt a host of other names will be bandied about, though no potential partnership comes without question marks.
Many pundits, Peter Sterling included, have said it’s crazy to talk selection so far out from the opening game. But with Robbie Farah’s injury meaning he may miss Origin, the NSW selectors need to start thinking about their spine and ensuring they have the creativity, flair and leadership required to finally beat Queensland.
One also needs to remember that Maloney was the Blues goal-kicker last season, and should he be dropped another player would need to take kicking duties. This cannot be taken lightly considering how important the extra points are at Origin level.
It would appear that there are sleepless nights ahead for the Blues selectors, who will be hoping that some sort of partnership makes a strong case for selection over the next five weeks.
If not, come July, NSW may be sitting down to an all-too-familiar horror movie.
dillon
Guest
reynolds / mullen halfs combo. reynolds brings flar and gets the teams fired up and mullen can control the game . two complete opposites of players ,one brings flair and one brings control, just like cronk and thurstan.
dillon
Guest
hayne dugan-think about it he would be good. idris-if jennings not avable.18th man morris.j morris.b reynolds.j mullen-goal kicker tamou farah/ennis-if farah is not avabile fifta bird hoffman gallen sutton-come on as lock merrin watbro woods
Mitch Moore
Roar Rookie
Why isn't Aiden sezar getting a mention ? he plays beyond his years. And if anyone thinks Gidley is so overated and his time playing for nsw has come and gone, we need peats and reynolds for a swap between dummy half. And Hayne is a much stronger defender then Dugan at the back, I really wish dugan could play fullback but hayne is unstoppable at the back we need him wearing the 1 on his back.
Pravin
Guest
Lyon quit all rep duties
Steve
Guest
NSW 2014 SOO 1. Brett Stewart / Josh Dugan 2. Jarryd Hayne 3. Jamie Lyon (Still the best centre in the game) 4. Josh Morris / Michael Jennings 5. Will Hopoate / Josh Morris/ Josh Mansour 6. Josh Reynolds /Jarrod Mullen/Todd Carney/James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pierce/ Trent Hodkinson 8. Andrew Fafita 9. Nathen Peats (In the absence of Robbie Farrah due to injury) 10. Trent Merrin 11. Tariq Sims / Anthony Watmough (In the absence of Luke lewis) 12. Greg Bird 13. Paul Gallen © INTERCHANGE 14. Aaron Woods 15. James Tamou 16. John Sutton 17. Anthony Watmough / Tariq Sims BACK UP 18. Boyd Cordner 19. Tony Williams 20. Ryan James (if not Injured) 21. Aiden Tolman YOUNG KIDS TO HAVE IN THE SQUAD 22. James tedesco 23. Luke Brooks 24. Albert Kelly 25. Curtis Sironen
Wrong
Guest
This is my Queensland team in 2 minutes – only because thats how fast I can type! 1. Slater 2. Boyde 3. Inglis 4. Hodges 5. Tate 6. Thurston 7. Cronk 8. Scott 9. Smith 10. Shillington 11. Theo 12. Thaiday 13. Parker 14. Gillet 15. Myles 16. Gagai 17. Napa
Wrong
Guest
This is my Queensland team in 2 minutes - only because thats how fast I can type! 1. Skater 2. Boyde 3. Inglis 4. Hodges 5. Slater 6. Thurston 7. Cronk 8. Scote 9. Smith 10. Shillington 11. Theo 12. Thaiday 13. Parker 14. Gillet 15. Myles 16. Gagai
Tom R
Guest
That came off wrong. I meant he seems too old compared to his younger competitors. And even is lesser than and older competitor in Pat Richards imo
Tom R
Guest
David Simmons is great. The thing is we have plenty of guys who have appeared on our wing before (Uate, McManus, Gordan, Williams, Hopoate...even Merrit etc there are more I haven't mentioned btw but you get the point) and that could be called up for the short term so we'd be looking for a long term winger and I don't believe picking somebody who hasn't appeared before and is 29 is the wisest of decisions. He's a great player but I think his time has passed. He's actually injured too so I think you're outta luck on this one.
Haz
Guest
"far more than any other winger other than Williams his team mate" Duuude, has everyone forgotten about David Simmons? He got as many tries in the regular season as Taufua. Poor David Simmons.
Brett McKay
Expert
I never thought I'd see the day you suggest Hayne as a NSW no.6 option, Chop, I really didn't..
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
I take your point, because he did it when Benji was at the Tigers. But I still believe Farah was asked to do too much last year (and the year before) because of the deficiencies in the halves.
Muzz
Guest
Ryan - Swap Smith for Farah and Farah would do the same thing to Cronk and Thurston.IT'S IN HIS MAKE UP!
Jackson Henry
Guest
Well, I stand corrected. Disregard the Josh Jackson observation.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Trust needs to be earned though, Muzz. It doesn't surprise me that Farah lost faith in halves after watching them hit Slater on the chest with their kicks, take the wrong option on the 5th, refuse to take on the line, etc, etc.
Bondy
Guest
I'll just mention I'm an A League supporter as Kellet would testify the NRL press really climb into their sport unfairly and continuously for mine, I've had enough and I only watch the sport on occasions. Another bashing today by News.
NSWelshman
Guest
You're entitled to your opinion Tom, however I think there is more to his game than you give him credit for. As for a 1 v 1 situation with Tate..........my money would be on Taufua anytime! He's run over 'larger' players than Tate.
Samuel
Guest
I don't see the problem in having 2 number sixes playing together. The game is only played with a half a side regardless of what number they r wearing do they not? I still think carney puts more fear in wild than any other half in nsw. And if u want a controlled half I'd be putting Mullen in. And while in here, te reason we keep chopping and changing is because we keep losing and our players are so inconsistent as opposed to queens lands players who rarely seem to be out of form...
Samuel
Guest
Yeah I could live with Stewart at the back. Josh Morris started his career on the wing before he went to the dogs did he not? Don't see why he couldn't go there again. Imagine him and his brother running the ball back from the kick!!
Tom R
Guest
You know which other winger was high up there for most tries last year? Nathan Merrit. You know all he does? Finish tries. I wouldn't go throwing that statistic around too much as plays outside one of the game's best centres in Steve Matai, and also with one of the best fullbacks and half backs both able to set him up with cut out balls and whatnot to boost up that stat. His "step" as you say was pathetic. All he did was jump to the opposite direction of the defenders who came flying across. Willy Mason could have nailed that one too. Come back to me and start bragging about his step when he starts looking Tuivasa-Sheck-like with his movements. And despite Jorge's higher game time, I'm almost certain the big man would have made a few runs in attack and then stood on the wing in defence proceeding to then return the ball and repeat it all over. Taga on the other hand would have been tackling his ass off against strong running forwards while also hitting the line hard when possessing the ball (as a winger you don't been have to move up and back to the defence.) So you do the math on work-rate. In the video you'll see that Taga had to cover a diagonal distance to catch Tafua. He had to not only travel 70 metres but cover 15 metres horizontally to reach him as well. Not to mention that Tafua had the early start on him. So face it, he doesn't have long distance legs or explosive speed: He's not quick. I will admit he breaks tackles (and lines for that matter) like a beast and that is his strong suit. And this would be great for the Blues but the man would have Brent Tate running circles around him should he be put in a 1v1 situation. And I don't see him breaking through the large Queenslander in attack anytime soon either.