As a New South Welshman I am sick of this! No, not losing, but the absurd team selections, tactics and negativity that has become institutionalised in the Blues’ Origin team.
My most recent league article spoke of the definition of insanity and how the process of continuing to do the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result is, in essence, what the Blues have done for the past decade.
With a coach only a few years into his tenure, it is clear that the issue is broader and more institutionalised that it may appear on the outside.
In my piece I alluded to various factors that have mystified many over the course of the last ten years in terms of selection and strategy.
The massive points differential between Queensland and New South Wales over the last ten years (572-417), a paltry average score achieved by the Blues (13.9) and some rather bizarre selections throughout the period have all come home to roost after a rather predictable Game 1 in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Many Roar enthusiasts were in agreement in regards to the inefficiencies of the Blues and the loyal (insane) selections that have been taking place over the last few years.
Wednesday night exposed many of the issues that have been present through recent series and without a change in either team selections, the selectors themselves or the coaches’ strategy it appears the Blues are heading for another humiliating victory at the hands of the great Queensland team.
Four points does not beat Queensland. The level of risk within New South Wales’ play is appalling. Laurie Daley spoke during the lead up to the game and suggested that if the Blues’ were able to score 14 points they would win the game. Well done Laurie, you were one hundred per cent correct. The only problem was that you were dealing with the biggest ‘if’ of all time.
The Blues average points per game over the last ten series suggests that without something a little more potent in attack, on a wet night and a traditionally slippery surface, 14 points was well beyond this rather limited attacking team.
Those 14 points may have come more easily if a little more effort and enthusiasm had come from our starting front rowers. Woods and Tamou were absolutely appalling in the opening 20. Every time Woods gets the ball he heads for the bleachers and the inane support from the loving New South Wales crowd seems to suggest that he has become something of a cult, Merv Hughes-like, figure due to his rather unique hair and beard. The only difference being that Merv could actually bowl and take wickets.
Third man in flops, turning their backs to the defensive line and struggling to cling to Queensland forwards as they dented our line were features of both our ‘big men’s’ first 20 minutes. The loyalty shown to these two is ridiculous. Woods is just completely overrated, whereas Tamou might just be riding off the back of a great North Queensland team, Johnathan Thurston and more specifically Matt Scott.
The impact of Klemmer was noticeable and his efforts for the Bulldogs in playing the first 50 to 60 minutes over the previous month or so was an undeniable attempt to show the selectors that he could indeed start the game and make a difference from the beginning.
The two liabilities in the forward pack were further shown up by the enormous amount of metres and defence that Josh Jackson and Paul Gallen took on. The leg drive of Gallen and the defence of Jackson were outstanding.
Sure, they provide little in attack, yet they are selected to do their jobs and play their game which is exactly what they did on Wednesday. Thank God for Boyd Cordner, who was outstanding and the best player on the field by the length of the straight. Otherwise the New South Wales forward/running options might have been almost non-existent.
Farah was solid without being brilliant yet I still think he brings too many mental scars as well as a stifling pause from dummy half that hampers the Blues’ attack. In saying that, I have written previously about the negativity of the backline and the lack of speed that can create scoring opportunities against even the best defenders.
As a Dogs’ fan I love Josh Morris as a club footballer, yet he has not been worthy of an attacking spot in the Blues’ backline for the last four years. It mystifies me how he is selected due to a curious belief that he handles Inglis well.
Inglis has starred in many Origin games over the last ten years and, yes, Morris has kept him in check at times, but does an ageing centre such as he keep young guns like Leilua and Roberts out of a side desperate to score points?
Michael Jennings’ Origin record is so poor that it is hard to believe that he actually has faith in his ability to win at Origin level. One of the most dominant centres in the game needs to learn that in a defensively dominated game such as Wednesday night he needs to be more creative. Attempting to beat his opponent one on one on every occasion at the expense of letting the ball go to his winger does not cut the mustard at Origin level.
Matt Moylan was energetic yet run off his feet by the speed, Reynolds kicked poorly at times (or Boyd clearly has a sixth sense) and Maloney’s impersonation of a speed bump was consistent with previous years. Perhaps all of them would have benefitted from a few more games under their belts over the last few years rather than the selectors persistence with Pearce and others who have since been proven to be failures.
The experiment of starting Bird off the bench was curious to many and I couldn’t fathom the logic. The bench rotation was odd. As the Blues’ lost leg drive and energy, Dylan Walker was held back until the final nine minutes; forced to play out of position and seemingly expected to produce a victory. This only deepens the initial mystery around his selection.
Being there live made me realise how misguided so many New South Wales fans are. Berating the referees and screaming blue murder at decisions might make them feel better, yet it merely veils the reality of poor selections and tactics that are holding this team back.
