Laurie Daley has stated he wants NRL club halves to represent the Blues but who will he pick? Who will play in the halves Josh Reynolds, James Maloney, Jamie Soward or a bolter?
This is The Roar’s State of Origin 2015 early edition.
Josh Reynolds (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
The incumbent Blues five-eighth helped the Blues to their first Origin win since 2005, ending Queensland’s eight-series streak. Reynolds backed up his stellar Origin performance by guiding the Bulldogs to a grand final.
Reynolds hasn’t spent as much time on the field this season as his competitors have but he has shown signs of magic. Reynolds has a long way to come as he looks to mature as a player and become a leader on and off the paddock.
James Maloney (Sydney Roosters)
Having represented New South Wales in 2013 and coming close in 2014, Maloney has been in stellar form since arriving at the Sydney Roosters two years ago. Maloney has played in two grand finals for two different sides, so he has plenty of big game experience.
One of the NRL’s most accurate goal-kickers, Maloney will come close to the Blues No. 6 jersey in 2015. However he will need to play better than he did on Friday against the Broncos.
Jamie Soward (Penrith Panthers)
It’s hard to believe that just two years ago, Jamie Soward was struggling to get a start at the Dragons. He didn’t know how to tackle and left to help the London Broncos in the Super League.
When the Penrith Panthers signed him for season 2014, the rugby league world asked why they would make such a signing. However, when Soward teamed up with Brisbane reject Peter Wallace to guide Penrith to the preliminary finals, they had to eat their own words.
They said Soward wasn’t ready for Origin but his time has come for another chance.
Bolters
Luke Keary (South Sydney Rabbitohs) was in the driver’s seat for a State of Origin jersey but now it appears he could be out of the Origin frame due to an injury to his South Sydney halves partner Adam Reynolds. Having helped Souths to a premiership in 2014 and become a regular in the Emerging Blues squad, Keary is one of the hottest young halves in rugby league.
Mitchell Moses (Wests Tigers) may not be the best man for the job but the young Tigers five-eighth isn’t as far off the mark as you may think. Moses is great in defence and can create magic when attacking however, will he be able to handle the pressure of the Origin arena?
After playing one State of Origin match in 2007, Jarrod Mullen (Newcastle Knights) has returned to his best this season, leading the Knights to their best start in years. If last week’s performance against the Dragons is anything to go by, Mullen might miss out. Mullen must return to his best and excel for Country Origin if he is going to be a chance.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Maloney has also missed 17 tackles in his last two games. By all means give him a go.
Carlos
Guest
I find it hard to believe that Reynolds or Hodgsonwill be there this year. The halves should be Soward and Maloney Their kicking games compliment each other, both are first class goal kicker both have been there and both have done well. Soward in particular has on of the strongest strategic kicking games in the comp and we've all seen the highlights of Topou scoring of Maloney's kicks to the corner, so hard to stop.
Kaks
Roar Guru
No one other than Daley see's the need for club pairings. Look at the QLD team that dominated for so long. Slater, Lockyer and JT did not play in the same team. JT and Inglis did not play in the same team. Smith, Lockyer and JT did not play in the same team. And yet, all of those combinations worked because they were the best player's in their position and were coached correctly.
Kaks
Roar Guru
I dont understand the desperation of the NSW coaching staff for "club combinations". QLD did not dominate SOO for so long because they picked their team based on club combinations, they picked their team based on the best player for that position.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I agree Townsend has playerd well this year and did at times last year too. But one good start to a season doesn't put him in the mix for an Origin jumper. I thnk he's polling pretty well in the Dally Ms so he is getting recognition.
The Barry
Roar Guru
That could be a new line in the song... West Africa - that's in Queensland ! Seriously though, Mbye has already played for Qld.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
That's ok. He hadn't really done much previously. He's been great this year though. Still has the inexplicable mistake in him here and there though.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
The difference is that Greg Inglis IS a NSWelshman, whereas Keary is from Ipshit.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Especially the halves. I would prefer some combinations along the edges or halfback full back. Halfback second rower and winger. Centre and winger. Hooker and half back. These would seem like more useful combinations.
Charles NSW
Guest
Scott is right in saying the best 5/8 going for NSW SOO is Jamie Soward. He is way on top and has the kicking game that makes such a difference for us when the going gets tough. The best half back is Adam Reynolds but he is out injured. Hodkinson is capable but not firing that well. He probably will be given another chance. The idea that the halves have to come from one club is silly really. These guys are elite and have been playiing long enough to know what is required of them,
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I actually agree. I like Carneys style as a five eighth. Absolute joke of a bloke though, as you say.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I'm across the dutch at the moment and it's one of the few times I've been able to see Townsend in action. Quite impressed, hadn't really seen much of him previously.
Jackson Henry
Guest
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Justthetip
Guest
The only thing qlders like about nsw at origin time is their selectors. I would have thought injuries aside Soward and Adam Reynolds picked themselves. Although I think for origin Keary and the warriors half have better natural football instincts. Pearce is great with roosters playing constantly with the same blokes around him but was regularly taking wrong options at key moments in origin. Bit of nerves definitely but also seems unsure with unfamiliar ball runners. If ferguson was fit you would have thought Laurie would have picked 3 4 6 7 all from the roosters.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Scotty I fear poor old Soward has had the window of opportunity slammed on his origin aspirations, even assuming the selectors got with the programme. Bad back injury requiring surgery is a tough hill to climb. Shame, because Uncle Wayne had him in a good place. Hopefull he'll be an asset for the Panthers going forward.
Lucky Hunter Turned Green Frog
Guest
If he wants nsw halves from teams then soward is a no go. Not only will he have no match fitness following surgery, but Wallace is gone and penrith have had that many combos
Scott Pryde
Expert
To be honest I would like to see Soward in the blue jumper. His kicking game is pinpoint accurate and we have all seen just what a job he has done for Penrith, and how they have fallen apart with him on the sidelines.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
If the right players are recognised, watch how quickly world peace comes.
Doug Graves
Guest
If NSW lose game 1 don't be surprised if Pearce is picked for game 2. Daley still rates him highly
Justthetip
Roar Pro
So if the right players are recognised thurston can now be regarded by the media as better than johns Lewis and Lockyer.