We’re roughly six weeks out from Origin 1, but it’s time to start thinking about how the Blues will line-up.
This is the side I would pick at this current stage of the season.
Sure, Laurie Daley can stick with the halves pairing of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney, but then he should expect similar results as previous years.
I’ve gone for a side with plenty of size and power. We need to bruise Queensland and send them a message. A new halves pairing, which the majority will disagree on, is required.
1. Jarryd Hayne
Hayne has been in superb form early in 2014. He has been there before, and also puts in good performances in Origin. He is proven. When at his best, he is a magnificent and gifted player to watch. Just edges out Josh Dugan and Brett Stewart.
2. Brett Morris
In his Origin appearances he has been good, without being great. Although he has looked dangerous with the ball and has been pretty solid in defence. A safe option, who will be hoping to cross the try-line a bit more.
3. Michael Jennings
For the past couple of years, the Roosters centre has been a constant attacking threat for the Blues and is very difficult to contain. He must be there.
4. Josh Morris
In his past few Origin appearances he has been starved of attacking opportunities with Pearce and Maloney in the halves. Yet in his few appearances he has found a knack of scoring some brilliant tries. He has defended Greg Inglis brilliantly and he further proves that he is one of the best defensive centres in our game.
5. Will Hopoate
Two years ago when he made his Origin debut he was all class. While he has been two years out of the game, he has been very good in 2014 in an ever improving Eels outfit. You can tell he is something special. Give him a go, what do we have to lose?
6. Josh Reynolds
The ever-maturing Bulldogs five-eighth has formed a great combination with Trent Hodkinson this year and he is an Origin player for the future. But put him in now, he has fantastic attacking flair and gives 100per cent every match he plays. He is tough and competitive. He puts his body on the line. He is desperate for a NSW jumper and much better than James Maloney.
7. Trent Hodkinson
A bolter for sure. But the Bulldogs have been ultra competitive and in 2014 he has outplayed halves such as Mitchell Pearce, Cooper Cronk and Shaun Johnson. He has been injury prone, although he is a match winner. A fantastic goal kicker, he compliments his tough defence with a smart kicking and passing game. Watch him closely over the next few weeks to push his case for selection, but we all know Laurie Daley will pick Mitchell Pearce. Reynolds and Hodkinson are the form halves of the comp at the moment, and they know each other’s games well.
8. Paul Gallen
An obvious selection … although he seems to always be injured. The heart and soul of the NSW team and one of the best forwards in rugby league behind James Graham.
9. Robbie Farah (could be out of Origin 1)
He has been the Blues’ leading tackler over the past couple of Origin matches. He does a lot of tactical kicking out of dummy half and isn’t afraid to run the ball. An injury means he is likely to miss Origin 1, though, and if that’s the case, Michael Ennis or Nathan Peats should get the nod. I’m leaning towards Ennis, as he has experience and is a competitor, which is what Origin is about. Peats has been a revelation so far in 2014 for the Eels, although does he have the toughness of Ennis and Farah to compete at Origin level? I don’t know.
10. Andrew Fifita
NSW need size and they need to try and bruise Queensland. Fifita brings size and aura to the team. He has been solid in 2014, but we know how outstanding he can be when he gets angry. Bends the line and pops an offload. Brilliant.
11. Tony Williams
Everyone will laugh at this but in 2014 we’ve seen a far more improved Tony Williams then in 2013. He also brings size. At his best he is T-Rex. Slowly, he has been running onto the ball and becoming more confident as a Bulldog. The beauty of him is if he does run onto the ball and plays at his best, he can still play 80 minutes, which is double trouble for the Maroons.
12. Luke Lewis
There is an injury cloud over him but hopefully he makes Origin 1. One of the best players in the 2013 series. His running game was awesome, making plenty of incisive runs.
13. Greg Bird
Another Origin type player. A fierce competitor, like Reynolds, who would do anything to win. He’s rough. He’s tough. He’s dirty. But most importantly, he hates Queensland. These are qualities which have served him well at this level. Can play long minutes if required.
14. Trent Merrin
Great for the Dragons, plenty of size, aggression and doesn’t mind throwing a punch (hey, who cares, it’s Origin!). Made an impact last series.
