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).
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.
Andy
Guest
As much of a boss as Richards is, his defence is questionable. That being said - no one seems to be able to stop Inglis putting Boyd into that corner, so maybe conversions and 60m drop outs will get him across the line.
langerthebronco
Guest
2003-2005 the QLD squads failure was the wingers. QLD were shorter trying to match NSw who had the likes of MAT KING, TAHU, ERIC GROTH JNR. QLD used Ty williams, thats right TY WILLIAMS. 2006 QLD selected wingers equally tall to NSW, in the likes of INGLIS,BELL,MOGG Currently NSW Squad lacks quality halves, Qld are blessed with halves in the likes of Kangaroo trio, Cronk, Thurston, DCE, and up and comers in Norman,Hunt,Milford,Hampton NSW need to select their best halves that can closely match the QLD pair of JT and CRONK. Injury free the best NSW have is CARNEY/MULLEN combo. My halves perking order are 1:MULLEN/CARNEY 2:MULLEN/JREYNOLDS 3:Mullen/Pearce 5:Carney, Reynolds 6:Carney,Pearce 7:Mullen/Hodinkinson (on current form) Since Carney is injured when Origin is around the best halves is 6:JReynolds 7:Mullen Hodkinson has improved in leaps&bounds so on recent form it should be 6:MULLEN 7:HODKINSON With Hodkinson as the G/kicker wont need RICHARDS.
dallas
Guest
My point is I dont think the blues will win a series until thurston, smith, slater and cronk retire so they should pick players whi will be around in 2-3 years. They can pick who ever they want this year - they wont win
Charles NSW
Guest
I like Tim Sheens, he would fix NSW problems! He has a better vision of players and their positions
Raugeee
Guest
Tim Sheens is back to his brilliant best as the World Cup testified. he had 1 shot at Origin. 1991. He came close and was just beaten by some Wally Lewis genius in his final game. Daley will inevitably lose this year and I reckon a full time Sheens could be the answer.
Trenno
Guest
Richards would be in the mix with Taufua and Daniel Tupou. Qld will probably pick Tate so I would pick Taufua but Tupou would also be a scary prospect.
Jack Daniels
Roar Pro
Theres no point looking to the future after you have lost 8 in a row, I would rather end the drought first and then focus on the winning streak
Peaches
Guest
I'm not sure why Richards has only possibly next year left in him. He's looked great and it doesn't look like retirement is anytime soon.
Charles NSW
Guest
The issue NSW have is in the halves. In our frustrations to see a win finally happening, we are showing desperation trying to find someone to get us out of the doldrums. The coach has the final say and he has already chosen Mitchell Pearce as his 1/2 back. Who he chooses as the 5/8 will be interesting. Whatever, he will need to be on the winning list otherwise NSW fans will be calling for Daley dismissal as NSW coach.
Tony
Guest
I think that you could be the only one in NSW or QLD who doesn't have Hayne in their team.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
I also want Richards to be picked, but I feel like the selectors are going to struggle to choose a 32 year old debutant.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
i know its hard for you Blues fans to count all the QLD wins when you are running out of fingers to use, but its actually EIGHT in a row for QLD, not 7
Jacksyd
Guest
Pat Richards? You guys for real? I suppose if Pearce is picked, this wouldn't surprise me.
dallas
Guest
NSW need to pick young up and comers so that when smith,thurston,cronk and slater retire they have a squad that has played a few origins and are ready to win a series, possibly. If they pick pat richards they will need to find some one else next year, they should pick some one like taufua or leilua so that in 3 years time they are experienced at origin level and have a chance of stopping qld.
turbodewd
Guest
Can we swap Pearce for Richards???? :)
Tigered
Guest
Remember we lost the last 7 series in a row. We need freakish players to have any chance. Richards would be first pick as the best kicker in the game and strong finisher as well. My team is Dugan Richards b Morris b I leiluia j Morris carney Pearce woods farah Tamau gallan bird cordner Bench fifita Reynolds watnough Lewis
Chappy
Guest
I hear ya Nordburg, this article is ridiculous. We get a lot of repeat sets against every year in SOO and the solution is to find a winger who has a big drop out. Instead of a half back who can get us Blue's a lot of repeat sets as we'll. And when we don't the Media and Selectors and Coach just blame the 5/8 and drop him. This non disscussion about Mitch Pearce incompetence as NSW's half is a farce.
Jack Daniels
Roar Pro
The Blues are not in a position to build a dynasty, we just need to win a series as soon as possible. Also Pat is signed with the Tigers for next year and will probably be resigned after that
Nordburg
Guest
In the last eight yrs,how many different wingers have NSW used?How has Pearce survived?The selectors seem to be directing the blame in the wrong area. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
peeeko
Roar Guru
even if its for his spiral torpedo kickoffs