Brad Fittler has selected his 17 men, including eleven debutants, to take on Queensland in Game 1 of this year’s State of Origin series next Friday night at the MCG.
While several of those players reluctantly put on their Miami Vice-inspired attire for Monday night’s launch, there were a number of New South Welshman sitting at home who would have worn the bizarre team uniform if it meant a guaranteed spot in the series opener.
Despite consistently reliable performances, several incumbents have fallen victim to the change of guard at the Blues.
The following constitutes the New South Wales team not picked by Fittler.
1. Josh Dugan
Dugan has experienced a disrupted start to his 2018 campaign, with a foot injury restricting the former Dragon to eight performances at his new club. Since returning from injury a fortnight ago, Dugan has averaged 116 running metres and six tackle-breaks while also crossing the line in last week’s win over Newcastle.
Dugan is also a strong defender and carrier of the football and would provide the Blues with plenty of go-forward to begin their sets.
Josh Dugan (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)
2. Nick Cotric
Tom Trbojevic has shown glimpses of his brilliance this year yet I simply do not understand why he has been selected on the wing. The Manly fullback is most effective if he has his hands on the ball as much as possible.
I have doubts about the impact he can have off the wing. In contrast, Cotric has proven himself to be one of the elite wingers of the competition this year. Cotric leads the flankers of the competition for tackle-busts (average of 5.7 per game), line breaks (13 overall) and has seven tries to his name. It is unbelievable to accept that Cotric is only nineteen.
3. Euan Aitken
If you were outraged by the non-selection of Cotric, then the absence of Dragons centre Euan Aitken will put any fragile objects in the vicinity under immediate threat.
I understand that Fittler has opted for Latrell Mitchell and James Roberts as they could be genuine game-breakers in the Origin arena. However, it is no guarantee that Mitchell’s flashy footwork and Robert’s blistering speed will bamboozle the Queensland defence.
I would certainly include one of them in the Blues side this year, however, I think that balance is incredibly important and Aitken provides this. He is one of the best defensive centres in the competition and proved earlier this year that he is up to the task of coming up against Maroons captain Greg Inglis.
Aitken’s pure strength and power is one of the more impressive elements of his game.
4. Blake Ferguson
While Ferguson is traditionally a winger, he would be more than capable of playing in the centres and is a stronger option than Jarrod Croker. The former NSW Blues representative has been excellent for the Roosters so far this year and leads the competition for most running metres with an average of 186 per game.
Ferguson is also a strong target in the air for last-tackle kicks.
Blake Ferguson (AAP Image/Paul Miller)
5. Anthony Don
Dugan, Cotric, Aitken and Ferguson were all clear locks for this list. However, the final position in the back five was a much harder decision to make. While Croker’s name was certainly an option in the centres, his effectiveness in defence is questionable. Therefore, I selected the reliable Anthony Don on the flank.
Like Ferguson, Don is particularly impressive in the air but it is his undeniable effort and commitment on the field that sets him apart from other candidates.
6. Luke Keary
As a Panthers fan, I obviously agree completely with Fittler’s decision to pair James Maloney and Nathan Cleary together. However, out of those not selected for the five-eighth role, the clear choice is Keary.
Keary has 11 try-assists to his name from 11 appearances this year and has also crossed over for four tries in 2018. His running game is arguably his most dangerous tool and sees him get the nod here.
7. Blake Green
Keary would need a stable halves partner and Green would provide him with just that. Green has the most forced line drop-outs (12) and 40/20s (2) in the competition in 2018 and would be the perfect foil to the Roosters five-eighth.
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8. Trent Merrin
Merrin has been much improved in 2018 for the Panthers following his move to the front row. This was evident in the role he played in toppling the Dragons pack in last week’s 28-2 win (140 running metres and 24 tackles from just 44 minutes).
Trent Merrin leads a seriously impressive Penrith pack. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
9. Cameron McInnes
Once considered the front-runner for the No. 9 jersey, McInnes was the unfortunate loser to Damien Cook who thoroughly deserves his State of Origin debut. McInnes, however, would have still been a strong choice, with his defence in particular being his greatest asset (96.6 per cent tackle efficiency).
10. Aaron Woods
Woods has been heavily criticised this year, with many labelling him a terrible buy for Bulldogs fans. However, the statistics do not lie. Currently, the former Tiger averages the seventh most metres out of all front-rowers in the competition (122) – 31 metres more than Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
While I do not deny that Campbell-Gillard has earned his selection, Woods would still be more than capable.
11. Tariq Sims
There was plenty of competition in the second row for a sky-blue jersey this year and Sims was the unlucky one to miss out and instead has been named on the extended bench. Averaging 107 running metres and 2.3 tackle busts per game, Sims would provide definite punch to the Blues forward pack.
12. Isaah Yeo
Undoubtedly the most underrated second rower in the competition. The work that Yeo does in both defence and attack is rarely noticed yet it is often the most important. However, the Dubbo product’s efforts did not go unrecognised on Saturday night as he polled three Dally M points after his inspired effort against the Dragons (181 running metres, 28 tackles, 0 missed tackles from 61 minutes). He is one of Penrith’s most valuable players.
13. Josh Jackson
Jackson’s snubbing is unbelievable given that he was NSW’s Brad Fittler Medallist from last year. He is a tireless workhorse and it is simply incredible that he will not line up in the sky-blue next Wednesday night. I have shifted him to lock to accommodate for the inclusion of Sims in the starting pack. Jackson made his NSW debut in the lock position.
Josh Jackson for the Bulldogs (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
14. Matt Moylan
Tyrone Peachey is certainly the right choice for the utility role given his versatility and evasiveness. However, if the Origin sides were selected later, Moylan could have been pressing his claims for a spot on the interchange bench.
The Cronulla five-eighth had a mixed start to 2018 yet he has slowly improved, culminating in last week’s effort against Newcastle (six try-assists, five line-break assists).
15. Wade Graham
Like Josh Jackson, I would have simply forced myself to find a spot for Graham in the NSW side. Injury has hampered his start to 2018, yet Graham’s versatility would be invaluable for the Blues. His strong running game is also complemented by a deft short-kicking game and skilful set of hands, making him the perfect option off the bench.
16. Ryan James
James’ leadership qualities would make him a welcome addition to the Blues squad. The Gold Coast skipper is a reliable performer but he potentially lacks the speed and agility that the Blues team has been built around this year.
17. James Tamou
Brisbane’s Tevita Pangai-Junior would have been an instant selection here had he not pledged his allegiance to Tonga. Nevertheless, I have opted for the experienced Tamou off the bench. The former Cowboy provides much-needed size to the bench and has drastically improved this year after a disappointing 2017 campaign, averaging 111 running metres.
So that is my NSW Blues team not selected by Brad Fittler. What do you think Roarers? Is there someone else I left out who should be there?
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