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My NSW Blues team for State of Origin I

Jarryd Hayne is back on the radar for Origin duties. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)
Expert
13th May, 2014
214
6924 Reads

I’ve previously resisted the urge to name my New South Wales team for the opening match of the 2014 State of Origin series. It seemed like everyone was announcing theirs, and mine wasn’t drastically different.

However, due to popular demand – OK, well a couple of Roarer’s requests – I’ve been compelled to list the Blues squad that I think would give NSW the best chance of ending eight long years of pain and suffering.

Drumroll please…

1 – Jarryd Hayne
2 – Brett Morris
3 – Josh Morris
4 – Michael Jennings
5 – Pat Richards
6 – Josh Reynolds (Captain)
7 – Jarrod Mullen
8 – James Tamou
9 – Robbie Farah
10 – Aaron Woods
11 – Ryan Hoffman
12 – Boyd Cordner
13 – Paul Gallen

14 – Tony Williams
15 – Anthony Watmough
16 – Luke Lewis
17 – Jamal Idris

Greg Bird would have been selected in my starting thirteen, with Andrew Fifita earning a place on the bench, if not for suspension and injury, respectively. Ryan Hoffman and Jamal Idris would have made way for them.

Jarryd Hayne was an automatic selection in the team, with the only real question being where he would play. However, I see no reason to move him out of his favoured fullback spot, considering he’s in fantastic form in the custodian role for Parramatta.

Pat Richards has good size for an Origin winger, and his kick-offs have surprisingly become a tactical weapon for the Wests Tigers. However, Richards really earns his spot for the simple reason that the team needs a goal-kicker.

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The Morris twins pick themselves. I doubt there will be too many objections to their selection.

Michael Jennings retains his spot based primarily on his performances for NSW in the past. He’s been a constant threat in attack, can sniff out a try, and Queensland will have to prepare for him. I feel more than comfortable selecting him in the centres.

In the halves, the form of Josh Reynolds just cannot be ignored. He’s one of the best players in the NRL this year, and his creativity – the main criticism I had of him – has actually been very good this season. His toughness, niggle and leadership ensure that I won’t just select him at five-eighth, I’ll also give him the captaincy. I am a Bulldogs supporter after all.

Partnering him at halfback is Jarrod Mullen. Yes, I know he’s a five-eighth, but in the modern game that’s almost irrelevant. His sublime kicking game, maturity, passing skills and level-headedness are all the perfect complement to Reynolds, and I would love to see him in the number seven jersey for the Blues.

The front-row was selected in about five seconds. James Tamou and Aaron Woods bring plenty of size and aggression, and Robbie Farah – for all his detractors – remains NSW’s first-choice hooker, and one of the Blues’ best players over the past two series. He does try to do too much at times, but I can live with that.

Paul Gallen has become a polarising figure even in his own state. Some New South Welshmen like to lay blame at Gallen’s feet for the Blues’ Origin drought, proclaiming him to be the common denominator in the losing streak. I find that sentiment ridiculous. He’s been one of the Blues’ best players, if not their best.

However, I do feel NSW may need some fresh leadership, so I’m handing the captaincy over and allowing Gallen to concentrate on bashing up the Maroons. Legally, of course.

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In the backrow, Boyd Cordner is a tremendous player who picks himself, while Hoffman is reliable and brings stability to the starting line-up.

On my bench I want some X-factor, hence the selection of Tony Williams and Idris. Both bring athleticism, intimidation and size, and when on their game, provide the impact I want from my reserves. They’re also working themselves into some great form.

Anthony Watmough is a certainty, with his mongrel and aggression a fantastic asset on the bench. Likewise, I spent little time deliberating over Luke Lewis, who – providing he passes a physical – supplies versatility, experience and toughness.

I don’t mind admitting, I really love my reserves.

Now for a quick note on some of those missing out.

Josh Dugan is a fine player, but I only consider him a fullback, and it would be ridiculous to move Hayne out of the position when he’s in better form and more reliable than Dugan.

Brett Stewart is a victim of the Blues need for a goal-kicker, which brings Richards onto the wing and leaves Hayne at the back. If a kicker could have been found in another position, I would have given a lot of thought to picking Hayne elsewhere so I could select Stewart in the number one jersey.

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I love the Manly fullback’s reliability, support play, and the ball-playing ability to roam as a second five-eighth.

James Maloney is not in scintillating form, and coming back from an injury. I have grave fears the Maroons would target his shoulder in defence, neutralise his attack, and render him a liability for the Blues.

Mitchell Pearce has actually been in pretty good form for the Roosters this year, but if the Blues were to make any changes, he would be my first. I believe he’s had his chance, and done little to convince me he’s a different or better player than he’s already shown at state level.

Ditto Trent Merrin.

I don’t really see the need for a utility player on the bench, considering the versatility that already exists within the team selected. I therefore see no role for Kurt Gidley.

Will Hopoate and Daniel Tupou both came under serious consideration on the wing, however the team’s need for a goal-kicker – and my preference for a Reynolds-Mullen halves combination – ensures the numbers game is against them.

So that’s my team, and my exclusions. Fire away, Roarers.

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