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Why the Blues need Pat Richards

24th April, 2014
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Pat Richards has had a long career - but rep footy has eluded him. (AAP Image/Action Photographics/Matt Impey)
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24th April, 2014
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Think back to the last eight Origin series. In the Blues’ darkest days, such as the 2009-10 series, Queensland embarrassed us by never letting us get near their line.

They, however, were always parked on ours and constantly driving us insane with repeat sets.

This is something our halves never seem to manage to do. Repeat sets are a huge part of the modern game and Queensland are the best in the business at doing it.

Wouldn’t it make sense that every time they get a repeat set we start them back on their own 40-metre line? How do we do this?

With a man named Pat Richards – the biggest boot in the NRL.

There have been several examples this year of Pat Richards kicking 55 to 60-metre dropouts.

Richards also has a pinpoint conversion, which, more often than not, is the difference in close games (just look a Game 3 last year). Or, take a look at this booming conversion from last week (at 3:15).

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Another serious problem the Blues have had in recent times is discipline.

Think back to the Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan incidents from last year, as well as James Tamou missing Game 2 due to drink driving.

Pat Richards is older and wiser than most in the squad and will most likely have the discipline and maturity to not drink or do anything stupid while in camp.

Finally, he is fantastic under the high ball and is not soft in defence. With Cooper Cronk on the other team it, always helps to have a winger who is good in the air.

NSW, if you want to end Queensland’s streak, the time has come to pick Pat Richards.

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