If there’s one thing Brad Fittler has not done well, it’s keep his first ever NSW side under raps.
Multiple sources, including the official NRL website, had his squad posted almost a whole 24 hours before he was set to officially do so himself at The Star on Monday evening, with the rumoured players spotted wandering around Coogee in Blues gear.
The most surprising thing about the side was the number of debutants, with 11 players entering the Origin arena for the first time. These included some picks that have been popular with fans and critics alike, such as the exciting young Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary, in-form Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook, and self-proclaimed “Origin ready” Dragons lock Jack de Belin.
However, the first match of the series just isn’t the time for most of these debutants to take the stage.
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Queensland have successfully run a stick-and-pick program for the last decade, building a squad and getting guaranteed performances even out of players down in form, while still slowly bringing new blood into the squad, usually one or two players at a time.
Despite cutting seasoned veterans Matt Scott and Darius Boyd, Queensland have only three debutants for this year’s series, two of whom find themselves in the team only due to Matt Gillett’s long-term injury and Cameron Smith’s shock representative retirement.
NSW have made unnecessary changes. Two of the state’s leading performers over the past two series, Josh Jackson and Wade Graham, are without a spot, only to accommodate a bench place for Angus Crichton. And, despite off-field antics, Blues veteran Blake Ferguson has been one of the form wingers of the competition, but has been passed over for the relatively unproven Josh Addo-Carr.
I understand that this is Freddy’s first go in the coach’s position and he wants to establish a new start, but even Kevin Walters, in his first year for Queensland, didn’t do as much chopping and changing, despite the ageing team and talent waiting in the wings. Because he had current players who were well and truly proven.
For Fittler to say no to some of his state’s proven champions, instead adding debutants to an already relatively inexperienced team is a head-scratcher, especially in a series where we can capitalise on a Queensland spine reshuffle, with time to blood these youngsters in Game 3.
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Take another look at Game 2 from last year - both Jackson and Corder busted everything in that match. You want someone to point the finger at look at Hayne and Graham in the last 10 minutes.
Bugo
Guest
Go away. Read this many times before, Inglis, Tamou, Thorne etc.
Steve
Guest
Where will James Maloney stand in defence? Between which 2 players ? Im sure Qld will be focusing big time on this
Chris Love
Guest
Dugan? Wash your mouth out.
Chris Morrison
Guest
I love this blues side. So full of excitement. So many points in this team. I’m not worried about the defence on our edges either as some critics are. We have the speed to cover anything they throw at us. Roberts and Mitchell have both come a long way in the defensive aspect of their games respectively. They each have had one bad defensive game this year, ironically against each other! Possibility they are both that good in attack they made each other look bad! I’m a fan of Aitken, he’s a good solid player. But in my opinion, I’m done with solid players. I want weapons, freaks and players that can blow the game apart. Latrell and Roberts are these weapons. QLD have had the absolute weapon of all time in Inglis for a decade. He should of been ours. Now we have our own and we don’t want to use them? Cmon people. Inglis was a debutant too remember. He was 17 played a handful of games for the Storm before he was brought straight into the side at the expense of some very experienced players. Look at what that freak has done to us. Yes it is risky to pick a lot of debutants but the way I see it, it’s a risk that we can’t afford not to take. Picking a side full of losers is the risk that we can’t afford to take. Bring in the new blood and may it rain with origin series wins for OUR decade of success!!! Up the blues!!!
Peter
Guest
Sorry. You didn't need that twice. Stupid "edit" program wouldn't let me delete.
Peter
Guest
Thank you for your article - a good read and food for thought. Now the pedantic old bugger bit. Check the difference between "rap" and "wrap." Your first sentence needs the "w."
steveng
Roar Rookie
'i miss the force' as an adendum to your misleading comment 'Steven, you must be the worst judge on the roar' for your information, I picked the SOO NSW side to a tee, see my thoughts on the exact team selection here: https://www.theroar.com.au/2018/05/28/queensland-maroons-team-origin-1-expert-reaction/#comment-6348889 I say no more lol
Big Will TBU
Guest
Exactly - not only mistakes but lack of desperation, absolutely critical to be successful in Origin.
Ray Paks
Roar Rookie
Kevin Walters in his first year did nothing, he had Smith, Slater, Cronk, Inglis at his disposal. those players form a coach themselves. he'll get a real test this time around..
Scott Jensen
Roar Rookie
My bad, was a typo. Must have missed while proof reading
The Shafe
Guest
One of those accountable in a big way, in my opinion, for the 2017 game 2 debacle was the captain. Yet he kept his spot when down on form. Now that may be the right move, but on what logic do you then replace so many others?
urgh
Guest
'under wraps' not 'under raps'
Wayne Turner
Guest
Indeed. He's been shocking for NSW.
Wayne Turner
Guest
A shame Aiken is a superior defender to Roberts. Roberts is very suspect in defense. Both great attacking player's.
Wayne Turner
Guest
I like the NSW team picked. Any major complaint would be nitpicking on my part. I'm interested to see, what happens if NSW lose, especially if it's badly. Because their are plenty of player's picked that could easily be dropped if they don't perform egs: McInnes in for Cook, Codric - Either winger, Turbo in for Teddy,Aiken in for Roberts,Dugan for Mitchell,etc,etc... Josh Jackson was very unlucky, especially after being one of our best for the last few series. I think he fell victim to playing for a losing club side, and so many locks and 2nd rowers to pick from. Cordner is lucky to be the reigning captain, and playing for a winning club team. Finally, I'm glad Woods,Graham and Ferguson weren't picked. Woods is soft, and makes too many stupid mistakes. Graham has had too many shockers for NSW, and Ferguson never had a great game for NSW, and makes far too many brain explosion plays.
Irony is thy name
Guest
Is it State of Origin or Not? Paul Vaughan was born and lived in the ACT for 22 years and therefore does not qualify under the revised (changed 30 years too late) Origin rules. Cotric, also a potential contender, was born and lived in the ACT for all of his 19 years. Vaughan will dubiously qualify having played for Country (no longer available) which apparently doesn't have Origin qualifications. Cotric, when he is eventually picked, will again dubiously qualify because he has played for NSW under 18 STATE of ORIGIN which apparently doesn't have the same Origin qualification rules as the seniors. How amateurish is this? Whats worse somehow in STATE OF ORIGIN Fifita can play for NSW in origin and Australia yet can also alternately play for Tonga/NSW/Australia under presumably the grandfather rule because that's this Origin.. Is there any more liberal eligibility test in world sport which makes the Liberian flag of convenience shipping rules by comparison look wholesome.
Nat
Roar Guru
He's worked under both Bennett and Bellamy and still has a sense of humour.
Nat
Roar Guru
For the last 5-6 yrs Qld always had a Bird, Gallen type who were good for a few releaving penalties and Graham looked like the next one in that line. For all the best club form he has, some people let SOO pressure make them do things they don't do in clubland. Well done Freddie for leaving Graham out.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Yep, Wade Graham is not the player he, or his media cheer squad, think he is