New South Wales have announced their team for Game 2 of the 2015 State of Origin series, and much to the chagrin of many Blues fans, it contains few surprises.
Optimists point to the margin of defeat of just a measly point in Origin 1 as a reason to keep the faith in many of the Blues players.
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» Queensland team for Origin 2 – expert reaction
Changes to Blues side in a nutshell:
IN: Brett Morris, Paul Gallen
OUT: Daniel Tupou, Andrew Fifita
CHANGES: Josh Jackson to bench, Gallen to lock
Pessimists, meanwhile, will argue that NSW were ordinary in the second half of the opening game, that Queensland should have won by plenty more, and there’s a need for wholesale changes.
Rational opinion probably lies someone in the middle of both arguments, but be that as it may, the following is the Blues’ line-up for Origin 2:
1. Josh Dugan
Though some continue to question Dugan’s ability and his ideal position, he was arguably NSW’s best player in Origin 1 and an individual Queensland are extremely wary of, knowing he can provide a moment of magic that can turn a game.
While his kick for a Josh Morris try stole the headlines, he was also safe under the high ball, and a constant threat via his support play. He’ll once again be a key player for NSW’s hopes.
2. Brett Morris
The flying winger returns to the side in favour of Daniel Tupou, after getting through his return to the NRL from a hamstring injury on Monday afternoon for the Bulldogs.
Morris’ fitness, conditioning and touch will all be a little rusty after an extended layoff, and you can bet Queensland will look to test him in what will be just his second game back to footy. However, Blues selectors feel Morris is worth the gamble, and I agree.
3. Josh Morris
Greg Inglis an absolute superstar and one of the best players in the game, however no one does a better job defending ‘GI’ than Josh Morris.
Yes, Morris gets a lot of help. Yes Inglis hasn’t been 100 per cent fit for some time now. And yes, the Maroons could probably use the Rabbitoh a little more astutely. But the fact remains that on the handful of games that Inglis has been quiet in his career, Josh Morris has usually been opposite him, and it’s not a coincidence.
4. Michael Jennings
In a team that can struggle for points in attack, a player of Jennings’ ability simply needs to do more. Whether that’s a case of the Blues halves getting him more ball, Jennings looking to get more involved, or a combination of both, the Roosters centre needs to have a bigger impact in Melbourne.
5. Will Hopoate
The Parramatta utility provided everything that was expected of him: he was safe and unspectacular, to the point of almost being irrelevant. You can’t blame the player, as he did exactly what he was asked to do. You can, however, blame the selection strategy behind picking him.
Perhaps it’s time the Blues hierarchy asked for a little more from the wing position, and rolled the dice. After all, it’s difficult to beat a better side without taking some type of risk.
6. Mitchell Pearce
Pearce, for a number of reasons, is always going to attract criticism, regardless of how he plays. Yet the truth is, apart from not taking the game by the scruff of the neck in the last 10 minutes – like a good playmaker should – he actually played very well.
Laurie Daley will be happy with what his makeshift five-eighth provided for most of Game 1, and will be equally happy if he provides more of the same this time around.
7. Trent Hodkinson
After a solid first 40 minutes in Origin 1, the halfback went MIA in the second half. Most frustrating for Blues fans was the fact the ball didn’t find its way to Hodkinson when NSW needed a field goal, one of the few qualities the number 7 excels at. You can blame Robbie Farah for passing it to the wrong player, but what halfback isn’t screaming for the ball in that situation?
He must lift in Game 2 , especially after being yanked from a club game on Monday after another poor performance for the Dogs.
8. Aaron Woods
The big prop laid a solid foundation for his team in the opening 30 minutes of the first match, but much like many of his teammates, failed to have any real impact in the second half.
If he can replicate his early game efforts – or get more help from his friends when he goes to the bench – then he’ll have done his job. To be honest, the Blues issues lie elsewhere.
9. Robbie Farah
Despite being badly injured in the first half, Farah bravely played on for the entire game and added another chapter to his career of gutsy performances. However, his service from dummy-half was affected, and he also made a number of costly mental errors. No one questions his toughness, but in a key position, the Blues needed – and need – more from their hooker.
10. James Tamou
Tamou was sensational in Game 1, with barnstorming runs and brutal defence. Together with his front-row partner Woods, the Blues couldn’t have asked for a better platform to be laid. Sadly, the bench didn’t back-up his early good work. Tamou needs to do nothing more but repeat his efforts.
11. Beau Scott
As expected, Scott shadowed Johnathan Thurston for most of the game, and made his presence felt with a number of crunching tackles. Some of them were even legal.
Depending on your allegiances, JT was either held quiet, or played a solid supporting role. Either way you look at it, NSW will take it, because Thurston is the best player in rugby league, and keeping his impact to a minimum is always a plus. Scott will once again be asked to play a role in keeping the Maroon master in-check.
