The Blues need fresh blood to take back Origin

As a passionate yet frustrated New South Wales supporter, the upcoming team announcements for State of Origin are occupying a significant amount of thinking time. Can Laurie Daley pick a side capable of winning back the shield?

Daley and other NSW power players like Gus Gould and Ricky Stuart have made clear their preference for loyalty to those who have done the job in previous years as the key to success. They cite Queensland’s ‘pick and stick’ mentality as the reason they’ve experienced prolonged success in the Origin arena.

There are two main problems with this theory.

Firstly, Queensland were not as loyal in the mid-2000s, when their often cited patience with players and loyalty started building them the team that was to become an Origin juggernaut over the next decade (hopefully no longer).

Secondly, loyalty in terms of selection is a two-way street. The coach shows loyalty to his players, who may not warrant selection on club form, and they get the job done on the big stage.

Looking back at the period of 2003-2005, when the Blues won three in a row before the Queensland golden era, the first problem with the pick and stick theory becomes evident. Even from Game 1 in 2004, to Game 1 in 2006, when Queensland started winning series, only five players were in both squads. This suggests two losing series in a row is enough to initiate change and trial a different set of players.

With this in mind, and looking at the evidence, it’s time for change in the Blues team. We’ve stuck with experience for long enough. While the players who have been there have done their best, the bottom line is it’s not good enough. I’d rather pick a new team, see how they go, give them two years (not nine) and see how they fare. If it’s not good enough, they had their chance and it’s time to freshen up again.

The following would be a great, young side which the Blues should select for Game 1 this year. This team has a more attacking look about it than previous years but can still hold their own in defence.

Fullback: Lachlan Coote
Deserves a chance. Safe at the back, a ball-playing, kicking option who rarely has a bad game. Makes more ‘Origin’ plays than most with his second efforts and tryline defence. A bigger body and better defender than Matt Moylan who hasn’t rediscovered his 2014 form just yet.

Wings: Josh Mansour, James Roberts
Mansour has played test footy and is a great early set runner. A great finisher and solid in defence. Roberts provides some of the x-factor the Blues need, the fastest man on the field who can create chances from nothing.

Centres: Josh Dugan, Blake Ferguson
Both incumbent Kangaroos and in good form. Dugan is a consistently good player at Origin level and an aggressive defender in the front line. Ferguson offers an aerial threat and is a handful to tackle. Also both good early set runners. Michael Jennings is in good form and the next outside back to come in if required but his age counts against him.

Five-eighth: James Maloney
Has been in sensational form and wasn’t given a second series to impress. A ball-running threat and good man to have around the team. Blake Austin is close but doesn’t have the kicking game and his form this year is still patchy.

Halfback: Adam Reynolds
Deserves a chance in a thin field. An excellent goal-kicking set finisher who can steer the team around the park. Mitchell Pearce has had his chance in five losing series and hasn’t played enough footy this year. As a Blues fan, it would be disappointing if he is selected again. Aiden Sezer is the next half in line to replace either Maloney or Reynolds.

Props: James Tamou, Aaron Woods
One Kangaroo is in great form, the other returning well from injury and an old school no-nonsense prop. Tamou has the footwork to give the Maroons that little extra headache and can offload.

Hooker: Michael Ennis
Has been playing great and has a combination with Paul Gallen, James Graham, Andrew Fifita and Maloney. I’d be OK with Robbie Farah based on his previous performances but he has been average this year and Ennis has been great. Farah’s return coincided with the Tigers’ form turnaround, and not in a good way.

Second rowers: Bryce Cartwright, Wade Graham
Have both been selected because of their ball-playing ability. Cartwright is a must after City versus Country, and Graham is underrated and a great defender capable of a big shot. Both can also play big minutes if required.

Lock: Paul Gallen
He is a colossus who eats up metres in Origin. A definite starter, if not at lock then at prop at Woods’ expense.

Bench: Tyson Frizell, Andrew Fifita, David Klemmer, Tyrone Peachy
Peachy offers incredible utility value and more x-factor off the bench. The other three are monsters who provide impact and intimidation off the bench. They could come on and take the Blues to another level.

Unlucky omissions not mentioned above: Beau Scott, Greg Bird, Ryan Hoffman, Josh Morris, Luke Lewis and Trent Hodkinson.

All have been reliable servants for the Blues, but with the exception of Hodkinson their time has come. Have had enough chances and time to give the next generation a go. Hodkinson’s injury and lack of game time and playing for the Knights counts against him. Will Hopoate is worth a mention too but hasn’t been setting the world on fire and isn’t playing, so he’s out.

Next in line in the pack to come in: Josh Jackson, Ryan James, Boyd Cordner, Dale Finucane and Trent Merrin.

Would all be solid options but there is no room for them in the 17. Their lack of ball-playing ability compared to the starting back-rowers counts against them.

My Blues team
1. Lachlan Coote
2. Josh Mansour
3. Josh Dugan
4. Blake Ferguson
5. James Roberts
6. James Maloney
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Aaron Woods
9. Michael Ennis
10. James Tamou
11. Bryce Cartwright
12. Wade Graham
13. Paul Gallen (c)
14. Tyson Frizell
15. David Klemmer
16. Andrew Fifita
17. Tyrone Peachy