Countless words have been written and spoken since the Kangaroos’ 26-12 defeat to the Kiwis at Suncorp last Sunday.
The bulk of the criticism pointed out the Australians were too old, there was a loud call for a changing of the guard.
True the Kiwis chalked up their first three wins in succession over the Kangaroos since 1953, but it’s also true the Kangaroos have won 36 of their last 41 internationals – the five losses all against the New Zealanders.
Stephen Kearney’s men played better than the Australians at Suncorp, they had more passion, and it was obvious playing for their country meant more.
That’s not for one moment suggesting the Kangaroos didn’t respect they were playing for their country, but come May 27 those ‘old’ Queenlanders will be vastly different players once they pull on that maroon jersey in the first Origin at ANZ Stadium.
Even more so this year having lost the series last year after winning a record eight in succession.
They have been hurting for nearly 11 months, and there’s no more dangerous sporting team on the planet than a hurting Queensland rugby league team – they grow an extra leg.
In my book the ‘old’ boys north of the border will start short-priced favourites.
Corey Parker’s the senior at 33, playmaker Johnathan Thurston is 32, and there are three 31s – skipper Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, and Billy Slater who didn’t play in the Test, but should be right for Origin 1.
Add three 29-year-olds – Matt Scott, Sam Thaiday, and Nate Myles – and 28-year-old Greg Inglis, and that’s one helluva nucleus of elite footballers.
Every one of them, with the obvious exception of Slater, will play well above their Sunday standard for two reasons – they are not playing the Kiwis, and they are well above Origin class.
And Origin is rugby league’s Holy Grail.
To underestimate them would be at NSW’s peril.
NSW coach Laurie Daley rests between a rock and a hard place.
He brilliantly mentored that great series win last season, but retaining the honour is getting harder by the week.
In the biggest loss of all, there’s no Jarryd Hayne. Inspirational skipper Paul Gallen has none and Buckley’s of playing in the series with his hip injury career-threatening. Greg Bird copped what he deserved from the judiciary last night with an eight-match suspension for his fourth dangerous throw in just over a season, so he’ll be an Origin non-starter. And Josh Reynolds’ poor form and hot-head reactions make him a liability.
All four were vital to the side, and despite Daley’s genuine wish to remain loyal to those who made it work last season, that loyalty will be denied him in the short and long term.
So what New South Welshmen out of last Sunday’s Test side can match it with the Queensladers’ top nine (who have 273 Origins among them)?
Luke Lewis (31) has played 17 Origins, Michael Jennings (27) has played 12, Trent Merrin (25) has 10, James Tamou (26) has eight, Josh Dugan (24) and Aaron Woods (24) have five each, while the 20-year-old winger Alex Johnston has played the one Test, but has yet to debut at Origin level.
That’s 67 Origins for seven Blues, a binocular distance below Queensland’s 273.
Too old? Hardly.
steveng
Roar Rookie
All the Kiwis that play for NZ will eventually want to play for the Warriors, as they final performance. We might as well not sign them up here in Aussie for any club. Like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sonny Bill Williams, Issac Luke, they eventually all go back home as their excuse. We might as well nurture and give the young Aussies a chance instead of nurturing foreign players that won't stick it out and be loyal to their clubs.
Brett
Guest
Kiwi's were good, but most of the dropped balls (i.e. Cronk) and stupid penalties (i.e. Bird) were unforced. Yes, I know it's not a popular opinion but the new NSW players gave away most of the penalties and were guilty of dropped bals. Go watch the Four Nations games again and prove me wrong. Maybe Sheens should of gone with J.Reynolds and Hodkinson for a better creativity halves pairing...
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I actually think that is true.
kevin dustby
Guest
nice one TIm, nothing like a bit of Aussie insularity
kevin dustby
Guest
they are queenslanders before they are australians
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
"The past 3 game we have lost against the Kiwi’s, have come due to the majority of unforced errors and cheap penalties.. forced on us by the better performing New Zealand team." Is what you should have said, lol.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
You're right. Origin is the Holy Grail of local derby rugby league in Australia. And good luck to it for that. But Origin doesn't 'grow' the code (though it's skill and passion is a good advertisement for it). The ONLY thing that can grow the code and realise whatever potential it has is Test football. Not sure why that is seen as offensive or difficult to accept by some.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I enjoy rugby league BJ. But I don't think I've ever bashed the NRL (though I do stick it in to the commentary whenever I get the chance). As for Origin, like it all you want. Just don't tell me that what applies to Origin somehow does not or cannot apply to Test football. That last point, really, is my only beef.
