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.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Scott and Myles starting, McGuire and Lillyman on the bench. I'd expect Napa to play in the second row with Guerra likely out of action.
Benedict Arnold
Guest
Not even a mention for Josh Papalli -although probably warranted as he has been dismal.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I loved Tallis the player but he's an awful media commentator and he bobs up everywhere.
Brett
Guest
Age isn't relevant, form is the main factor. I'd be happy to see Scott and Myles as our starting forwards, with either Hannant, Mcguire or Napa on the bench.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Front row isn't the best use of Sammy, much more effective on the fringes I agree. Second row for you my boy. Mc Guire over Hannant as well. Purely selfish reasons. Old at 29, bloody hell, give it a rest. Scott has got several seasons left in him.
Casper
Guest
Riley seems to be auditioning for a stand up comedian gig, doesn't he recall that QLD built their state of origin run of victories on the back of 2 props by the names of Civoniciva and Price who were labelled 'too old' for 3 or 4 series but kept coming up with the goods. Tallis has to buy a headline or the newspapers could just give the gig to a no-name journalist who's never played the game. Don't you recall the blow up with Robbie Farah that kept him in the news for weeks on end last year. Seems to be an easy forwards squad to select if there aren't injuries in the meantime. Myles and Scott are the first picked as starting props, Parker will start at lock and Thaiday/Guerra/Gillett/McQueen will rotate and McGuire will get a run off the bench when the starters need a rest.. No room for Napa yet but he's next cab off the rank. If there's a need for experience, they can always fall back on Jacob Lillyman who's never let them down.
Niall
Roar Pro
Thaiday's form has definitely gone up since Bennett benched him. I think he's been poor for the Broncos for the last couple of years.
Jay C
Roar Guru
The Raging Bull has always been a bit of a hero of mine. But to say that Bennet's plan has backfired when they have won 5 on the trot and are sitting at the top of the pile is just bizarre. If Thaiday is more expensive because he is playing better then so be it. I would rather pay more for the Thaiday we saw last week than less for the Thaiday we saw last year.
Niall
Roar Pro
I think McGuire has been unlucky not to make his debut much earlier Also, agree completely with you on Tallis. He seems a nice enough bloke but I just cant listen to him talk about the game. The ex-players that hang around in the television studios are generally awful analysts of our game.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I wouldn't be shocked to see Hannant to be honest. He looks to be playing some decent footy up there in NQ. Although I definitely think it is McGuires time. I am very excited to see him go in Origin. They need to use him right though. He isn't an explosive player that is going to come off the bench for ten minutes and open a game up. He is a big minute player. I would play him off the bench, bring him on at twenty and just about leave him there all night. I would also follow Wayne's lead and play Thaiday off the bench. Bring him on at the 25 when the game is just opening up. I have always said he isn't a battering ram. Let him loose on the edges, get him running lines off the halfback, he's got great hands at the line and can move the ball on if needed. Hilarious to hear Tallis berating Bennetts decision to move Thaiday to the bench. This morning. Ok Super Coach Tallis.
matty matt
Guest
i wouldn't count 29 as old plenty left for Matt Scott