The first game of the 2015 State of Origin series kicks off on May 27, and coach Laurie Daley and team management will announce their squad for the opening encounter next week.
Through a combination of different factors and circumstances, the Blues’ line-up is likely to look very different from last year’s, and following is the 17 players I would select for NSW, in their quest for ‘two in a row’.
1. Josh Dugan
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Will Hopoate
6. Blake Austin
7. Trent Hodkinson
13. Trent Merrin
11. Beau Scott
12. Ryan Hoffman
10. James Tamou
9. Robbie Farah
8. Aaron Woods
14. Andrew Fifita
15. Boyd Cordner
16. Josh Jackson
17. Dave Klemmer
Though the Blues will miss Jarryd Hayne at the back, I think they should keep things simple when selecting his replacement and pick the closest thing NSW have to him: an in-form Josh Dugan. Dugan has the size, speed and skill to cause the Maroons trouble, and I think he’s as close to an automatic selection in the number one jersey as you can get.
On the wings, after a sluggish period, Daniel Tupou has played himself back into form in recent weeks and gives the Blues a tall, athletic target out wide for kicks – something Queensland will have to prepare for.
On the other flank, it’s not quite as clear-cut, but I’ve selected Will Hopoate, despite Parramatta’s form, as I think he’s reliable and has a little bit of class about him. I also think he’s one of those players that performs better when on the big stage surrounded by other great players.
The centres – Michael Jennings and Josh Morris – pick themselves based upon being the incumbents, and being in relatively good form. Easy selections, and I’d be shocked if anyone seriously disagrees.
The halves pairing has been a point of contention for many weeks now and in all honesty I don’t think NSW are any closer to having complete confidence and faith in whomever they pick.
Trent Hodkinson gets the nod courtesy of his goal-kicking, clutch field goals, and solid defence. Let’s be honest, he’s not getting picked for his creativity, flair or direction. Which is a little bit of a concern for a halfback, but nonetheless, NSW needs his kicking.
At five-eighth, I’ve rolled the dice and used a lens of ‘youth and form’ to gamble on Blake Austin. The Raider is playing great footy, and considering the lack of competition, he almost demands selection. He may not be ready for Origin football, but what’s the alternative? The brain snaps of Josh Reynolds? The missed tackles of James Maloney? The underdone Adam Reynolds?
A month ago on The Cheap Seats Podcast, I touted a left-field idea of picking Mitchell Pearce at five-eighth alongside Hodkinson, and I’ll happily take credit for being the first to suggest something that has now gained serious momentum. Yet I’ll just as quickly pronounce that I’m not sure Pearce has done enough to warrant a recall to a standard of football that he’s failed at on numerous occasions.
The forward pack shouldn’t cause too many debates.
Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott were sensational last series and will take their place in the second row. Scott provides some mongrel on the edges, while Hoffman is the reliable workhorse. Trent Merrin will join them at lock, and will look to finally establish himself in Origin football. All he needs to do is continue the fine work he’s being doing for the Dragons. No more, no less.
Upfront, the beef and muscle of James Tamou and Aaron Woods should provide the Blues will plenty of front-row grunt, while Robbie Farah will lead the team from hooker. His position was never under question whatsoever, but he does need to settle down a little for NSW and try not to do too much.
The bench is where things get a little interesting.
Andrew Fifita’s try on the weekend against the Warriors is all the evidence one needs to witness how destructive he can be. Used in short, sharp bursts of impact, he could be a real handful for the Maroons off the bench.
Boyd Cordner, Dave Klemmer and Josh Jackson provide the Blues with a combination of size and athleticism in their reserve roles. While all three selections may be seen as nod to the future, it’s more than just an investment in youth, it’s also recognition of the trio’s talent and ability.
The squad I’ve selected probably isn’t a full rebuild, but given who is available and in-form, I think it’s a good combination of ‘win now’ and ‘build for the future’.
Fire away, Roarers!
Jnr Paulus
Guest
I'm re Die hard Blues supporter,and I want the blues to win……this Origan. GO! GO! GO! NSW BLUES
Dr Yes
Guest
I agree, he's not playing at SOO level. I think the Blues right needs tweaking - especially with Inglis seeminlgy injured, missing the odd tackle and power off- the-mark (famous last words?). Plus Boyd a bit ginger. Defending well against Qld's left & also targeting them in attack sways the balance and puts pressure back on JT. Maybe we should question J Moz as well. Undoubtedly, he's done well with defence and toughness over the years, but I think he's below his best this year, in defence and attack. Maybe: Woods Farah Tamou Jackson Lewis Scott Tupou Jennings Hodkinson Pearce Dugan/Walker Johnston Tedesco/Dugan Bench: Cordner Fifita Merrin Frizell Scott in the middle: continue the great hitman role, but not as exposed for pace at lock (nearly paid the price a few times last year), increase his torment of Qld halves, can drift to defend Thaiday's kamikazee charges at the line. Right side = Lewis, Frizell, Dugan/Walker, Johnston (& Pearce, Tamou, Merrin): All strong defenders. NRL effective tackles: Dugan 93% (good for a fullback), Walker 87%, Johnston 77% - compared to J Moz 87% & Hopoate 77%. Johnston was best defensive winger in '14. Frizell 96% is a strong defender (ditto Merrin 97%), but Lewis 90% (& Tamou = 93%) a little less. Pearce is at 89%, as is Hodkinson (and FYI, Maloney=82%, J Reyn=79%, Austin=87%). In attack, it would give Qld a few nightmares if Pearce could feed charging Tamou/Dugan/Lewis/Frizell into isolated JT or Inglis for run metres. Merrin could do likewise & get offloads away. Would like to see Dugan side-step at Inglis. Plus selective Pearce show & go - with Hunt-style dramatic dummy, then full pace at a gap. Lewis ran for 150 to 200m down the right in 2013 for a NSW win & man-of-match (and Hayne did likewise). If Dugan not at centre, Walker offers more attacking speed & flair than J Moz & is a natural right centre. Tedesco's defensive stats for this year are v good compared with last and he causes problems in attack with pace & strength to bust tackles. I think Dugan's the top fullback, but might be a better overall configuration to have him at centre. Both A Reynolds (kicking, goal-kicking & defence) & Pearce (running, assists, defence) have stepped up a level over the past 2 years and are above the other halves. If A Reynolds was fit for games 2/3, could have a backline with 3 chooks, 3 bunnies plus Dugan, though the normal side for Pearce is right, Reynolds left and Johnston left - minor details.