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Every year Origin throws up some interesting debates about who should or shouldn’t be in the team.
In 2018, we’re seeing a changing of the guard for both NSW and Queensland teams, so there were plenty of positions up for grabs.
Both teams appear to be strong outfits, but there are definitely some unlucky players to miss out on the big game. Here is my top five.
1. Euan Aitkin (Dragons centre)
This guy has been a star all year and looked to be a definite starter in the Blues team. He has proven himself to be an elusive runner and very solid defender. He must have attracted the attention of Freddy Fitler when he played all over the Queensland captain, Greg Inglis, during the Dragons versus Rabbits battle.
Aitkin’s defence is also far superior to that of both Latrell Mitchell and James Roberts. Mitchell runs out of the line far too much, leaving holes and often conceding tries. While Roberts is small in stature and is too easily pushed off.
Having said that, Fittler is obviously hoping that if the pair let in two tries, they’ll make up for it by scoring four. And they are more than capable of doing that.
2. Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos)
Oates is a fast and damaging runner of the ball and has done nothing wrong for the Broncos in the lead up to Queensland’s Origin selection. He has struggled with injury at times, but in full fitness he’s proven himself to be a game-breaker. He would not let anyone down at Origin level in 2018.
Statistics wise, Oates is third in the league for line breaks, only behind Melbourne’s Josh Addo-Carr and the Dragons’ Matt Dufty.
Brisbane winger Corey Oates celebrates a try. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
3. Tariq Sims – St.George Illawarra Dragons
Sims is menacing in attack and defence and has had a breakout year. Even Gus Gould commented that Sims is in better form than Boyd Cordner. Sims is 18th man for the NSW Blues, but he would be feeling very unlucky to be left out of the final team that will be running onto the ground.
Sims has been a huge part of the Dragons pack in 2018 and a significant reason why they’ve been near the top of the ladder all year.
4. Cameron McInnes (St.George Illawarra Dragons)
What else do you have to do to play representative football? McInnes doesn’t have the electric pace of Damien Cook, but he is one of the toughest players in first grade. Every week he puts his body on the line and plays with broken bones every week.
He’s made for Origin. In addition to this, he provides great service to his halves and motivates the team with his big clashes.
5. Blake Ferguson (Roosters)
The 103kg winger has been heralded all year as a player in great form. Statistics don’t lie – he’s leading the total runs for the year with 238 runs and is the only back in the top three.
He’s also run the furthest out of any player, with 2,360 metres made for the year. Plus, don’t forget he’s the incumbent winger for the NSW Blues.
There is a wealth of talent in the wing position for NSW this year, but it must have been a hard decision to leave Fergo out of the team.
Are there any other unlucky players? What about coaches? Interested to hear your thoughts.
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