MVP Dylan Edwards is the man Penrith's system might not be able to cover
The Panthers' system covers most situations, but how would it cope without iron man Dylan Edwards?
NSW coach Laurie Daley is set to name his fourth halves pairing in his fourth State of Origin series as the Blues desperately attempt to wrest back interstate rugby league supremacy.
James Maloney and Adam Reynolds are the favourites to be the latest duo installed as Daley’s halves on Monday when he names his game for the Origin opener.
Incumbents Mitchell Pearce and Trent Hodkinson have struggled for form this NRL season and are expected to make way after they failed to deliver the Blues success in 2015.
More:
» State of Origin teams
» NSW State of Origin team for Game 1: Expert reaction
» Origin news
» The Roar’s NSW Blues team
» Origin greats – the best ever NSW Blues team
Pearce was preferred to Josh Reynolds last year, after Josh Reynolds and Hodkinson helped break eight years of Queensland dominance in 2014.
Maloney said he was an improved player since his last Origin experience, when he played alongside Pearce at the Blues scrumbase in 2013.
“I think I’ve learnt more as a footballer, you’d like to think you’re more mature,” he said.
“In terms of physically, I feel really fresh for this time of the year.
“I think I’ve played some good footy. You’re always learning, so you’d think I’d understand the game better than I did a few years ago.”
In contrast, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk have been mainstays in the Queensland side for the past three years, only missing out when injured.
Possible NSW side: Matt Moylan, Blake Ferguson, Josh Dugan, Michael Jennings, Josh Mansour, James Maloney, Adam Reynolds, Aaron Woods, Robbie Farah, Paul Gallen, Boyd Cordner, Beau Scott, Greg Bird.
Interchange: James Tamou, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson, Bryce Cartwright/Jack Bird.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Panthers' system covers most situations, but how would it cope without iron man Dylan Edwards?
Canterbury's board have vowed to "vigorously defend" themselves against a $4 million civil case from former player Jackson Topine, amid claims he suffered a…
Andrew Johns and Brad Fitler disagreed over how the Hetherington-Mahoney altercation should've been handled with Joey suggesting if the pair got all their steam…
NRL signings, contracts and rosters for the 2024 season.
Tipping last round was supposed to be an easy one. But a Friday night of carnage ruined the round for most tipsters. The Warriors…
The only real selection debate for Billy Slater has been settled by Kalyn Ponga’s untimely foot injury. Newcastle’s captain was probably unlikely to get…