Following Queensland’s continued domination in State of Origin, it is necessary for NSW to make a few tweaks to its squad in order to win back some pride.
Here is the team the Blues should pick to face Queensland in the final Origin match of 2016.
1. James Tedesco
Moylan has impressed us in the No.1 jersey after the first two Origin outings, but has never done enough to get the job done for the Blues.
James Tedesco, on the other hand, is one of the most exciting players in the game right now and the No.1 jersey has his name written all over it in the dead rubber Game 3.
2. Josh Mansour
In the first two games, Mansour has done everything he’s been asked to do, giving us no reason to scrap the Panthers flyer in Game 3. I would love to see him get across the line a few times and Tedesco’s combo with the outside backs may be the secret to this.
3. Michael Jennings
Despite being quiet in the first two games, Jennings is still one of the best centres the Blues can supply. Jennings is quick and strong and using him more in the NSW attack could be the road to success for the Blues in Game 3.
4. Josh Dugan
The Dragons fullback missed Games 1 and 2 due to an elbow injury, but there is no doubt he deserves a place in the centres, especially against Greg Inglis. That would be a match-up to watch.
5. Brett Morris
Only one game back from a knee injury, Morris was nothing short of spectacular in his three-try performance against the Broncos on Saturday night. Replacing Blake Ferguson on the wing is a big call but this man has the talent to give the Blues a victory.
6. James Maloney
This all depends on whether Adam Reynolds is 100 per cent for Game 3. But Maloney has been easily one of the best in the opening games for the Blues this year. Without a doubt he deserves the No.6 jersey once in the curtain closer.
7. Adam Reynolds
I wouldn’t take Reynolds out of the Blues squad for the simple reason that in a few years time he will be running the squad. Quiet in Games 1 and 2, but after a few trial runs the premiership-winning half is due for a big one.
8. Aaron Woods
Not much to say about the big fella. Without a doubt the starting front rower, no questions asked.
9. Michael Ennis
It’s time that Robbie Farah pulls the pin, for years he has been the weak link in the Blues squad. Who else to replace him but the man behind Cronulla’s success so far in 2016, Mick Ennis? He’s the kind of player to get under Queensland’s skin and lead the Blues to victory.
10. James Tamou
A recent big move to Penrith will boost the front rower in Game 3, playing alongside some of his future teammates. A great player and has definitely earnt his spot.
11. Wade Graham
All depending on Boyd Cordner’s fitness, but Graham is the next big thing after having his Origin dream ripped away by suspension in Game 2 due to suspension. A perfect pick.
12. Josh Jackson
It hurts to leave out a player like Beau Scott in this position, who was once able to target Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. But Jackson is one solid defender and never fails to keep the boys strong in defence.
13. Paul Gallen
A big call placing the ‘G-Train’ and after showing his dedication in the past decade of Origin, Gallen deserves no more than a massive final 80 minutes in a Blues jumper. A NSW victory is the send-off he deserves.
14. Jack Bird
It was either Bird or Moylan being the utility player off the bench and Bird wins out because he fits in anywhere from No.1-13. He didn’t disappoint in Game 2 after his unexpected call into the halves after Reynolds injured himself.
15. Dave Klemmer
The only front rower I have chosen to come off the bench. If someone can fire this man up then he will have Queensland running sick just like last year. An absolute weapon who has a big future ahead of him.
16. Tyson Frizell
Getting the call-up after the Graham suspension in Game 2 was the best possible thing for the Dragons back rower. He played brilliantly for the Blues even scoring a try (which was almost two) but definitely still a player to come off the bench.
17. Bryce Cartwright
This would be the biggest decision on the team as Cartwright can also play a role as a utility player as much as a second rower off the bench. But once again the Blues have nothing to lose so why not let him have a run?
18. Matt Moylan
I want nothing more than to see this man play in the final game of the series, but Tedesco is a much-needed player. However, if Reynolds is unable to play I’d have no worries placing Moylan on the bench or into five-eighth, tossing up between him or Jack Bird.
bob
Guest
hahaha
James T
Guest
Tedesco, Cartwright and leilua have to play. The best 17 should be chosen and Gallen is probably still there, but not bird and not sure on Farah. Personally a couple of injuries could be handy because Laurie is too loyal to make changes, even if the team is losing. Tedesco Mansour Bird Leilua Morris Maloney Reynolds Paulo Peats Fafita Graham Jackson gallen Klemmer Cartwright Frizzell Farah/ peachey/ moylan Personally don't like moylans defence at fullback and I'm assuming cordner is out. Peachey is probably the one guy who can be a utility and still have an impact when there's no injuries
Braydon Porter
Roar Rookie
DEAR EDITORS how do i delete an article?
Albo
Guest
Gotta sort out that ordinary backline that lost game 2 ! All 4 tries to the QLD wingers ! Says it all ! Plus add a more mobile fitter pack. QLD were on the brink of cracking many times in game 2 , just need some finishers now, not fumblers and defensive panic merchants as exposed last week. 1, Moylan. 2. Tedesco 3. J Morris 4. J Leilua 5. B Morris 6. Maloney 7. A Reynolds 8. Gallen 9. Wallace 10.Klemmer 11. W Graham 12. T Frizzell 13. J Jackson 14 A Fifita 15 B Cartwright 16 J Bird 17 Cordner
Alex L
Roar Rookie
You're right that the Blues need to pick a winning team, but the suggested team is so far removed from such that my head hurts...