It is time for Cartwright, Leilua, Roberts, Vaughn, Peachey and others to take the responsibility. The Blues’ can keep some seniority in Gallen, Farah and Bird, but it is time to change, otherwise the rebuilding phase might stretch the misery out for another year or two yet.
It is time a New South Wales Team took the field and attacked the Queenslanders, full of youth, speed and aggression. If they lose the game, we can all take responsibility and say, “yes you were right, they were too young and too inexperienced, froze on the big stage.”
Yes, the game will have been lost, but could someone explain to me how this is any different to the game we just played? These guys have been losing for ten years! 21 of the last 31 games in fact. I’d much rather lose with youth and a mind for the future than lose with scarred, broken men representing the selectors’ absurd sense of loyalty.
Max Alvarez
Roar Rookie
Indeed a profoundly intriguing article, I just wanted to inquire about the time the we have to have read Lord of the Flies by.
John Matthewson
Guest
nah mate i love him
Stuart Thomas
Expert
I think you need to have a look at a few things. Firstly the poor impact Woods has made in the majority of his appearances. Secondly his statistics which pale into insignificance when compared to the numbers of others. Thirdly, rethink your use of the words creativity and blending the pack together. I think you might be watching through rose coloured glasses. I don't feel my comments on Woods are aggressive at all, shame you have taken it that way. Thanks for your comments. By the way, the new team is as poor as the first because...........it's the same team.
Steve
Guest
Loved Daley as a player, but seems to struggle as a coach, the last straw for me was wanting to name BJ Leilua as a development player...wtf ? Hes still a bit of a loose cannon but I have no doubt he would make some impact against Queensland, might be a penalty for pushing in the face, might be a dropped ball trying to get a miracle pass away... might be 3 tackle busts and a try, or breaking the line and offloading to a support player in the 79th minute. DP was a bit of an insult given he would look at the back line and think he can do more than any of the others. Except maybe Tedesco if he was in there....... now theres another story !
Stuart Thomas
Expert
You appear to be the only one.
John Matthewson
Guest
Hey mate, I don't know what is going on here Woodsy is a class player and brings a lot of creativity and blends the forward pack for NSW together. He is an excellent attribute to have in the side and I don't appreciate the way you are treating him. This comments are way too aggressive and personally I believe are unnecessary. What are your opinions on the new team just picked? Would love to hear your opinion again.
Lloyd Collison
Guest
Personally i think that Aaron Woods is class. I don't know what you are talking about. He works hard and shows the fight that you need if you want to play for the blues. The passion he showed in game 2 last year is exactly what I want to be seeing when i watch origin on TV
Bugs
Guest
I love these articles. And you're bang on about change being needed, but then most NSW fans do a bit of tinkering around the edges at most with their suggested teams. Let's not forget that Mal Meninga told Lockyer, Civenociva and Price after game 1 2006 if they didn't lead Qld to win the series they'd be gone with a stack of others he'd dropped from the previous two years...look what happened. Peter Sterling often says, do what the opposition least wants you to do, usually in reference to taking a shot for goal vs a quick tap when a penalty is received. But the concept applies here too: who do Qld'ers (such as myself) fear? FB: Moylan made errors in game one, but he threatened. He's a keeper. Offers way more than Dugan and Tedesco. Do like Tedesco though - maybe shuffle him onto wing. W: Mansour was also good for NSW. Fergo as a centre I fear, but not on the wing. Need someone else C: Jennings is someone I genuinely fear. He has too many quiet games, but I think that is largely down to gameplan. Look at game 2 last year, he got tonnes of quality early ball, and he tore us apart. On the right side, Leilua, Roberts and Fergo are your most threatening. Gleeful when they chose Dugan at right centre, and it was even better when they replaced with Morris. 5/8 I was happy with selection of Maloney, but he showed up in game 1. Hats off to him. But I would have chosen someone with a touch of difference prior to game 1, someone who can build into the role. Not much comes to mind unfortunately, although I think Jack Bird proved last year he could go ok. Sezer also could be a worthwhile investment. Def work to do here. 1/2 - I think they finally got it right with A Reynolds. He'll get better and be good. Props - like everyone else here, I think Klemmer and Fifita are Qld's biggest dangers. They should start. Or at least one of them. but they both should have had more game time in # 1 Hooker - for years nothing has split Farah and Ennis. And we've feared neither. But how good is Ennis going this year?? Madness to leave him out. Long term I dunno 2nd Row: Cordner was good in game 1 and should be a long term mainstay. Beau Scott is overrated. I knew the talented Frizell was no hope of making the side. We might have feared him. Cartwright too of course. Jackson is a lock and should stay there. Would hate to see Tariq Sims at his best playing for NSW, but he's been a bit below that level for some time. Lock: Can you deny Gallen a swansong? prob not, he is a good player. But I might deny him the captaincy for a young 'un so he can concentrate. Bench: someone who can rip in, like Fifita and Klemmer, but they're starting. I think Tamou is like Jennings - his best is awesome, but there's too much fluff in between those good games. Ryan James would go good. I didn't think Walker's selection was so bad...but he was used badly. He needs a good game two, or he may never play for NSW again. Personally I would prefer someone who is a bit more creative to take that role. I think Wighton would be better suited, as would Takarangi. Not sure why he hasn't been mentioned.
