Daley set to stick by Trent Hodkinson

I bet he's reading this thread right now!

Not a fluke? So, you're thinking that being able to make a dummy run against an opposing halfback playing on a dodgy leg after four repeat sets is going to be a frequent occurrence in State of Origin 2015? Heck, even if it was, I wouldn't back 2015 Trent Hodkinson to repeat the same feat because in his recent games for the Bulldogs he goes so slow he gets overtaken by stationary objects. His form hit a high in Origin last year but he was a total non-threat in the Grand Final, and the current season isn't any better. For all this talk of loyalty, it's not like he is a long serving player or has a history of success. He won a single series and has been in a form slump since. If that's the kind of player for whom 'loyalty' should negate common sense in selection policy, then they might as well hand out Blues jerseys in packets of cereal.

Absolutely. I just can't agree with Daley on dropping Lewis. I think it's really wrong-headed. I'm sure Loz will struggle to sleep tonight knowing that.

You're probably right, but I'd like to see Lewis get the captaincy just once because I think he deserves it. I think he is still the best choice for a starting 13 and could move into the 6 or 7 role if needed with Fifita moving to lock.

I agree Epiquin, although there is doubt on our fortunes, I still would prefer the winning halves defending the title than having new halves.

I wouldn't go as far as giving him the captaincy or starting him at lock. I think over the last few years he's really settled into that bench role of being given limited minutes, but providing a huge impact in that time. His footwork around the ruck is deadly, especially against tiring forwards at the back end of halves. He also pretty much doesn't miss tackles and he just has that heart and desire to go the extra mile which is why he has rightfully earned the tag of 'Origin player' throughout his career. Certainly in his prime he would have been my starting lock and an 80 minute player every day of the week. But nowadays he is past his best and I believe he is better suited to the bench role, for the reasons listed above and for his utility value (I still can't see a contingency plan for if the 6, 7 or 9 get injured at any stage). But that's what Daley seems to overlook - a player can be past their best but still be the best option for a team. Tyrone Peachey is the only NSW-eligible player I can think of off the top of my head who can be as versatile and provide the same sort of impact as Lewis, and come on.... Lewis or Peachey? As if that's even a question! As far as the captaincy goes, I think Farah is the logical choice given that he has done it before, he calls most of the shots in attack anyway, he's a club captain and he plays 80 minutes.

MJB - It may not be a 'heroic feat that warrants automatic selection' BUT he did it and that won the game. At least give him credit for that and give him a chance to prove whether last year was a fluke or not. Hayne of course had a huge hand. But he is gone and that would help us determine how last year's halves can do without him. Bare in mind pearce and maloney also played with Hayne but lost the series. And perhaps Hodkinson and Reynolds had the formula to assist Hayne to produce the series win. If maroons still have loyalty in their losing side, why can't Blues show some loyalty on their winning side...That is not difficult at all

At the start of last season after maybe 2 games everyone was saying he should be picked instead of Pearce. Now he's not even in the conversation.

I like Luke Brooks a lot also, unfortunately I also agree his physique at this stage isn't yet suited to rep' footy. Some exciting times ahead for the Tigers.

Luke Brooks is a few years away yet.. still not up to the physicality of first grade.

Hang on a second! Wasn't Luke Brooks supposed to be the next big thing in sky blue? lol!

I hope there is a real one sided scoreline in the first game. Not too bothered in which direction. Just want some fresh blood to be thrown out on to the field by both sides.

Agree with everything you've said there. Not only would I put Lewis in starting at lock but I'd put the 'c' next to his name.

Fair enough, but I think defensively, stats can paint a pretty good picture. I haven't really focused too much on Trent's defense to compare but have always admired Adam's.

Both Fairfax and news ltd are reporting that josh Jackson will start at lock - which is wrong he's an edge player - with Merrin to the bench and Lewis to be overlooked. I happen to think that's a terrible decisions for a few reasons. Firstly we now have almost zero utility value in the forwards if one of the backs, halves or hooker gets injured. Josh Jackson I guess will have to cover centre of something happens. Or beau Scott. Neither of which are ideal compared to Lewis. And I still don't see how we compensate for an injury to the 6, 7 or 9. And secondly, I'm all for a changing of the guard, but Luke Lewis is actually in good form and he played well for australia a few weeks ago. Quite frankly it's disrespectful to Lewis that he has been dropped. If you look through the entirety of the 8 year streak, Luke Lewis was our best and most consistent player throughout. Not hayne, not Gallen, not bird, not Farah. He deserves a spot on the bench and I think Daley has made a huge mistake by not picking someone to cover many positions incase of injury.

I guess my criticism of him is based on how he hasn't filled the hole left by Reynolds absence. I realize that you can't expect him to do both jobs but I just hoped he could have done more. High expectations I guess.

Hodkinson may be a nice bloke off the field. But as a player, he is boring as

I can understand the trepidation around Keary. I had the same fears when Maguire shifted Sutton to Lock to accommodate him. Sutton and Reynolds had taken Souths to one win from the Grand Final in the past two seasons so I couldn't understand why they would break that up. But having seen the natural talent Keary has, I'm a convert. Keary is an amazing support player but can step up and direct play when he has to. It also looks like NSW have been looking to build a future around him having included him in their emerging Blues camp.

I'm not a big fan of stats, they can be manipulated either way. I just think Hodkinson is a better defender. I don't say Reynolds isn't a good defender. He is a certainly a better player than Hodkinson in my opinion.

Not too sure about Keary but if Reynolds was in fine fettle he would be my first choice. Those bombs he puts up are awesome, but it's the work he gets done on the ground that gives him the nod.