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.
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.
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.
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.
Vikki Gibbs
Guest
Real nice work Daley, Tapau would have been there 'but'who don't u sacrifices? Great you went with Lewis despite injuries, he 'will heal, The Blues Jumper will help that happen. Glad you ditched Mitch, he hadn't warned his spot simply put. Sad he played up considering everyone deserves a 2nd chance, but not after six years of under performing, I guess being Wayne Pearces Son put him on a too high peddle stool. Now, it's time for NSW players to 'all's be on in their very best behaviour and win us a series!
Jmt
Guest
Brett Stewart as captain. Drop hayne. Morris brothers. Glen stewart. Gallen. Jennings.
Rumpole
Guest
Guerra from the Roosters will be in the starting line up for QLD
Osmium gus
Guest
Yeah, i'm with you on the halves 100% Need to find a spot for Beau Scott, at the expense of Cordner now that he is injured. His decision making and hardness in defence is as good as anyone, but he has developed an offload and is offering more in attack. He and Bird are almost interchangeable. Between Bird, Scott, Hoffman, Lewis and Cordner we have an embarrassment of riches for edge forwards. But i can't agree with both Idris and Williams on the bench. Williams is infuriating, so much capability, so little intent and one good game against a overwhelmed and backpeddling St George does nothing to convince me. Good grief Tony, try running onto the ball more than once a month! Regardless we need another big man for the middle third. Would have been Fifita... I don't have the answer, not keen on Merrin because St G are getting rolled in the forwards every week, they are a doormat. Are you sure Moi Moi isn't eligible? Can we bring Pat Jarvis or David Gillespie back?
angela merkel
Guest
I agree with replacing Gallen as captain, ( always too hot-headed and reactive to be a natural leader) but surely Farah becomes the logical first choice. Reynolds? He hasn't even experienced Origin football yet and you want to give him the added burden of captaincy? Seriously? Let's see if he can compete at this level first before we start handing him his captain bars!
jacko
Guest
if the knuckle head selectors and coach dont pick the following side all should be sacked- i think after tonight you can certainly scub the Souths halves of Reynolds and Sutton from the equation for selection and i dare say for ever- both not up to it. 1- Jarryd Hayne 2- Brett Morris 3- Josh Morris 4- Michael Jennings 5- Daniel Tupou 6- James Maloney 7- Mitchell Pearce (VC) 8 – James Tamou 9 – Robbie Farah 10 – Aaron Woods 11 – Ryan Hoffman 12 – Boyd Cordner 13 – Paul Gallen(C) 14 – Tony Williams 15 – Anthony Watmough 16 – Luke Lewis 17 – Josh Reynolds
Sujskiez
Guest
Must as this team looks good except a few parts why have peats when robbie farah is fit to play and having only one forward in your bench is week as we need to give our props and forwards a rest and having one won't help if you need an utlility player you have hayne who can cover from 1 to 7 and have idris cover hayne if hayne is moved into the halves to cover for anyone
Mikes Roafa
Guest
B.Stewart B.Morris W.Hopoate J.Hayne D.Tupou J.Maloney A.Reynolds A.Wood N.Pearts J.Tamou L.Lewis A.Watmough P.Gallen interchange J.Reynolds R.Hoffman J.Idris T.Grant
Sujskiez
Guest
My team would be somehow similar with ryan but with a few changes 1 – Brett Stewart 2 – Brett Morris 3 – Jarryd Hayne 4 – Michael Jennings 5 – Will Hoopate 6 – Josh Reynolds 7 – James Maloney 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 – Tim Mannah You can have maloney for goal kicking and have hayne do majority of the last kicks, drop off and kick off he has a long boot
Freddy
Guest
Lucky for NSW you are not a selector
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Some good comments, mate. Just in reply: Lewis will almost certainly be underdone for game 1, but he's a veteran, knows what is expected of him, and I have every faith that he will do the job, even allowing for his lack of game-time. I'm not worried about the lack of props in the side. Many of the backrowers in the squad play up the middle anyway, and yes Gallen will rotate to the front row after 20 minutes. I gave consideration to having Merrin on the bench, but I've been concerned about his lack of impact at Origin level. To be fair, I did forget that he had a good match in game 3 last year, so perhaps I've been overly harsh. But in the absence of any prop making an unavoidable case for selection, I refuse to chose one for the sake of convention. In any event, the Blues have previously gone into Origin with just two