Albo
Guest
You have 5 x fullbacks in the team , with one playing in his true best position ? You still have the same half backs as last week that couldn't create more than one try scoring opportunity with all the possession they had last week ? But there aren't any better options really. You still don't have an on-field general like a Thurston, Cronk or Smith , and that is the same real problem NSW has had for a decade, and looks like having for some time yet based on the talent coming through in that department. The closest we have here is Moylan and he is long way short of what QLD offers, but he needs to be in the team. I do like your centres and forward pack in general ( but would not be leaving our Greg Bird). I would like the injection of more speed in our backline & more running back row forwards. So my team would be: 1. Moylan 2. Tedesco 3. Roberts 4. Leilua 5. T Trbojevic 6. Maloney 7. A. Reynolds 8. Gallen 9. Ennis 10 Klemmer 11. Lewis 12. Cartwright 13 G. Bird 14. Jackson 15 Fifita 16. Frizell 17. J Trbojevic 18. J.Reynolds
AlanKC
Guest
So I guess you reckon they painted Cronk's ankle black and blue just for effect?
pjm
Roar Rookie
Two blokes from Junee making fools of themselves.
pjm
Roar Rookie
Jennings as Captain? He is the ultimate individual.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Because his defensive attitude is awful, please refer to the game he was playing around the time you made this comment for details.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Half fit Cronk? Mate if you'll believe that, you probably think pro wrestling is real.
Charles NSW
Guest
Time and time again NSW fans have to put up with poor selections and game plans that have no meaning The fans are so frustrated with the results and can see nothing that will improve for the future I am so sick of hearing how QLD is when I know we can put in players that can match them utilising a good game plan Make no mistake we have to understand SOO before we go on to select players and reason why a certain player is chosen We need to put in players that are mature, experienced, work well under pressure, show standard and in their right positions When a coach has difficulty to meet those requirements he can put a player in another position, if they can adjust to the new position Despite the selection criteria that we need, it is time to try and correct each position as NSW has lost too many times Lachlan Coote should be fullback as he is more experienced and move Matt Moylan into reserves Each position needs to be examined but I feel the fullback and halves may work better with Coote at the back We need to groom Moylan gradually that is why being a reserve will be a better option NSW is relying far too much on the forwards so that is why there is no variety Bringing in Moylan at the right time may at add to that The halves should remain as they are and for Daley to either work out a game plan that works or leave it to them to work one out
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Love it Craig. Mightn't be as silly as some people might think. Expansion teams in the AFL, namely the Giants, found themselves in a similar situation. They just had to trust the youth and battle through. Look at them go now. Sure they have immense talent, yet the talent pool in NSW league is quite considerable as well.
craig
Guest
pick an under 18's side and aim for a win in about 10 years time......
langerthebronco
Guest
What does Aiden Tolman do to get selected? Tolman for Woods and Wallace or Peats for Farrah and NSW might win. NSW should build for future on these players 1:Moylan 2:T Trobojevic 3:J Leilua /JBird 4:JMorris (to be replaced by dragons Aitken or any good left centre) 5:Mansour 6:Maloney 7:A Reynold 8:Tolman( Forward leader once Gallen exits this year) 9:Peats 10:Gallen (Tamou or Klemmer to take over) 11:Cordner 12:Jackson 13: J Trobojevic 14Cartwright 15:Fifita 16:Klemmer 17:Tamou/Boyd
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Disagree. NSW had the home ground and crowd, a half fit Cronk to contend with, a bigger pack on a wet ground. The referees kept a skinny 10 metres. The referees maybe weren't the best but both teams were affected similarly. The Blues should have won that they didn't says more about the selections and tactics than anything else.
BPLOL
Guest
The biggest problem with the NSW blues is Robbie Farah. He can tackle and he can kick but he cannot supply the halves with quick ball. I have previously been a support of his but recently he is slow to every ruck. Crabs sideways out of the area and holds the pass he also often throws the pass high or behind a player because he has taken so long. Cameron Smith on the other hand is quick to the ruck and picks the ball up while moving forward and gets his pass away quickly. Watching on wednesday night this was the biggest different between the teams. I feel if Farah went and possibly bring BJ in the NSW team would have a much better chance of winning. I would pick either Peats (as he is the future) or Wallace/Ennis if you were just concentrating on this year.