In season 2014, there have been plenty of selection surprises that have left NRL fans confused.
Most notably the dropping and overlooking of high-calibre players such as Nathan Merritt, Krisnan Inu, Marika Koroibete and Fui Fui Moi Moi.
Reading through Big League and other rugby league publications, it is always interesting to see the NSW and Queensland Cup teams.
The talent in the NSW Cup is immense. So many players have played first grade and represented their state and/or country.
I have created a team of players who I believe would be able to challenge some NRL sides.
These players have been selected from Round 10 of NSW Cup action.
1. Nathan Gardner (Sharks)
2. Nathan Merritt (Bears)
3. Lote Tuqiri (Bears)
4. Krisnan Inu (Bulldogs)
5. Marika Koroibete (Tigers)
6. Michael Witt (Cutters)
7. Luke Kelly (Magpies)
8. Fui Fui Moi Moi (Magpies)
9. Siliva Havili (Warriors)
10. Mark O’Meley (c) (Wyong)
11. Ben Murdoch-Masila (Tigers)
12. Reni Maitua (Bulldogs)
13. Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
14. Tom Burgess (Bears)
15. Tom Learoyd Lahrs (Mounties)
16. Matt Hilder (Knights)
17. Kyle Stanley (Cutters)
18. Adam Quinlan (Cutters)
19. Michael Chee Kam (Manly)
20. Dominque Peyroux (Warriors)
Coach: Rick Stone (Knights)
This was a very tough team to narrow down to, especially as the side is missing players such as Mahe Fonua, Kane Evans, Michael Dobson and Sam Williams.
The only player without first grade experience is Bryce Cartwright. Bryce was the 2013 Holden Cup Player of the Year. He is a very good young talent for the Panthers who is unlucky to not have debuted already in 2014, due to niggling injuries.
Only four players in the 17 are without State of Origin or international experience. This is a representation of the quality of depth within the NSW Cup.
What would your team look like?
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Perhaps!
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it mate. Yep i agree, imagine if you added Johnathan Thurston and Cam Smith to that team.. I think another team in Brisbane or a team in Perth would help the game the most. PNG would be a fantastic place to introduce though too.. Imagine the Burrow or the Broncos supporters travelling to PNG to watch their team play. It'd be a fantastic development for the country and the game.
Jack
Guest
Great article. Like the thinking outside the square. People above who say we have no depth or even that you could add 1-2 marquee players to that to make a team are also forgetting about the QLD cup. We could afford 2 more teams in the NRL if these players were utilised. Not sure if the all stars of that would be quite as good but there are plenty of NRL experienced players running around in that. Plus with the addition of PNG, I think there will be a steady production line of local comp PNG players -> PNG Hunters in Q cup -> PNG players in NRL. I think Mark Mexico will be the first of many and we might see a few Neville Costigans and Adrian Lams soon.
Tigered
Guest
At the tigers markka has defensive and positional issues that's why he is working on them in the state cup. With Murdoch massila he has too many errors in his game for the nrl. I hope he fixes them at penrith and gets back to nrl. All good players will get another opportunity at some point this year.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Yep that's him, hell of a player back in his day but is now happy captaining Wyong in NSW Cup
john badseed
Guest
Is this the new Perth outfit we're all dying to watch?
Zedman
Guest
Is this "THAT" Mark O'Meley from yonks ago???
Dianne
Guest
No worries, yes he is a very good player who just couldn't get a first grade spot at the Tigers. Would love to see him get a run in the top grade.
Storm Boy
Guest
The NRL semi finals should leave position #8 as a wildcard entry for the winners of the NSW Cup vs QLD Cup game.
Renegade
Guest
Well, that's just proof of how dense QLDer's are.... "2nd best" lol in your dreams ;)
Mike from Tari
Guest
You two dingbats obviously don't keep up to date with the ARLC, this game was already set in stone during the offseason just finished.
Mike from Tari
Guest
No we reckon the Intrust Super Cup is the second best not 3rd best.
Dav
Guest
The interstate comp game could be played on NRL Grand final day? which will value add back into those 2 comps
Dav
Guest
Can I suggest as a NRL showcase that at the end of season the Winner of the NSWRL plyoff against the winner of the QRL, I think this would be a great match and well represented. and maybe one step further the the winner of that game then gone on to play the wooden spooner of the NRL comp, would really give us an idea of how well the NSWRL and QRL are advancing.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
One of the great props after the turn of the century. His influence on the Bulldogs was massive and his combination with Willie Mason was unbelievable.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
How little depth? Most of these guys have played at the highest level.. I'd say depth is one thing we're not lacking, to be honest.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
How little depth? Most of these guys have played at the highest level.. I'd say depth is one thing we're not lacking, to be honest.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Definitely.
Matthew Buxton
Roar Pro
I think you've missed the point. He's saying that there are various NSW cup players who could easily play first grade, and some of these players have at the highest level. Sure if you chucked this particular team in the NRL they wouldn't set the world on fire, but if you have the bulk of these NSW cup players plus perhaps 1 or maybe 2 marquee players they would be strong
Parrafan
Guest
Kelly was dropped for a good reason. The bloke can't organise anything. His kicking, passing and running game are sub NRL standard. Also I wouldn't be surprised if Fui comes back into 1st grade throughout the rest of the season. He will retire at season end and King Arthur is blooding his successor Junior Paulo at the moment. Was nice to see Fui in the dresser at the half time break egging the boys on.