Like many who read and contribute to this website, I am not always a fan of former Blues’ coach Phil Gould and some of his opinions that come to us via the Nine television network.
But I whole-heartedly agree with Gus after catching his analysis of the NSW Origin team and how it should attack Queensland in next Wednesday’s opener at Suncorp Stadium.
I came across a recorded segment on the Sydney Morning Herald website featuring Gould and sports journalist Andrew Webster.
It made heaps of sense to me.
After discussing the whys and wherefores of the new Blues’ halves combination, Gould went on to say what he would be doing if he were coaching NSW in Game 1 of this much-anticipated series.
“I think Jarryd Hayne is our best chance of winning,” Gould said.
“I would be throwing all of my eggs in the Jarryd Hayne basket.
“I’d be sitting down with the other three playmakers (Trent Hodkinson, Josh Reynolds and Robbie Farah) and working out where can we inject this bloke, where he will be most useful, how does he want the ball?”
Hayne has been an absolute standout for the rejuvenated Parramatta Eels this season. He has been a match-winner, a points instigator and an all-round inspiration.
He has done some very freakish things, pulling off amazing plays that only the very special players are capable of in rugby league. NSW would be mad not to ride on the coat-tails of his five-star form.
Hayne is back to what made him the best player in the code in 2009. That year he won six consecutive man-of-the-match awards as Parra made a late charge for the finals.
The ‘Hayne Plane’ was pretty much unstoppable during that incredible sequence. He looks to be in an identical zone as he revs up for Origin 1.
Queensland has a number of players capable of being spontaneous, brilliant, spectacular and singularly important to the outcome of this game. NSW has just one: J Hayne.
If you have a Ferrari in your garage, why go for drives in your VWs, Holdens and those Jeeps (that someone bought on some annoying TV commercial)?
I say Gould makes lots of sense in his appeal for Blues coach Laurie Daley to fashion his game plan around an in-form Blue who is a natural match-winner.
NSW only has a limited time to work on its game plan whereas the Maroons already know theirs – they’ve been employing and tweaking it successfully for eight years.
I’d love to see something different from this new-look Blues outfit.
Set the platform through the forwards and give the Ferrari every opportunity to click into top gear and purr.
To me, Jarryd Hayne is our John Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Bill Slater, Greg Inglis and Cam Smith all rolled into one.
No, he is not superman, but we have all seen him fly before.
It will have to be a mighty team effort to manufacture enough opportunities for this fullback Ferrari but Hayne, in his present mood, is capable of anything.
Even stopping arguably the best rugby league combination ever assembled.
Igo Thomas
Guest
This is the best team of the 100th game of state of origin -no matter what but its gonna be mighty BLUES IN THIS 100TH game 3in a row. BLUESthebest2014,100th game.
Luke M
Guest
Gould is an extremely intelligent football brain, but his commentary is unbearable.
NSWelshman
Guest
Tim, my comment wasn't directed at your write up. I just felt as though so much pressure is being heaped on Hayne as the only person who could win the game for NSW. Of course if Hayne has a cracker of a game then NSW will be more than likely win & he will be the hero, however if he has an off night & we lose? Is it his fault? I agree with you 100% that Stewart should have been fullback & Hayne in the centres. Imagine the Queenslanders trying to shut Hayne & Stewart down.............in any case if NSW can play as a team I'm sure they can win!
Parrafan
Guest
If you watched that game (cowboys v eels) prior to kick off Hayne had 20 minutes of intense physio on his shoulder. We had Morgan on an extended bench ready to slot in at center with hoppa to go to fullback. Hayne shouldn't have played but having been called soft in the past and withrep round coming up he played on. His defence hasn't been as good the last 3 rounds due to the injury but he has put his body on the line. Its that toughness that wins origins. Having won man of the series in a losing team and at wing his record speaks for itself. He will step up and dominate, like every game he has ever played for the blues.
Parrafan
Guest
on Hayne b morris could rotate to fb. I think he's played there at club level in the past. Fingers crossed it doesn't happen. Especially when my beloved eels are going so well this season.
