After finally breaking through for State of Origin glory, NSW say rookie halves Trent Hodkinson and Josh Reynolds can form a successful long-term Blues combination.
The Canterbury pair steered the Blues to interstate glory for the first time in nine years at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night, with Hodkinson crossing for the match-equalling try in the 72nd before kicking the match-winning conversion.
Blues coach Laurie Daley opted for the Dogs duo after Mitchell Pearce’s late night shenanigans, and it paid big dividends.
After NSW’s 6-4 win to wrap up the series following their 12-8 game two win, veteran Blues back-rower Ryan Hoffman said Hodkinson and Reynolds could form NSW’s scrumbase combination for years to come.
“Right from the start I had all the confidence in Trent,” he said.
“Quite a few people especially north of the border made some derogatory comments about our halves pairing and that cut quite hard but for a young kid to play the way he did, his vision, he hit me on (Daly) Cherry-Evans all night.
“And then when the moment came he had to come up with the big play and he did and that is the sign of a good halfback.
“Josh and Hokko (Hodkinson) complement each other really well. Hokko is really composed and straight down the line and plays great structure, whereas Joshy Reynolds has that competitive streak and he has to be everywhere all the time.”
Anthony Watmough also showered the pair with praise.
“Those two were great for us, they showed they can cut it at this level,” Watmough said.
“There is every reason they can keep doing that.
“That was a huge play from Hokko (Hodkinson). I guess they didn’t see him as a ball runner and he just threw that dummy and went through and I said to him early in the week `we just need you to take charge’, and he did.”
KB
Guest
Very ORDINARY back rowers at that..
Muzz
Guest
Last night's junky game was taylor made for the "hybrid halves" who play more like back-rowers than playmakers.
Santos
Guest
NSW always have and always will pick players on form, which is why the individual NSW players will never dominate statistics and never have long-term combinations like the Queenslanders. Most of the former NSW Origin Greats were fortunate enough to play 15 or so matches: * Peter Sterling - had to complete with Steve Mortimer, Des Hasler and later Greg Alexander. * Brett Kenny - had to compete with Terry Lamb, Des Hasler and Cliff Lyons. * Ricky Stuart - had to compete with Greg Alexander, Jason Taylor, Geoff Toovey. * Laurie Daley - had to compete with Brad Fittler, Matthew Johns and Trent Barrett. * Andrew Johns - had to compete with Geoff Toovey and Brett Kimmorley.
The Barry
Guest
Anyone bagging Reynolds and hodko are kidding themselves.
Rob K
Roar Rookie
Everyone knows Reynolds isn't the most skilled 5/8 out there. But the reason why he is so good and will should be there for years to come is his enthusiasm! Man every kick thurston took Reynolds was in his face. Every 'fight' that broke out Reynolds was first there! Saved a try, a couple of smart last tackle options. Some nice kicks for repeat sets. Those passes that went to no one? How about you try to learn how someone's playing style has been there whole career in a week? Of course there was always going to be mistakes. But on top, Reynolds and Hodkinson will go down in history as the halves who broke the streak. Amazing players now let's sweep the series!
WQ
Guest
I guess a whole series is a long time for the Blues!!
johnash
Guest
The fwds did too much work. They were just looking to build up there stats. Totally selfish. I don't blame the halves at all, gallen winning MOM was a joke. Once you get in the opposition 20 the fwds have done there Job they should not be first receiver every play. Nevertheless Luke Brooks will have the no 7 jersey for 10 years from 2016
Renegade
Guest
Well the NSW engine room has been doing their job for the past 4 years..... the halves haven't until this year. Whether they are long term options or not.... there's not really anyone in NSW that deserves to be picked over them.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Really it came down to Bird and Gallen calling for the ball a lot, Whether this was part of the gameplan, who knows, but Farah kept on feeding them. Wasn't much that they could do. What I will say is that Reynolds made sure he got in Thurstons face all game, which worked, though with the ball in hand Reynolds was very average. But you have to judge players on everything they do, not just one facet.
rvm99
Guest
I thought the NSW halves went OK last night and in Game 1. Solid with out being spectacular. Would be hard to envisage them challenging Cronk, Thurston and DCE for higher representative honours
Ian Bodycote
Roar Rookie
If Ordinariness means more victories , by all means , KEEP IT UP !!!!
KB
Guest
The NSW halves were both outplayed by JT and DCE was on one leg for the entire match. After SOO 3 they will resume their ordinariness with Canterbury.
Chappy
Guest
Reydnolds and Hodkinson were great last night, Josh produced a repeat set and saved a try from Cherry and I don't blame him for those passes that went to ground. The players outside of him should know better when Josh runs sideways and expect the pass inside. Trent directed traffic at Cherry all night, was solid in Defence, solid kicking game and scored the match winning, Dynasty ending, never to be forgotten and only Try last night. So you so called NSW fans, stop whinging and enjoy this victory and stop trying to rally support for a new(or old) halves combo. Because it ain't happening
KB
Guest
Long term according to who?....They were both ordinary in the last two SOO's.Uneducated football punters who somehow believe that the halves are the "controllers"of games, can thank Sterlo for that bull$hit. Enormously ego-ed ex 7's like the aforementioned have had too much of an ill effect on fans with the overkill of ordinary TV shows. Rational ex 7's and 6's like Freddie, Joey, Wally, Alfie, Lockie, Sticky, Loz and most others ALL agree...whilst the 6 & 7 do the steering , the engine room gets you there over 90% of the time.
Clark
Guest
Reynolds was very very poor last night. Hodkinson saved his blushes.