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
He is the 5th best half and probably the 6th best fullback. No way he is or should get a spot.
Ra
Guest
Ouch Brett ....!!! I thought we were the enemy in this stoush .... ????
Ra
Guest
Agreed King, he has 'owned' his positions since stepping up when Cootes went down I believe
Tim Reynolds
Roar Pro
"There's no more dangerous sporting team on the planet than a hurting Queensland rugby league team"!!!? Bit over the top, David? If you've done a survey of soccer teams in South America, or ice hockey teams in Canada, or in fact every sporting team in the planet, and you've got some facts to back up your claim, let's hear these facts. Otherwise it's just inflated hyperbole and virtually useless.
Ra Bro
Guest
It is could still rate right up there as being amongst the best of local derby battles within one country though Tony. Doesnt have the history of the famous Oxford-Cambridge boat race; but who cares?
Pedro the Maroon
Guest
But let's not forget that NSW fell over the line to win last year's SOO. 6-4 in game 2 when Qld should have scored 5 tries. Good on NSW for winning - but it only makes this year all the sweeter when Qld win 2-1 (I'll give NSW the game in front of 80,000 one-eyed lunatics at the Olympics stadium). NSW just do not have the attacking weapons at their disposal - and the experience at that level (a point made all too clear by Mr Lord). Both teams will be equal in defence - SOO is all about defence - but usually SOO is won by taking advantage of a half break, a tired defender, a lucky bounce. Qld excel in that department. game 2 last year was an aberration. This year will be the norm.
Kingcowboy
Guest
I think QLD should pick Mick Morgan on the bench. The young man is 95kg, so the only position he can't play is front row. His speed and combination with JT would be to much for NSW late in each half!!!!
Renegade
Guest
"given away by NSW players".... that'll do me. I didn't realise the lack of creativeness in the spine was due to NSW players. Inglis gifted them a try.... but then again he is from NSW, so you're right on that one.
Brett
Guest
People are overreacting. Aus won the World Cup withing losing a game. The Kiwi's have a young strong squad and will continue to put on dominant performances. Yes, Aus needs to blood new players, but the core players will retain their spots. Talk of QLD players lacking passion in the Test Arena is rubbish. Aus won the World Cup without losing a game. The past 3 game we have lost against the Kiwi's, have come due to the majority of unforced errors and cheap penalties given away by the NSW players. Tamou and Dugan were terrible on the weekend.
Ra
Guest
Origin is the holy grail of local derby rugby league in Australia to be more specific sleiman azizi. Its huge marketing machine has successfully pulled in the ratings for channel 9. And as a spectacle the sheer mongrel and outrageous skill level on show over the years has been breath-taking. But to rate it above representing your own country is taking self indulgence, gloating and sledging just a little bit too far eh guys, come on, fess up !!!! I'd be very surprised if any of the Aussie guys who faced up during the international weekend-fest against the Kiwis last week would have been thinking "oh I'll just get this game outa the way and save myself for the Big O." Durrrr......!! I watch SOO. I have no particular allegiance to any one side, I love the history, I've got a half century years of passionate following about the game (of league), but I do have a problem watching SOO where Kiwis or Fijians are marking each other - it's just wrong sleiman !!!
Tony Badman
Guest
SOO becoming the best of the rest! That's what bronco j doesn't understand. People like Sleiman and myself love RL and the NRL and especially love SOO . My biggest fear is the future is inevitable and probably closer than we all think . You see the Kiwis came , we tought and they have conquered. Now what if that trend continues not just with the kiwis but we listen to the call for a combined PI side and they are successful as well and then England improve . That is 3 sides that we can never beat again unless we play at our very best. So my point what is the point of a successful SOO series if our national side can't win anymore.? Is the future closer than we think?if the kiwis beat us 8 years straight will anyone accept that ? Let's give internationals the respect they deserve and get them back to no1 .
BroncoJuggernaut
Guest
If you don't like origin sleiman azizi then why do you read the articles. I'm sick of your origin/NRL bashing.