15. Aaron Woods
Disappointing last series in my opinion, although he was inexperienced and will learn from it. He has been awesome in 2014, and is a bit of a risk, but I hope he performs like he does at club level.
16. James Tamou
More size. More power. Get him on and give him the job to keep it basic; run hard and fast and knock over as many Cane Toads as possible.
17. John Sutton
A player who has matured greatly and can cover a number of positions in case of injury. If there is no injury, he can play in the forwards and play long minutes. He can also use his kicking/play-making skills to relieve some pressure of the halves. A really valuable player coming off the bench.
I’ve gone for Reynolds and Hodkinson in the halves because:
– They are the current form halves of the competition.
– They know each other’s games well.
– They are ultra competitive – particularly Reynolds.
– Hodkinson is a proven match-winner and clutch goal-kicker/field goal taker.
– They’re not scared to run the ball.
Sure Laurie Daley, “stick” with the same halves, but expect the same results if you do so.
Size, strength, power and passion will decide if NSW are any chance. Sometimes, to win Origins, you don’t need the most skilful players.
dillon
Guest
hayne taufua idris morris.j dugan reynolds.j kelly fifta farah/ennis tamuo bird hoffam/creagh galle woods merrin watbro sutton
dillon
Guest
i like the idea of dugan on the wing . j
dillon
Guest
1.J.Hanyne 2.B.Morris 3.Jennings/J.Idris 4.J.Morris 5.G.Taufua 6.J.Reydnols 7.M.Pearce 8.J.Tamou 9.R.Farah/M.Ennis 10.A.Fiftta 11.G.Bird 12.R.Hoffman 13.P.Gallen 14.T.Merrin 15.T.Williams 16.A.Watmou 17.A.Woods 18.J.sutton
Scott Pryde
Expert
Hahaha! But on a serious not, Jamie Soward should be given some thought. Playing some excellent footy for Penrith so why not?
Steve
Guest
NSW 2014 SOO 1. Brett Stewart / Josh Dugan 2. Jarryd Hayne 3. Jamie Lyon (Still the best centre in the game) 4. Michael Jennings / Josh Morris 5. Will Hopoate / Josh Morris 6. Todd Carney / Josh Reynolds 7. Trent Hodkinson / Jarrod Mullen 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 22. Glenn Stewart YOUNG KIDS TO HAVE IN THE SQUAD 23. James tedesco 24. Luke Brooks 25. Albert Kelly 26. Curtis Sironen
Andy
Guest
Dugan and Brett Stewart are both great players but unfortunately we just can't afford to play them out of position, and while Hayne has played on the wing and in the centres, he's a fullback and plays his best for NSW at fullback. So unfortunately there's just no room for Dugan or Stewart unless Hayne is injured. But anyway, we really don't need to change the side much at all from last year. We've shown in the past couple of years that we can more than match it with QLD. We just need to find that confidence to finish matches off. I think more time needs to be spent on preparing the team mentally than deliberating over who gets picked. But in saying that, the halfback position has been a real worry for us since Joey retired. If we get that position sorted with someone who can stamp their authority on games, then I think the tide will definitely turn, and sooner rather than later.
Jonny Wama
Guest
I think Hayne is a qualifying player to play fullback...He has been in form this year and he plays his magic games which stewart and Dugan can't do such stuff....so Hayne should be playing fullback to assist the halves with their game plans.....
Wade
Guest
I honestly believe that in a few years time, 3-4..give or take. The NSW halves will be something like Wighton/Brooks. Two youngsters with loads of talent. But will see...
Wade
Guest
Josh McCrone In 14. A real impact player and can cover halves or dummy half. Dugan will be Fullback and Hayne will be wing opposite Morris. No doubt about it. Besides gallen I think last year Jennings was our best player so he must stay. Halves??? Mmmmm its tricky but I think Maloney will stay there but on watch. But Pearce needs to go...I dont think Carney deserves it yet still...so Reynolds to step in. But then you have two 6's...so not sure for no.7?If form is anything...Luke Brooks is killing it!!! But no experience...Hodgekinson?? No way!!! Woods needs to be there purely on form...Birdy will be there also, definitely.