V.O.R.
Guest
NSW Backline, all the J's. This is one scary team. Line breakers everywhere. 1. J. Tedesco 2. J. Mansour 3. J. Bird 4. J. Leilua 5. J .Dugan 6. J.Maloney 7. J. Reynolds 8. P.Gallen 9. N. Peats 10. R. James 11. Cordner 12. J.Jackson 13. T.Frizell 14. Peachey/Graham 15. A. Fifita 16. D.Klemmer 17. B.Cartwright
Bugs
Guest
Ha! Good call. Basically dropped Moylan for Tedesco, and brought back Ennis, Dugan and BMorris. Oooh, bet the Qld'ers are scared now!
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
People are trying to have their cake and eat it too.
Nat
Roar Guru
I've read today that Cordner could be available. Surely he's in there? Morris won't play. Put Teddy on the wing and Dugan to FB. Start Klemmer, drop Tamou and move Graham to bench
steveng
Roar Rookie
I agree about one thing in your selection and that is that Moylan should not be in the Blues team! He's done nothing to warrant his selection especially his position at fullback over Tedesco. I wouldn't even have him on the bench, I'd rather have Roberts there instead of him.
MrJSquishy
Roar Pro
That team started well but faded badly at the back. NSW have the luxury of big forwards that can be on the bench, so putting Bird, Frizell & Cartwright on the bench is a big mistake. I would have Gallen move to prop for Tamou (his game 2 was appalling). Woods stays (barely), but, he needs to play big minutes. Frizell in the second row with Jackson, and Cartwright to lock. And Ennis is a big no! Peats has to be the hooker. He could be a 5 year investment worth testing now. Bench of Klemmer, Fifita, Moylan and probably Tamou (but he needs to have at least 10 hit-ups or he never returns to Origin). Dugan to the wing (or keep Ferguson - don't really see much difference there) and Walker deserves another game. He is 19. He can play. He needs a full series of games to see whether he is the right fit...
MrJSquishy
Roar Pro
Right on the money Don. Look at the QLD wingers in the past: Boyd, Slater, Folau, Tate, Inglis (when he started). It is much easier to put a fullback or a centre on the wing than it is to put a fullback into centre. If they are not a seasoned centre they can't be there at Origin level.
jamesb
Guest
I think NSW should just pick the best players that are available. There's no point in picking players on potential, or getting rid of an old player, and replace him with someone who is inferior. 1.J. Tedasco 2.J. Mansour 3. M.Jennings 4. J. Leilua 5. B.Morris 6. J.Maloney 7. A. Reynolds / M.Moylan 8. P.Gallen 9. N. Peats 10. A.Woods 11. W. Graham 12. J.Jackson 13. T.Frizell 14. J.Reynolds 15. A. Fafita 16. D.Klemmer 17. B.Cartwright Frizell can play in the middle. Jennings had an unhappy game, but if nsw give him the right ball, he still has the speed to cause damage. Tamou should be sacked after only doing four hit ups in the second game. Moylan should move to the halves if A.Reynolds is not there. And besides, its a dead rubber. And when you look at the bench, each and everyone of them has the potential to change the game.
Don
Roar Rookie
Despite there being quite a few that I disagree with in this side, I'm not going to comment on anyone other than Dugan. Why do people insist in thinking somehow the guy can be an assett at centre? He was tried there at the Dragons, was a dismal failure and shifted back to fullback after a few games where he again was able to star. He was then selected there by Meninga for the test match and played pretty poorly, creating nothing and just holding his own. Yet people still keep putting him there because they have a "better" fullback in Tedesco and feel Dugan still deserves a spot. Here's a thought Laurie, play Dugan on the wing. He doesn't have to pass the ball, is great fielding kicks, running from dummy half or one off a ruck and can easily swap with a fullback to mix things up a bit. Pick a centre to play in the centres. It is actually quite a difficult position to play and you disrespect it at your peril. Fullbacks and centres can more easily switch to wing.
Gav
Guest
Don't be ridiculous, who would want to pick a winning team -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Looks ok but Frizell should start and I wouldn't have Ennis. Blood a younger player. Ennis isn't the future for the team. Trbjovic should be considered too.
Red Dog
Guest
Dillusional article .... Morris .. Yes ... Teddy.... Yes Dugan .... Yes Woods ... No Tamou... NO... 4 hit ups in game two , has to be sacked for that . Gallen....NO NO NO
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Frizell on the bench, the big pudding in the front row, have you been watching the previous games?
Jake
Guest
Mate it's pretty much the exact same team as games 1 & 2. Hardly worth an article, champ. Why would you drop Fafita but keep Woods? Is your last name Fulton?
Gus Paella
Guest
Dugan and Jennings still? Thats what Daley does, potential over form.