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?
Rob
Guest
6. Will Hopoate 7. Tim Mannah 8. Wade Graham
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
He was also close to being on my list, would've loved to see Pat play in this game.
peeeko
Roar Guru
Why do people think Willie Mason has a lot of mongrel? because he looks angry?
fishes
Guest
I think the unluckiest to miss out was Pat Richards. I know he wasn't selected for city/country but he must have been close. If Mitchell Pearce was picked alongside Josh Reynolds, Richards would have been needed at the expense of Tupou cos he can kick
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Agreed, showing the loss of Fifita
Dr Yes
Guest
Re Maloney: I don't think he quite deserved it, just for game 1, due to form and injury. I know the media says Maloney lost his spot because of Pearce, but it could be the other way around. Pearce has had better form. 2-3 weeks ago, Pearce was pencilled in, whereas media reports had Maloney under pressure. If Maloney was a risk, it was obvious to replace Maloney with in-form Reynolds, who was blooded last year. Combine that with the goal-kicking and the loss of Cordner, and that probably puts more pressure on Pearce than the 'incident'. I think if Maloney is injury-free and gets close to 2013 form, where he was classed in the top 10 performers in the game, then he should certainly be back in the side, with Reynolds perfect ripping in off the bench. Sure, club combos are a factor. But we've started to blood a few players now, and the next step is to 'gel' a NSW team above and beyond the club combos. Have an informal extended squad with two hookers and four halves - mixing ball-player/runner/kicker/goal-kicker. Let their membership of the Blues be greater than their competition for spots, a la Fittler, Barrett, Johns, Daley, etc. Unfortunately, NSW have a problem where they have too many candidates - probably 8 or 9 halves. But only half a dozen can be carried in the squad over half a dozen years - so tough luck, pick squad members, stick and only cycle very slowly. Sure, NSW's own version of 'two heads' will shout down due to their club biases, but once the side gets traction, the developed halfbacks will be superior and will shut them up. The only sane way to do this is to pick after big game success, not just on promising skill. Having said that, this new halves combo has been included now. If they experience big losses, play alternatives but leave them in the squad for a few years. Brooks' chance, should he get there, should come down the track in a couple of years.
Carlos
Guest
I think its a mistake, there should be two big mobile specialist props on the field at all times
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yeah 5-10 years ago he was a good international player.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Was basing that off last year when Watmough and Fifita swapped in for Tamou/Woods/Gallen at prop (in the games they played) while Merrin was brought on for Bird (who was at Lock).
Matthew Buxton
Roar Pro
Disagree. Mullen is nothing but class. Yes he's playing on 1 leg but his kicking game is amazing and is a great halfback
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
I think it would be having Merrin swap with Woods/Tamou then move Gal to prop to accomodate the others.. Otherwise why no other props?
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Willie is a proven International. He has been in good form and would bring mongrel and experience. His influence on this young side would be fantastic.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Willie is a proven International. He has been in good form and would bring mongrel and experience. His influence on this young side would be fantastic.
Josh Allerton
Roar Guru
Mmm very interesting to see the seconds team, would have Maloney there instead of SUtton though
JayBob
Guest
It's not a bad side actually but would be outplayed pretty easily. Defensively, Taufua would be found out, especially with Richards or Dugan outside him and possibly Mullen inside. Centre is a crucial defensive area these days and unless you have a lot of experience there you wouldn't handle Origin. Props would get dominated in the end, Norrie?? Backrow looks good defensively but don't think there are enough attacking options on the edges. Mullen has been struggling and I don't think Sutton is good enough to carry him, halves would fail. Overall it's not bad for backup but I'd say 28-6 to BLUES FIRSTS.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Presumably the plan is to rotate Watmough on for one of the starting props. Makes some degree of sense, in club games he might be officially in the second row but he actually lines up where most teams have their Lock functioning as a third prop (while Horo and Stewart play left and right edge respectively).
langerthebronco
Guest
Roarers how would the current BLUES FIRSTS fare if they were to play my BLUES SECONDS in 1:B STEWART 2:J DUGAN 3:W HOPOATE 4:J TAUFUA 5:P RICHARDS 6:J SUTTON 7:J MULLEN 8:T GRANT 9:N PEATS 10:A TOLMAN 11:J JACKSON 12:A DOCKER 13:S FENSOM 14:B NORRIE 15:W MASON 16:W GRAHAM 17:T SIMS 18:J MANSOUR
Muzz
Guest
Cordner just had surgery and will be out for 6 to 8 weeks.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Yep. Agree. I think wade was in far better form and more of an "origin" player than Hoffman or scott
Carlos
Guest
I honestly cant see how Beau Scott gets picked over either Tariq Sims or Josh Jackson. I also don't get why Whatmough isn't starting backrower. We are definately a prop down and either Tim Grant or Tollman should be in the team. 1 -10 Im happy with the team and they've shown good sense picking Topou on the wing. I wanna see him leaping over Tate every 10 or 15 mins :) my 11 - 17 would have been 11. T.Sims / 12. Whatmough / 13 Gallen Bench - Grant / Merrin / Lewis / Idris