Wade
Guest
Josh McCrone in 14. Can play Dum but my or any where in halfs ...a real choice for an impact player. Also, Dugan will be Fullback and Hayne on wing opposite Morris. No doubt about it...I think Maloney will sta
Jeremy
Guest
Stewart or Hayne at fullback. Screw Dugan, too many errors, secondly he isn't a great link or ball player. Btw if Sutton isn't picked at 17 screw the Blues altogether.
Andy
Guest
If there's anything we've learnt in the last 2-3 years, it's that we have to pick players in their position (except Gallen, which appears to work well). My team: Jaryd Hayne Brett Morris Michael Jennings Josh Morris Daniel Tupou Josh Reynolds Mitchell Pearce (don't know who'd do better) Paul Gallen (if injured, Aaron Woods) Robbie Farah (if injured, Nathan Peats) James Tamou Luke Lewis Boyd Cordner Greg Bird
Gus Gould
Guest
Josh Reynolds and Todd carney would be my picks at this stage. Reynolds is on form and is the toughest and most competitive half in the nrl. I think carney would complement him well he sees gaps most don't and runs a team so well. Maloney isn't in the form he should be Pearce isn't good enough and you can't pick hodgkinson just because he can kick goals it's not soccer. Full back I'd go hayne but Brett and josh are both great picks also. It seems we are spoilt for choice this year. I think the tide may be turning. Get Up the blues.
Gus Gould
Guest
Josh Reynolds and Todd carney would be my picks at this stage. Reynolds is on form and is the toughest and most competitive half in the nrl. I think carney would complement him well he sees gaps most don't and runs a team so well. Maloney isn't in the form he should be Pearce isn't good enough and you can't pick hodgkinson just because he can kick goals it's not soccer. Full back I'd go hayne but Brett and josh are both great picks also. It seems we are spoilt for choice this year. I think the tide may be turning. Get Up the blues.
Newfy
Guest
1. Stewart or Dugan 2. Morris 3. Jennings 4. Morris 5. Hayne 6. J Reynolds 7. Carney 8. Tomou 9. Farrah (c) or Peats 10. Grant 11. Bird (vc) 12. Cordner 13. Merrin 14. Mason 15. Docker or Fafita 16. Hinchcliffe 17. Idris Gallen past his time and had his chance, Choc lost his speed,
Raugeee
Guest
Absolutely correct about B. Stewart at full back and Haynes at centre.
Raugeee
Guest
I keep saying this but until NSW realise the difference between club form and rep form they will never win the series. Did anyone else watch the World Cup last year? Haynes was sensational at centre and will continue to represent Australia in that position until he retires. Brett Stewart has played 8 origin matches for a 5/3 win loss ratio. Since he started in Game 2 2007 there have been 20 Origns and the ratio is 14/6. Obviously NSW are much better when he plays. In those 3 wins for NSW he has played a crucial part . 5 tries in 8 Origins is a great tally. If he is fit NSW should be champing at the bit to have him, End of story.
KB
Guest
You got that right..Go The Chooks!
Chopper
Guest
Forget form and reputation, anyone named "Jarryd", "James" or "Josh" should be selected: 1. Josh Dugan / James Tedesco 2. Josh Morris 3. Jarryd Hayne 4. Jarrod Croker 5. Josh Mansour / James McManus 6. Josh Reynolds / James Maloney 7. Jarrod Mullen / Jamie Soward 8. Josh Starling 9. Josh McCrone 10. James Tamou 11. Josh Jackson 12. Jamie Buhrer 13. Jamie Lyon
Chris
Guest
Your right Hodkinson will fail never said pick him but one thing his is better than Pearce. Qld would put 50 points on manly. Brett is a great fullback but he is only a fullback, Hayne and Dugan can play other positions the same reason Sutton should be in the team can only play 5/8. Team should be Hayne, Morris, Morris, Idris, Dugan but Taufua is keeps playing well, Carney, Reynolds, Tolman, Peats Farah injuried, Fifita, bird, Fensom, Gal, Reynolds rotate in the back row like DCE for Qld, Jackson, Cordner, Watmough. That team would stop Qld