Going into every State of Origin series, team selections are a big issue of debate for footy supporters. In 2015, who will play in the front row?
Who will Mal Meninga opt for – Nate Myles, Matthew Scott, Sam Thaiday or a bolter? Here is the next episode in our series on 2015 State of Origin team selections.
Nate Myles (Gold Coast Titans)
A veteran of 11 years, Myles has represented Queensland on 26 occasions since 2006. One of the more dominant and experienced forwards, he is nearing the end of his career. Myles has proven he can perform well on the big stage, even when out of form and he is destined to do it again in 2015.
His form so far this season for the Titans may be poor, however Myles will pick up his game come Origin time. If selected he will be a huge plus for the Maroons.
Matthew Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
Scott is also looking at his final days. He is now 29 years of age and has played 16 games for Queensland since 2006. Scott is extremely experienced at the State of Origin level.
The big man always steps up during the Origin period, even when he is down on form at club level. The Cowboys co-captain is set for another big year in the Maroons jersey as he prepares to help guide his state to their 19th series win.
Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
Since Wayne Bennett dropped him to the bench, Thaiday has easily been the NRL’s best forward in 2015. Having played over 200 NRL games and represented his state 21 times, Thaiday will definitely be in the Maroons camp this year, however it is still unknown whether he will play in the front-row, back-row or off the bench.
The Broncos second-rower provides attacking flair and defensive grit – a valuable asset to Queensland.
Bolters
Ben Hannant (North Queensland Cowboys) is 30 years old and still running around playing some good footy however, is he good enough for State of Origin? I doubt Hannant will be selected for his 13th Queensland cap. Hannant has the size and the experience, but his best days are long gone.
Jacob Lillyman (New Zealand Warriors) just like Hannant is still playing OK footy but not to the level Meninga would like. At 31, Lillyman has pulled on eight Queensland jerseys but he hasn’t shown much so far in 2015.
Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos) has earned five caps for Samoa and two for the Prime Minister’s XIII but is yet to pull on a Queensland jersey. The Broncos prop has been one of the finest forwards running around in the NRL for the past couple of years and it appears he could make it into Meninga’s top 17.
Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters) has been touted by many as the next big thing. Having played over 30 first grade games and three Tests for the Cook Islands, Napa isn’t quite as experienced as other contenders but is in great form.
The 2012 U20s Queensland rep appears to be in line for his first state jersey but it is still unknown how he will handle the pressure.
David Tyrrell (South Sydney Rabbitohs) is a veteran of over 100 NRL games with South Sydney and has been in great form over the past two seasons. He is one of the Rabbitohs’ stand-out forwards.
Tyrrell is never looked at for State of Origin but deserves to making him a real bolter. He has proven he can handle the pressure by helping to deliver South Sydney their first premiership in 43 years.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
There’s been a trope going round in the NRL and you’d have had to have had your head in the sand not to notice…
Jason Demetriou is no longer South Sydney coach but while he made a dignified exit there are plenty of other people at the club…
Jason Demetriou has been punted as South Sydney coach after the board eventually decided his time was up. The Rabbitohs board met for more…
Daly Cherry-Evans has avoided being suspended for the first time in his 14-year career, rolling the dice to dodge a three-match ban after having…
All the team list information for Round 9.
Parramatta have suffered another body blow with the news that Clint Gutherson is to miss over a month of footy after having minor surgery…
