There are not many serious options open to the NSW Blues selectors as they consider who will replace the in-form Morris twins, Brett and Josh, for Origin 2.
I have run my eyes over the short list of candidates and picked the pair I think we’ll see at ANZ Stadium on June 18.
Parramatta’s Will Hopoate looks to have done enough to snare the vacant centre position, while Penrith’s Josh Mansour is making an exciting charge for the wing spot.
After a long time away from the game, ‘Hoppa’ has been steadily growing in confidence for the Eels and is showing the class and composure that won him a Blues jumper in 2011. NSW is going to need a rock-steady type at right centre to keep Greg Inglis in check. Hopoate can do the job but he’ll welcome any help he can get.
I originally thought Manly’s Jorge Taufua would be the frontrunner for an Origin wing spot, but in recent weeks Mansour has raced past him with some irresistible football. His club stats are extraordinary.
He is the NRL’s leading tackle-breaker this season and has scored nine tries. Last weekend against Parramatta, Mansour came up with 26 carries for 268 metres, 1 offload, 9 tackle busts, 7 tackles, 2 tries and no handling errors.
I realise it’s often dangerous to compare player stats from one game to another but Taufua, playing against Brisbane, had 11 carries for 75 metres, 2 tackle busts, no tries and 2 handling errors.
Time and again, Mansour has shown incredible hunger to get himself involved in the game. He works hard early on and is just as energetic at the death.
I really like what he is doing at NRL level. He is a guy who does his own job well and then rolls up his sleeves to help his forwards out if needed.
It will mean another Blues debutant in a game of extreme pressure but Mansour is the man NSW should call up.
Suggestions have been made that NSW could shift Jarryd Hayne from fullback to the centres but I’m not having a bar of that. There is no sense in changing the complete team and game structure because one or two men have run into injury problems.
Hayne must stay at fullback so that the Blues can maintain their successful 1-6-7-9 combination from Game 1.
Key Blues forward Greg Bird is returning from suspension and we might see a few alterations in the Blues pack. I’m no selector but I’d like to see Birdy play at lock, with Paul Gallen shifting up to the front row and Aaron Woods moving to the bench.
I am already counting the days until this game in Sydney. You just know the proud Queenslanders will fight back with a vengeance. League fans are virtually guaranteed another classic.
Before closing, I wanted to give the Penrith and New Zealand clubs a special pat on the back.
Penrith was spectacular in their demolition of the Eels at the weekend and I can only see great times ahead for the mountain men. Depending on what happens with Mansour, they could go through the next six weeks virtually untouched by the Origin series – they might even be leading the comp by the end of the series.
Andrew McFadden has done a terrific job with the Warriors. My contacts tell me he has drawn a firm line about team discipline and match goals and the players have bought into it. They look incredibly dangerous, especially if they can keep their completion rate somewhere around the 32 from 36 they achieved against the Knights on Sunday.
Like the Panthers, they aren’t likely to be bothered by Origin call-ups. They have the chance to build some frightening momentum.
xavialonso
Guest
Im going to go sentimental here and pick Chris Lawrence for a centre spot. This kid would've played many origins if not for injury. He can still play and is very solid.
jerry
Guest
HAYNE stays where he belongs, he is a form fullbk. We need him to have more hands on the ball.!!period...dugan with experience on the wing and hoppa in centres. No rookies for the must win game TWO.
Parrafan
Guest
He is poles apart from his father. Such a well spoken and articulate bloke and only 21 years of age. My only reservation is he is lacking a bit in speed. He definitely needs another pre season to get that back though. But all in all I didn't expect him to be at the level he is in such a short period of time. Herculean effort.
hunter@png
Guest
nsw team game 2 hayne richards scott jennings tupou reynolds hodgkinson woods farah tamou hoffman bird gallen lewis merrin watmough fifita
Alex L
Roar Rookie
As a fullback GI often shows up on the attacking left edge either inside or outside the centre, stopping GI is always a requirement.
The Koomz
Guest
Beau Scott to right center. Mansour if BMoz is out. Lewis into the starting side, Bird in for Hoffman. Fafita on the bench and TRex retaining his bench spot.
danno1
Guest
Your granma sounds a hell of a player, we might need her for game 2
Knightblues
Roar Guru
McManus has played Origin before, and is pretty good at defence, knows how to get on the end of a try too, not really good at making breaks, isn't that fast for a winger, but let the other backs score the trys, McManus is a pretty solid player.
Disappointed
Guest
I know most will disagree, but G.I has just as many hot/cold stints as Hayne. Both are unstoppable on their day.
Bunny Lord
Guest
I forgot you were a Souths-hater.
Johnk
Guest
So true Parrafan, one bad game does not make your season (just ask Thurston about origin one and his defensive effort). There was a reason why Daley (and alot of people south of the border) had Hoppa as a BACK-UP in the event that one of the blues backline goes down. The thing that I see as a potential issue is Hoppa's reluctance and lack of confidence in playing SOO, stating that he believes he's still a little undone.
Chuznut
Guest
Hoppa's only Origin appearance was Game 2 2011, which NSW won, and he had a great game (including scoring a try). Might need to do a little more research before commenting next time there Cheech. It's taken him awhile to get his form back, but apart from last week against the Panthers, he has been back to his best since he played in the City/Country game. Provided he and his winger can gel quickly, Hoppa won't let anyone down.
Parrafan
Guest
Did you see a parramatta debutant (Hunt) playing outside him as well? Did you see Hunt's errors and missed tackle count? Didi you also see Hoppa having to cover both his opposite number and Mansour? Also have you watched any other Parramatta game this year? If you had you would have seen Hopoates skill a prowess at centre. One bad game does not a season make, especially when you are carrying your winger who has no idea.
Tom R
Guest
I think Mansour is a must on the wing and if not him then pick Pat Richards for his ability under the highball and outstanding kickoff/dropkicks/goalkicking. The centre spot really seems to depend on Slater's fitness in my opinion. Provided he plays Inglis will be in the centres, provided he doesn't I believe Chambers would come in to the fullback-bound Inglis' spot. I feel hoppa is great is defense and that although Inglis is quick I think hoppa can handle him. Chambers however is bloody lightning and as we saw on Friday with peachey, hoppa doesn't have speed on his side right now. Which is where Dylan Walker would seem perfect as he seems to be as quick if not quicker and could keep up with Chambers.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Can only think it's some kind of national team eligibility situation where they want him to be only available for Australia in future and not play for Samoa.
tigerdave
Guest
Chris Lawrence. A great defensive centre and is getting back to his best. He has performed at the highest level.
Christian D'Aloia
Roar Guru
Very surprised his name hasn't been mentioned at all. His form has been quite good this season and he's getting better every game. I think people don't realise that he's eligible for NSW.
Luke M
Guest
The kid is a beast.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
No more brett Stewart talk. Please. He won't be playing origin. Anywhere. Ever again
Trenno
Guest
Beau Scott will be the Right Centre, Mansour or Hopoate on the wing; probably Hoppa but I would pick Mansour.