The New South Wales Blues have named an unchanged side for the second game of the 2017 State of Origin series, as you would expect after an impressive 28-4 victory in Queensland’s backyard.
Though you could always argue that only an injury should force a change to a winning side, the truth is, every Blues player performed well in Brisbane, making selections for Game 2 a very quick and easy process.
» 12 talking points from NRL Round 12
» Queensland announce sweeping changes for Game 2
» Expert reaction to the Queensland team
» State of Origin Game 2 teams
1. James Tedesco
‘Teddy’ seems to enjoy the Origin arena. In the two games he’s played, he’s been absolutely outstanding.
He wouldn’t have been far behind Andrew Fifita for man-of-the-match honours in the opening game, and though he is often lauded for his attacking ability, it was his brilliant coverage in defense that really stood out in Brisbane.
2. Blake Ferguson
Though he got caught out by Cooper Cronk once in defense with a pinpoint kick, he was otherwise very solid in defense and attack, and his size and strength is always something opposition teams need to prepare for.
He gave his forwards some breathers with his hit-ups, and like may of his teammates, will simply be expected to deliver more of the same in Game 2.
3. Josh Dugan
Though he was a little quiet in attack, Dugan was very good in defense and silenced the doubters who thought he’d be found out by playing out of position in the centres.
Instead he was yet another sturdy brick in the Blues wall. NSW will, however, look to get him more attacking opportunities in Sydney.
4. Jarryd Hayne
Much like his fellow centre Dugan in game one, the concern with Hayne for this match is that he did make a few mistakes in defense in Origin I.
The Maroons try came soon after Hayne went for an intercept. Queensland will have identified Hayne as a potential weak link they can exploit, so he can expect to be tested often.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
5. Brett Morris
He’s become a dependable selection for the Blues, as you can expect the Bulldogs winger to make few mistakes in attack or defense, while also relieving his forwards with valuable hit-ups early in the tackle count.
When given space, he’s still got some toe as well.
6. James Maloney
His support play in Game 1 was one of the highlights for the Blues, and he also did a masterful job of leading the team around the paddock, especially when Mitchell Pearce was forced off the field with concussion.
His defense will always be a talking point, but if the Maroons don’t exploit it, it will remain a moot one.
7. Mitchell Pearce
Pearce was having a solid game before a Will Chambers high shot ended his night in Brisbane.
While I originally questioned why he kept kicking to the right corner, his accuracy ensured that the Maroons were starting their sets deep in their own territory and against the sideline. It was a tactic, and it worked.
He’ll be hoping to play the full 80 minutes at Homebush, and win his first Origin series.
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
8. Aaron Woods
I can’t quite shake the notion that Woods makes soft metres.
It very well may be that I have a bias against the Tigers forward that I need to get over, but I’d love to see him make some stronger runs, harder yards and much quicker play-the-balls.
9. Nathan Peats
Peats was absolutely brilliant on debut for the Blues. His defense was outstanding, his service sensational, and his intensity perfect for Origin.
Needless to say, he was very good in his first game, and all he needs to do his replicate his performance.
10. Andrew Fifita
I wrote last time that Fifita is one of the few front-rowers in rugby league history that can be a game-winner, is hard to bring down, and can pop balls away after he has drawn multiple defenders.
Considering how often I’m wrong, you’ll allow me a moment to gloat, because that’s exactly how you would describe his Suncorp Stadium efforts.
(AAP Image/Joe Castro)
11. Josh Jackson
Jackson usually goes a little unnoticed compared to his teammates, but I thought he was a touch quiet in the first game.
Mind you, he was rock solid and dependable, and that’s what you want – and get – from Jackson. He’s replaced Ryan Hoffman as the automatic “7 out of 10 guy” in the Blues pack.
12. Boyd Cordner (c)
The skipper played the full 80 minutes and led by example all game long. Athletic and with a powerful motor, the Rooster is brutal in defense and penetrating in attack.
The perfect modern day second-rower. He also backed up with a similar performance at club level a few days later, showing his leadership and greatness.
13. Tyson Frizell
Frizell looked very dangerous running on the edges, and tackled with might.
