Laurie Daley has made a big call ahead of State of Origin I by dumping incumbent halves pairing James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce in favour of Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson. However, it’s the right call.
With one game – off the bench – under his belt, Josh Reynolds has had at least a taste of Origin before, and should be able to help his halves partner Hodkinson with the transition.
Of course their partnership has steered the Bulldogs to top spot on the ladder, with seven consecutive wins – three in a row won by a one-point margin. That shows the halves pairing know how to win tight matches and aren’t afraid of stepping up at the crucial moments, Hodkinson scoring two of the three field goals and Reynolds with the other to win those matches.
Also vitally important to this halves combination is the fact that Hodkinson is a goal kicker – and some goal kicker at that. He has slotted home 35 conversions this season, along with three tries, and his two field goals takes his personal points tally to 84 – the third best in the competition.
Maloney, however, has landed only 32 of his conversions and scored one try, taking his points tally to 68. It is arguable that the Dogs and Roosters halves play different roles in their sides, but it is also fair to say Josh Reynolds and Hodkinson have done a lot more for their side, hence their position on the ladder.
Add in the fact that Mitchell Pearce thought it would be a great idea to celebrate an NRL victory in Kings Cross just a week out from the NSW Origin side’s announcement, and you have a clear cut answer. Pearce’s decision making isn’t good enough, especially at Origin level.
He’s been a passenger in most of the 12 games he has played at Origin level and whether it’s been Braith Anasta or Maloney outside him, they’ve made him look a lot better than what he is.
It has to be mentioned that at club level he does look a good player, capable of Origin. But once he gets there he seems to crack under the pressure.
Coming into this season he and Maloney had shiny new premiership medals around their necks and the Roosters were expected to defend their title with aplomb. However it has not turned out that way, with a faltering forward pack not providing the platform Maloney and Pearce need to shine. It can also be said that this is down to Pearce failing to direct his forwards around the pitch properly, which isn’t good enough considering he is also a vice captain of his club side.
It was a similar situation the Roosters pair were in last season, as to the one the Bulldogs halves are now, and that is another reason why they deserved to be picked.
The Dogs’ forward pack has rolled forward brilliantly and allowed Josh Reynolds to express himself with the ball in hand, while Hodkinson dictates play and directs his forwards. How the pair combine with dummy half Robbie Farah will be interesting, but good players find a way to work together.
It may be a massive call to bring in a rookie halves pairing into State of Origin’s 100th match, but it is the right one if NSW are serious about breaking Queensland’s eight-year winning streak.
Dr Yes
Guest
Chappy, re Corder: I know the Chooks have been a bit off, but maybe you haven't been watching their games? He was a lock for starting side. To quote Andrew Webster over the last week: "Cordner has been the best NSW back-rower this season, according to statistics provided by Sports Data", http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/boyd-cordners-form-may-save-mitchell-pearce-from-state-of-origin-axe-20140516-zrewk.html. Of course, Bird's form has been unbelievable, helping the Titan's do well (with Myles matching him). Re the new halves. Wish them and all the boys great luck. But it's a pretty big hill in front of them, and you're heaping a bit of expectation on them. Trent's only played one semi, dipping out to Newcastle on the first week, 6 v 7. So they've not been tested and not had a chance to adjust to pressure, high-pace and toughness of big games. Normally takes longer at the top level for halves to develop than the rest of the squad. Let's just wish them the very best and see how we go by the end of the series, before we lock them in as the solution for NSW's future.
Alex Chisholm
Roar Pro
Yeah me too Matthew, and the fact at club level this combo has been working so well. If we can't score from kicks we want the next best and these two can do it.
Alex Chisholm
Roar Pro
Yeah very true up in the north. As much as I hate Greg Bird, he is the kind of gritty, grubby player we need to put it to the Queensland pack. Ah wouldn't that be great to see! That would ignite the series a little more. Hoping for a big one from Woodsy, he's been excellent again this season.
Matthew Buxton
Roar Pro
I do like the idea of Hodko and Reynolds. Finally have someone who can actually find space and force a dropout...
up in the north
Guest
While I reckon our halves combo being settled is a big bonus, it's in the forwards that I'm having a little anxiety with. I think Bird is going to be hard to replace. He's one of those 1% er types of players who you don't realise how much work they get done until they aren't there. Big Jimmy Tamou really needs to find some mongrel really quickly too. I want to see him smash Matt Scott in the first hit-up to exert his authority, a la Artie Beetson belting Mick Cronin, way back in the first game. So yeah, we've got a chance.
Alex
Guest
Yeah I agree Chappy. Yeah fingers crossed we've seen the last of Pearce in a Blues jersey. But yeah, Maloney definitely deserves another shot in the future.
Chappy
Guest
This is the best halves pairing for years. I got a good feeling about game 1 and hope NSW next problem is who to leave out after a NSW victory. Bird for Scott and Fiffita for T-Rex and I don't believe Cordner's been playing well this year, with Sims, Idris and Sutton ahead of Cordner. Also I believe Pearce should never wear a blue jersey again, but Malonely should be considered as he's much better player than Pearce will ever be
Alex
Guest
That's it up in the north! I think this is the right halves pairing and hopefully the one to bring the series back to it's rightful owners NSW haha!
up in the north
Guest
Very much a case of damnef if you do, damned if you don't with regard to the halves. I would much rather they go down still swinging, than with a whimper. So this is the best pairing available, let's get behind them and trust in some good luck.