specialist props (in 2012). It worked in game 2, and failed miserably in game 3. So it's definitely a gamble. Yep, T-Rex and Idris will play the similar role: shorts bursts as a bull in a china shop. And I'd plan to to play them at the same time. Who said you can't have two x-factors, playing at the same time? Might be a stroke of genius. Or an epic fail! But it's time to try something different. There is no way you can talk me into Pearce. Just not going to happen, so we'll agree to disagree on that one, and just move on. However, I admit that I have irrational (unfounded?) confidence in Mullen. Happy to be talked around on that, and to be honest, as mentioned elsewhere, I'm leaning toward Hodkinson at 7, and Tupou on the wing. The suggestion - made elsewhere as well - of Dugan on the wing completely baffles me. I can't believe anyone would seriously consider that selection. He's never played in that position at this level, and I can't remember him playing there at club level either. He's already prone to mental errors and being caught out of position in defence, and playing in a new position would only increase the chances of him being targeted, and found wanting. The Qld halves are amongst the smartest rugby leagues players I've seen. When they find a weakness, they exploit it with ruthless efficiency. And I therefore fear Dugan would be in a lot of trouble. No way I'd pick him on the wing, personally. I don't even consider that a gamble; just a head scratcher!
The spectator
Guest
That's one way to look at it!!
Dr Yes
Guest
Maloney. Just winding you up ;)
Dr Yes
Guest
I agree with about a 12 of your squad. But I guess the other 5 are pretty significant. You did ask ;) Lewis is underdone for game 1, but am certainly a fan for games 2 & 3. None of the bench play prop. Do you propose shuffling 7 back-rowers through the 3 back-rower positions? Maybe you were considering bringing Idris on as replacement centre? But why would you waste a bench spot and player rotation(s) on a centre, when Jennings and Morris will have plenty to give for 80 min? Better via back row. Anyway, you need to rotate 4 props. Even if you rotated Gallen from lock, via Watmough, you'd only have 2.5 props. With TRex and Idris you're doubling up on the same role - a 15 min cameo as a human wrecking-ball. That's overdoing that role and leaving you short of workers (metre-eaters & tacklers) which is the bread-and-butter of the pack. SOO is all about slugging for territory and playing off your forward work - a risk Qld could get on top. Mullen's a quality player. But you're losing a stack of "IP", switching out Pearce who has good relationships with the coach and the rest of the stable team. Has been evolving the positioning and moves, with meetings and analysis since Xmas. The short prep time (before all 3 games) is easy to underestimate - almost certainly too little time for Mullen & Reynolds to engineer a series win. And Mullen's not necessarily in better form than Pearce (certainly wasn't at the end of last year). So taking a step back only makes sense if you're confident the halves will be there for a few years. The Qld model is the way - groom your new players for critical positons (half / hooker) off the bench over a couple of years. No Dugan, even on the wing. He starred last year in games 2 and 3. Ditto, no Stewart. Richards is very solid and experienced, and a great kicker, but perhaps not the most electric winger. Captaincy should go to a very experienced and most successful Blues player, as reward and also because the players know who their natural leaders are and the (c) can't override this. You don't joke around with Blues leadership. Even if Reynolds was granted a start, there's some level of risk he'd be on the bench for game 2.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Then who kicks??
Carn the blues
Guest
Boo'ed who? Jamie Lyon? Whoever got booed, "take a tea spoon of cement and harden up princess"....you are a professional athlete, you should drool at the chance to play at the most elite level. Let your actions speak to those who booed ya, they'll be kissing your butt soon enough.
PrettyGood
Guest
That's not a bad squad. But I would definitely swap Pat Richards for Jorge Taufua - he is made for Origin and could be a real x-factor.
bbqer
Guest
Brett the manly fan maybe you are smart enough to work out that its now 2014... not 2010. How about you get some material without cobwebs on it.
matt h
Guest
Problem with more Manly players is the best three are unavailable, play for QLD or play for NZ
langerthebronco
Guest
19:Gaigai 20:Copeley Need them ASAP, HODGO is too slow and I think his time for SOO is up. Either bring TATE to the CENTRE and COPELEY on the WING or leave TATE on the WING and bring GAIGAI in the CENTRES.