Looks every bit the Origin player, and along with Jackson and Cordner, forms an incredibly strong backrow for the Blues. A ball of muscle.
14. David Klemmer
As ever, made his presence felt when he entered the game. He made the Maroons feel him in attack and defense, and he’s the perfect interchange forward for the Blues.
His intensity is perfectly suited to Origin, and he was well used by Laurie Daley in game I.
15. Wade Graham
Having x-factor on your bench is a valuable commodity, and that’s exactly what Graham provided NSW.
Added an extra dimension in attack when he came on, as his unique combination of size and skill troubled the Maroons on a number of occasions, and led to points for the Blues.
16. Jake Trbojevic
Trbojevic showed he belonged at this level with a number of strong carries and some brilliant line defense.
You’d think he’d be even better for the hit-out, and will play even better in Sydney, which is a truly scary thought for Queensland.
17. Jack Bird
The concussion laws ensure it’s a wise move to have a replacement back on the bench, and that proved to be the case when the Blues lost Pearce to Disneyland.
Bird slotted into five-eighth and performed well, but if he’s freed to have a more attacking role in Game 2, we’ll really see how talented and dangerous he really can be.
bobd
Guest
Laurie Please please change the kicking , Pearce continued to kick the hi ball has the idiot got nothing else in his repetiore , what about a grubber ????? what a little one over the backs between them and the fullback????? , stop this stupid hi ball even your not that stupid and surely saw it wasnt working , if we werent so dominant in the forwards we would of got our arses kicked , Thurston and Slater back SMARTEN up Laurie
steveng
Roar Rookie
The only picks that worry me are Dugan and Pearce. Dugan wasn't crash hot in the first origin, his passing was none existent and Pearce's kicking (especially with Slater and JT back) will be tested and will have to be 1000% to what it was in game 1.
Alex
Guest
Corey Oates is less dangerous in the open field than Dane Gagai. There is less danger having corey oates returning kicks every set into a wall of defence, getting pummelled by three tacklers and then having him try to leap for a cross-field kick every set. At first I was also confused by the targeting of Oates but it became clear that it was a clever tactic to negate both Oates and the other players in Queensland's kick return. Although Ferguson was caught out on the kick, he was in the correct position. A defensive winger shouldn't be caught on the outside. The gap inside ferguson is the equal responsibility of both Ferguson and Dugan. Ultimately that try was almost indefensible, Oates is taller and can leap higher and Cronk's kick was pinpoint perfect. If you hold Ferguson responsible, you must also hold Dugan just as responsible. I rewatched some of game 2 from 2016 and the difference is drastic. A hooker who is passing the ball straight away, not taking runs on 4th tackle, a hooker who isn't passing to a prop forward on 4th tackle or running a 1-2 play with the same prop forward on 4th tackle. NSW should win, however it'll be interesting to see what QLD can put up.
Spen
Guest
I'd take Josh Jackson over Ryan Hoffman any day of the week.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Considering how slick the Queensland back line now looks, does anyone feel that NSW should have considered bringing in James Roberts instead of Dugan? They would fear Roberts and it would be tactically smart to make such an unexpected change. The only thing that Dugan could do to surprise QLD would be if he passed the ball during the match.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Haha...I'd started the defence a long time before the Dogs rumours were announced. It really isn't one eyed defence but you'll have to trust me on that...? I just think the soft metres is one of those tropes that gets way over done at the moment. Even in club games, sure Woods doesn't have the high collision impact of a Klemmer or Tapau but he still churns through the work. He regularly clocks up twice as many metres as any other Tigers forward. The Tigers lose all go forward when Woods is off the paddock. Woods averages 160 metres per game. Tigers next best forward is 102, then 91, then 84. He's doing close to twice the work of his colleagues. Is it really reasonable or fair to suggest that Woods is taking all the soft metres while the other blokes are doing the hard yards? I'm not really sure where the soft metres exist in the middle of the ruck in NRL games. But anyway even if someone thinks he is soft and takes soft metres, surely his performance in game one shows that as a bit of a fallacy? No tougher forum in footy and Woods was in the thick of it.