Parrafan
Guest
I agree with you Alex. I would just have Tamou and Fifita start with Woods on the bench. Switch Woods and move gallen to middle forward after 20 mins. That for mine is a better rotation but Fifita is injures so beggars can't be choosers. I really hope woods has a cracker. He was phenomenal against South's earlier this year.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Woods spent most of last year struggling with a knee injury (which has been repaired now), plus his time on the park got limited in Game 2 because (from memory) he was set to come back on for Merrin who got a 10min break in the bin. Even if Fifita was available, the bench looks like it needs another prop so Woods would probably still be in the side -- a bit surprised Aiden Tolman hasn't been given a run with Fifita out but Daley seems to have opted for the impact of Williams and utility of Lewis over an interchange prop.
Hayley Maher
Roar Pro
Hayne injured himself in his first tackle. You could clearly see him grimace every time he got tackled & couldn't pass the ball properly. That's why he was nowhere to be seen
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
Allow me to rejog your memories. A few weeks ago the Eels were dusted by the Cowboys and Hayne was no-where to be seen. Since then he has had two great games against fairly poor opponents. He'll play well, aye, but perhaps not as well as you're all preaching.
Raugeee
Guest
No denying Haynes is a wonderful player. His record at SOO is nothing great though. 17 games 6 wins = 35%. He is no saviour.
Slain
Guest
Last tackels options are key and startegic options/decisions taken by the play makers....if you screw that up you will never win...its part of the game Elmo!
Off To Mandy's
Guest
It makes sense Hayne has his hands on the ball as much as possible, he is the best player in the world at the moment. In saying that we have pretty potent left and right edges so I don't think we need to throw eggs all in the one basket.
Chuznut
Guest
Beau Scott has played a series at centre too, so I think we're well covered if any backs go down injured (apart from Hayne obviously). I've said it before in a previous article, but I think that by not picking a utility, Daley is going for an 'all or nothing' approach this year, which I for one am really happy with. We're not going to beat this QLD team by playing it safe, so we may as well just rip in, and hope a few things (lack of injuries, referee decisions, etc) go our way.
hunter@png
Guest
Spot on roarers, great read... Go the Blues! Cattledog!!!!
Chuznut
Guest
Yeah, I'm a little sceptical of Woods too after last year, but I think his form this year has demanded selection, and I think he'll be better for last years run. I guess we'll find out if he's Origin material next week, and if he doesn't fire, hopefully Fifita will be able to take his place in game 2.
Hayley Maher
Roar Pro
Agree about the utility. There's no need to have a spot saved for a utility when you have Lewis in your team. He can cover a large amount of positions so it's a waste of a bench spot
Parrafan
Guest
If it's one of the halves you have the option of slotting Lewis in there, or even when attacking Hayne could slot in to a play maker role. Again if its Farah who goes down, Reynolds would surely shift there. If it's one of our backline, possibly TREX. Hes played those positions in grade football. I think it may be a good stroke to not carry a utility, especially if the utility is Gidley. I think this is shown when no injuries occur you are not wasting that bench spot.
Parrafan
Guest
I do remember Woods getting pummeled in his origin debut. He has been in form at club level (not as hot these last 2-3 weeks) however this really needs to translate into origin form. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, however Myles and Scott have both previously shown they dominate the middle forwards battle. I won't say it will be won in the first 20mins, but that first quarter is really pivotal to the Blues chances of winning. I think we are really going to miss Fifita's go forward.
Paulus
Guest
Phil Gould at times can be rather annoying but you have to hand it to him he has been NSW most successful coach and does talk some sense from time to time. No doubt Hayne holds the key to unlock the Queensland defence and I'd have to agree a structured attack could limit Hayne's spontaneity. Playing at fullback gives him the freedom to pick his moments and inject himself into broken play where he can be most dangerous we don't want him to overplay his hand which may lead to desperation. If the halves can pick the right 5th tackle options there is more than enough size and speed to score points.
Sandy Johnno
Guest
agree about hayne and gus. but i think NSW will run out of legs with the number of pivotal players returning from injury. and again i say, i can't understand that there is no back in the interchange bench. with the concussion laws in place now, who is going to run on if one of the backs goes down? luke lewis is coming back from long term injury. i'm a maroon so i'm happy