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Transitioning a generation is hard. The hardest part is where to start. Is Smith the player he was 5 years ago? No. Is he still Queenslands best hooker? Yes. And you can say that about most of the team so generational change is required but where do you start when every player deserves their spot on merit.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Is Mick Ennis's Origin career over? Because he has been playing well for the Sharkies I thought? Particularly against the Warriors, where he made a couple of game changing plays.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Cowboys are 4th. Just sayin.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Put them both on. T Rex, Fafita, Tamou and Klemmer late in the game defending set after set from the Maroons with no interchanges left.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Just on form this year Barry, and in the test. I would start McGuire. He has been the best prop Qld have. I like Myles too. He does work hard. And NSW don't like him which is important. There's no one with any fear factor for the Maroons. But that's the style they play. Safe, no mistakes, team effort. I guess I'm just bored of the same team. Mark those words down and read them back to me when we lose Smith and Co. in 1 year and have nobody ready to go.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I'm salivating about that too, but more for the poor defensive reads by Roberts leading to a hat trick for Hodges.
Shaun
Roar Rookie
Please guys, dont mention Pearce and Malony as SOO players - both over rated, they have had their chance and failed. Stick with the players that won the series last year, the halves are tough and passionate which is what you need for SOO. The Dogs halves should easily get the nod and I cant believe Daley would even be considering changing this pair. I am a Manly fan but would not pick Breet Stewart for SOO level - Dugan is by far the better pick, he is big, tough and is made for SOO; I just cant stand all the tattoo's. So please dont even mention Pearce and Malony.
nayfo
Guest
I was merely alluding to the fact that Maloney has been playing good football this year. Yes I do concede that he played well in four losing games but hey there are also other blues candidates who have been in losing sides or poor form who will probably be selected for the blues....Farah, Hodkinson, Tamou. The list goes on but hey we all have to bag someone it might as well be Maloney.
PNG Bronco fan#88
Guest
Ohoho...funniest comment so far. And so bloody true, Trent not playing well enough!
David
Guest
Pearce is a very different player now and I think winning the premiership in 2013 has helped him with his maturity and ability to control a game of footy. What makes Pearce a good option for NSW this year is like I said before his game control but his decision making has come a long way since his last origin outing, Pearce knows when to pass the ball or when to run the ball and even kick the ball. I honestly believe that if Mitchell Pearce is selected he will be close to the best on the field for NSW.
David
Guest
Ok so there has been so much debate about the 2015 blues halves and honestly I want to see Laurie pick loyalty over form but I understand if he goes with the roosters duo of Pearce and Maloney. If Laurie takes Pearce and Maloney (I think he will) having that roosters combination on that left edge (Maloney, Jennings, Tupou) could cause QLD some headaches and not only that it gives NSW a left edge that all know each other extremly well. Taking Maloney will also give NSW a really good goal kicker and strong short kicking game which is ever so important in the origin arena.
The Barry
Roar Guru
What a rap - played well in a team that lost four in a row. Can't wait for him to bring that to the NSW team. Shame there's only three games.
Danno1
Guest
Jay C re James Tamou……….Please, please, please pick Tamou at 10. Awful form. Laziest defender in the NRL You have obviously not been watching T-Rex at the Bulldogs. Most Bulldogs fans I know are going bald watching him. Tamou is like Johnny Raper compared to T-Rex
bbqer
Guest
Anyone picking Pearce has a very short memory. He is a tried and proven failure at origin level. All he does is bombs and plays short to his forwards. Would rather see Austin or literally anyone there but him. Talk about jobs for the boys! Go the blues!!!
nayfo
Guest
Maloney has actually been one of the Roosters best performers this year, even when they lost those 4 games he actually played very well. I can't believe you don't know that!
nayfo
Guest
Please don't pick Hodkinson he is absolutely terrible, his goal kicking this year is actually very poor and he has only managed 3 try assists so far this year. That is terrible for a halfback especially seeing as though Reynolds has been out for most of the year and he was the main play maker. He is the most boring half in the game, i would prefer to smash my nuts between two bricks then watch him play in the 7 jersey for the blues again.
Gav
Guest
Mark my words if the Roosters, Maloney and their left side backline perform this Friday night, it'll be Pearce and Maloney in the halves. That club combination, with runs on the board will be too much for Loz to overlook! Right now I recon Pearce is a lock in, Hodkinson is pencilled in at 6......just awaiting to see whether Maloney can step it up. No doubt Jennings and Toupu are locked in. I have no doubt that Reynolds is not in with a shot this year. Great shame Soward has been injured. If he had been playing consistently I recon there would be no doubt over our best no 6
Charles NSW
Guest
Why bag a bloke because he is passionate Ken. If it annoys you so much tell him with deep respect in a polite manner. I am sure he is not saying it to be funny.