The representative retirement of Cameron Smith is obviously a dream result for fans of NSW and new coach Brad Fitler, but what would a dream scenario look like for Queensland?
Here’s a light-hearted pick of NSW players that would make Queensland Maroon fans very relaxed on Origin night.
Fullback – Jarryd Hayne (Eels)
A miracle return from injury sees Hayne picked – he shows a lack of pace and rarely involves himself in the proceedings. At halftime he tweets to his legions of fans that he has never been pushed harder. Freddy confiscates his phone.
Winger – Reece Robinson (Roosters)
Reece Robinson drops five bombs in a row, all resulting in tries.
Centre – Joey Leilua (Raiders) and Jack Bird (Broncos)
Joey Leilua scores seven brilliant tries but unfortunately lets in eight. He gives away 16 penalties and is sent to the sin bin for a high shot.
Jack Bird confidently runs onto the field before the opening whistle, but no one sees him again. The missing person’s unit is contacted.
Five-eighth – Todd Carney (North Sydney Bears)
The controversial but brilliant player is picked from obscurity, only to drink something suspicious in the bathrooms during the Blues’ bonding session. A stomach upset sees him play well below expectations.
Halfback – Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle Knights)
Pearce has struggled at Origin level and has something to prove, again. He makes a miraculous recovery from injury to be selected in the starting side and at the end of another disastrous series, he vows to prove himself in 2019.
AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Lock – Paul Gallen (Sharks)
The Sharks legend isn’t the threat he once was, but his aggression is still first class – he gets sent off after the first tackle of the match due to a vicious head-high smashing of his Sharks teammate Valentine Holmes.
Second row – Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters) and Luke Lewis (Sharks)
The issue with the game at the moment is that super-fit players like Cordner don’t get the chance to shine, as there are too many stoppages – the result is that defensive fatigue seldom occurs. The refs are levelling the playing field by giving the less-fit players time to recover and be ready for Cordner, who runs as hard in the first minute as the 80th. Unfortunately, this stifles him once more.
Luke Lewis always offers 100 per cent effort, but his injury-riddled body can only muster approximate 75 per cent on the big night.
Hooker – Robbie Farah
Robbie tries hard, but can’t spark things in attack. He attempts to do it all himself but Queensland are more than ready for his slow-motion plays.
Props – Andrew Fifita (Sharks) and Shannon Boyd (Canberra)
Andrew Fifita boasts the best stats in the game and he proves it with a stellar first-half performance. However, at halftime he gets an urgent call from Tonga and decides to join their training session during the second stanza.
Boyd is a man-mountain who is capable of a mountain of mistakes. He lives up to his promise on Origin night.
Am I being too harsh or not harsh enough?
Are there any players you’d prefer to see in this meek tongue-in-cheek Blues side?
Joe
Guest
The problem is, the refs are not consistent at all
John H
Guest
Don't forget former Balmian coach, Alan Jones. What a terrific coach he was.
Philip Heron
Guest
Everyone forgets that jarryd Jayne killed off another coach in Laurie daley ;)
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Yep, grasshopper wins.
Marshall Holding Garner Croft
Guest
Thats right. Broncos are harshly done by by the scheduling and the referees.
Long Black
Roar Rookie
They're bottom on the list of penalties received and conceded. 16th out of 16.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Throw in Kurt Gidley, he used to be an 'automatic' selection in the past. Looking back now, WHAT WERE THEY THINKING???
Bob Saget
Guest
Maybe the broncos picked should wear their club jerseys, that might get them a few more penalties
JohnB
Guest
The Grasshopper surely?
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Thanks John H. I didn't even consider the coaching staff. That's almost an entirely new article. Freddy, Ricky Stuart, Brian Smith etc
Jay Ross
Roar Guru
Good call. Fergo would fit nicely into the team culture.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
No need to name a team. Just name Daley as coach and Bozo as "Chief Advisor" and they'll pick it for you.
Fred
Guest
Wayne Pearce for coach!!
Michael Keeffe
Roar Guru
Only one winger. Is that because you picked Ferguson but he's still at the pub with Dugan come game time.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Your'e missing 'Dumb' and 'Dumber' - sorry, I mean Dugan and Ferguson.
Peeko
Guest
Handy off cutters too
John H
Guest
Very funny, Jay. The appointment of Freddy as Blues coach is entirely consistent with the tone of this article.
Pedro
Guest
I think Jackson Bird might offer something if there is a bit of moisture in the track. Definitely need Fergo and Duges on the bench for team bonding.
Paul
Roar Guru
it won't be ruined by the referees, it will be ruined by the players. They've had 11 rounds to get used to the interpretations and as long as the refs are consistent, it's up to the players to abide by the rules
Fred
Guest
Greg Hartley