12. Ryan Hoffman
I’m just going to write what I always write when Hoffman gets selected: he’s a reliable workhorse who won’t let anyone down. His biggest skill is consistency, and it’s a very valuable one to have.
13. Paul Gallen (c)
The skipper returns to provide the Blues with the leadership and steel they were missing in Game 1. Questions will rightfully be asked about Gallen’s preparation and whether he’ll be a little underdone for Origin football, but it’s a risk worth taking, considering what Gallen brings to the table.
Reserves
14. Trent Merrin
The Dragons forward was underplayed in Sydney, and I expect him to see more minutes this time around, along with being brought on earlier. He’s been one of the form forwards in the NRL all season long, and the Blues will have a better plan for how to use him in this game.
15. Boyd Cordner
He was considered an x-factor for the Blues, but he was a non-factor in Game 1. Expect that to change in Game 2, with NSW using him better on the edges, running wide and hard. Cordner is a good athlete, and needs to use that athleticism in an impact role when he enters the game.
16. Dave Klemmer
Much was made of Klemmer’s aggression and strength, but like the rest of his bench companions, he had little influence for the Blues in the first game. Origin is a tough battleground, especially for a debutant, and many players struggle in their first match as they adjust to the step-up in speed and intensity. Klemmer will be better for the hit out.
17. Josh Jackson
Jackson was a surprise selection as the starting lock for Game 1. To say the move backfired would be a little harsh, but he certainly didn’t perform in the manner that was expected. Perhaps he was slightly overawed or nervous. Either way, he’ll be better for the experience, and ready to have a bounce-back game, this time from the bench.
markismo
Guest
Funny when I type 'Farah' my phone autocorrects to 'OVERRATED HASBEEN' But yet 'Mitch Rein' autocorrects to 'GUN BLUES HOOKER SELECTION' Go figure !?!
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Unless you mean the penalties (which is an issue, of course), I disagree. With the right mentoring, Reynolds could be a NSW legend. And yes, I'm being serious.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Lewis has also been down in back play at least twice (and has had to be subbed a couple of times) due to breathing problems in recent weeks. I've heard it's a problem with his medication, but whatever it may be it's a very hard ask to select him.
pjm
Roar Rookie
The only time 2 halves come together is the scrum.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Some of these edge players treat it like a game of netball.
GPR
Guest
Gold!
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
I like how "working" has a capital W.
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Will You sprouted the same line after Game 1 and the blues lost, good to see you keeping faith.
Brad. H
Guest
Lifelong Blues fan but on seeing the failure of the selectors to pic a team on form it will be yet another S.O.O. series win for QLD. in 2015
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
My work here is done.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Have you seen some of these long distance kicks hunts put in? I don't think he made a kick against manly that didn't find grass.
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
those numbers are inflated due to hunt being the sole kicker at the broncs. DCE has a far superior long kicking game and thats whats needed jt will handle the mid and close range stuff 80% of the time.
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
Jackson is not an nrl quality hooker let alone an origin hooker, if jackson plays any minutes as the sole hooker they are in strife.
trueNSWblue
Guest
So did I, what does Dylan Walker have to do to get into this geriatric NSW side?
trueNSWblue
Guest
Oh GOD where is Adam Reynolds, you got injured at the wrong time Adam. And Dylan Walker should have been in there for sure, but Daley mustn't like him or something like that.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Oh yes, I forgot NSW selectors keep forgetting to pick the Blues equivalent of Slater, Smith, Cronk, Thurston, Inglis . . .
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I thought it was Wests Tigers because of the merger between Wests and Balmain? if not then that makes me nothing more than a hippocritical bogan... Dear God...
trueNSWblue
Guest
This selection is amazing, lets not blame anyone if NSW lose the second SOO game except for Laurie Daley and the other selectors. I don't think that having Farah and Gallen in this side is a very great or good idea, Gallen didn't seem too fit and/or up to the Sharks vs Roosters game on Sunday, he really looked fatigued and not well to me, eventhogh he gave a flimsy excuse to Ch9 for that. Farah on the other hand cannot be 100% fit and he didn't have a good game and made allot of mistakes (that cost the Blues the game) in SOO one. I would have put the in form and much more dynamic Michael Ennis in there so that he can and would stir the Qld pack up. Daniel Tupou had a blinder in the first game and for the life of me I can't understand why he was dropped, Hodkinson and Pearce must be the selectors pet picks eventhogh they didn't perform that well in the first game and in their respective club sides since the first game. The Blues will have to do some magic come Wednesday week otherwise they will end up another side that was stuffed up by the selectors and was not picked by the best in form players for NSW.
matth
Guest
The winner ladies and gentlemen!
matth
Guest
Cordner is very lucky. He is a poor man's Luke Lewis at this point. Maybe he's selected to make Matt Gillett look more adequate.