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Following the announcement of Laurie Daley’s New South Wales Blues team for State of Origin 1, some players would be feeling hard done by.
I am a fan of the team selected today. The team was picked off form and not reputation, which is an important change.
Players such as Luke Lewis and Robbie Farah may just be getting back from injury, although their presence in this side is important.
I have named five players who may feel unlucky by their exclusion from Game 1.
1. Jarrod Mullen
Touted as the next Andrew Johns, Mullen was selected in Game 1 of the 2007 series, at just 20 years old. He hasn’t been sighted in a Blues jumper since.
A hamstring injury in the Auckland Nines looked to have shot his chances, although since returning back to first grade, Mullen’s performances have been outstanding. His kicking game is considered the best in New South Wales and he has been the shining light for a poor Newcastle team in 2014.
If the Knights were leading the competition, perhaps we would have seen Mullen selected for NSW.
2. Josh Jackson
Josh Jackson’s performances in 2014 have taken his game to a whole new level. The amazing consistency and hard work that he’s put into the season so far have warranted a selection in the squad.
His versatility to play back row and in the centres provides the Blues with an option on the bench. Josh is a future Origin player with plenty of potential. He is a big game player – shown through his performance for Country and against the Rabbitohs and the Storm.
3. Tariq Sims
Tariq Sims has been considered Origin-worthy for a number of years now. His performance on Saturday night against the Roosters was outstanding. His form has warranted selection this year, after finally recovering from two broken legs.
Sims considers himself 100 per cent fit and will no doubt be in the mix for Game 2.
4. James Maloney
Maloney was another player considered a certainty until two weeks before the squad was announced. His form over the last 10 weeks has been hot and cold.
After Mitchell Pearce’s big night out, many wonder if the reason Maloney wasn’t chosen was based on his partnership with Mitchell. In any case, he remains a man who is determined to wear sky blue again.
5. Willie Mason
A bit of a surprise selection, though I believe Willie could’ve been a huge factor in this team. A member of “Dad’s Army”, Mason’s experience and mongrel could’ve been crucial. He has been, along with Mullen, the best player in a losing Knights team this year.
I believe NSW are lacking another prop on the bench, and thought Willie could’ve been the surprise selection of the day.
Suspensions to Mitchell Pearce for his well-documented night out and Greg Bird’s dangerous tackle cost both players their positions in the side.
While injuries to Andrew Fifita and Boyd Cordner – both considered certainties – left Daley distraught. The Blues would be lucky to have Cordner and Fifita back for Game 3, although this seems unlikely.
Who do you think was unlucky to miss out on the team?
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