Renegade
Roar Guru
It's providing plenty of fun isn't it Hahaha Look, let's not kid ourselves... QLD just don't have the same passion or understanding of origin that Laurie does ?
Ryan O'Connell
Guest
I am legitimately shocked Thaiday wasn't picked.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Woods isn't even at the Bulldogs yet and you've begin you're one-eyed defense of him. Impressive loyalty! To be clear, I didn't actually refer to Woods game 1 performance, I was talking about him overall. And I stand by the fact that he can often make soft metres, get rolled onto his back, have a slow play the ball, and totally negate any metres he did make by giving the defense time to set-up again. Not a cliche, just an observation. There is a big difference.
Charles NSW
Guest
Both Maloney and Moylan would be the halves!
Sideline
Guest
Over who, Maloney? The reigning premieres' half; the bloke who was probably 3rd best on field in the first game, and is the only NSW half to be selected to play for Australia in god knows how long? I like Moylan, but there is just no spot for him. I also think he needs to be a bit more consistent with his form.
Charles NSW
Guest
QLD have certainly strengthen their team and gained the expertise they missed in the first match NSW think they can win with the team they got but I feel they need to strengthen much more to win. One person I would put in is Matt Moylan to 5/8 as he would add attack by providing many more options to take on the experience of QLD.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Woods made 75 metres in the first 20 minutes of Origin One. I watched the game twice and not sure which of those 75 metres in the middle of the ruck, in the first 20 of the first Origin game could be considered soft. He also got three effective offloads away, one of which created the linebreak that led to the first try. I understand he's not everyone's cup of tea because he's not a brute like a Fifita, Klemmer, Scott, etc but he was outstanding early in game one. Its becoming a bit of a myth that there are all these 'soft' metres around waiting for the likes of Woods. It's a cliche for people who don't know what to say "Prop x ran for 175 metres last week" "Yeah, but they were soft metres"
AJL.
Roar Pro
There were never going to be changes. But the NSW forwards will need to improve on their superb performance in Brisbane to have a chance.
Peter
Guest
No comment on the NSW team - would have been foolish to change anyone. But could you please please STOP using photos of Mr God Almighty Hayne posing on his fence? He's a handy enough player, true, but he also comes across as a right prat. Why keep feeding his ego? And, just to round off this grizzle - why is it just wonderful for him to be a "big occasion player" who just really couldn't be bothered otherwise because it's all so far beneath him? It's the Titans paying him the squillion dollars, and it's the Titans he should be busting his arse for - every minute, every week, not just when he could be bothered.
Gus Paella
Guest
Have to agree on your thoughts about Woods. Although I think there are better options than Woodsy for NSW I think selection over the last decade has been a lot like trying to get reception on an old tv with the bunny ears. I can see something here now don't bloody touch it.
blue4ever
Roar Rookie
Oh just let the Game begin please and see what each other's made of. No one predicted A QLD flogging by NSW in Hallowed Territory so no one can predict Game 2 Win. Just bloody let it play out and see who comes up trumps! GO THE BLUES?! I have three gr8 Platinum Tickets going on Sale in Ticket for G2. See Ebay.
blue4ever
Roar Rookie
It's easy to favour Camo Smith over Gallen any day. With Gallen gone NSW have a chance of wrapping up the Series in G2. Gallen & Farah were nothing but liabilities to NSW. And all the talk about Slater and Thurston, I hope they don't suffer from Vertigo?.
blue4ever
Roar Rookie
I would have had the time of my life - It was fun in The Batchy Blues watching the disgruntled QLD'ers. At least NSW got two games to get it right unlike QLD.
TruBlu
Guest
In my opinion the new additions make the Qld side stronger and the fact that the new fwds all play club footy with their key playmakers make it a lot easier especially for the debutants. Slater is a legend and I waa glad when he wasn't named in the first game. Valentine Holmes is a class act and like Slater he's a game breaker. I was hoping to see Vaughn and Tommy Turbo to further strengthen the Blues side but Laurie is a practicioner of the adage you don't change a winning side .... although sometimes he also didn't change when they lost ?