State of Origin sides are always met with a hint of controversy, mystery and guile as coaches try to pull the wool over each other’s eyes. Of course this year is no different, with both squads now released, and unusually early.
Let’s tear it all down with the whys and why nots of every player named set to hit the park next Wednesday night in Sydney.
Today, it’s the hometown Blues.
1. James Tedesco
Why? Been there, done that. Captain of the squad and a proven performer at the top level. An elite fullback at the top of his game.
Why not? Change is as good as a holiday. A healthy Ryan Papenhuyzen would be breathing down this guy’s neck. He’ll maybe be usurped in the next year or so.
2. Brian To’o
Why? This guy is an absolute bowling ball when he’s running full steam at just about anyone. He has the game-breaking ability to make huge metres coming out of the Blues end as well as being a slick finisher both with his solo efforts and on the end of good play inside of him.
Why not? Little man syndrome. With Queensland’s two wingers towering over the diminutive (relatively speaking) To’o, a target will be on his back and above his head in the aerial battle on the Blues try line.
3. Kotoni Staggs
Why? Staggs has been earmarked for quite a while now as the next man up in a fiercely debated centre pairing. A strong ball runner and a lockdown defender, Kotoni was made for Origin.
Why not? Question marks always arise about whether or not a debutant can aim up, and Queensland will be sending everything his way to work him over defensively and stifle his attacking prowess. Staggs will be feeling a lot of performance pressure, as he probably wouldn’t be there save for injuries to other players.
(Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
4. Jack Wighton
Why? Fast becoming an experienced campaigner at Origin level, Wighton provides an old head on young shoulders. His versatility to play in both the centres or halves, as he did in Game 3 last year, gives coach Brad Fittler some options should disaster strike on game day.
Why not? Wighton hasn’t exactly been his former Dally M-winning self lately. His defence at club level has left a lot to desire, and Queensland will know this. He’s a surprising selection considering the other centre talent in the squad.
5. Daniel Tupou
Why? Tall timber in the back three has almost always been a winning formula at Origin level. Six foot, five inches and with leaping ability to match an NBA player, Tupou will be dangerous on the back of a very accurate Nathan Cleary kicking game.
Why not? Tupou lacks the game-breaking ability, that X factor that is so important at Origin level. He’s a solid performer but not your traditionally flashy outside back that thrives in the spotlight. Josh Addo-Carr would be feeling slighted having missed out after years with this jersey locked down.
6. Jarome Luai
Why? In partnership with fellow Penrith Panther Nathan Cleary, Luai forms one half of the most dynamic six-seven combo in the game. His ability to burst a game open with a flash of brilliance is unmatched and always proves a handful for any opposition, Queensland included.
Why not? Luai’s ad-lib footy doesn’t necessarily fit into the mould of a genuine Origin half. Origin games are a grind, and it takes only one small error to offload a mountain of pressure from the opposition and heap it on your own team. His chirpy, cheeky nature has no place among the fire and brimstone of Origin.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
7. Nathan Cleary
Why? The field general. Cleary has matured much earlier than many halves and, at 24 years old, is already on a first-picked basis in the Origin side. His kicking game, tactics and ability to take hold of a match suit the Origin arena perfectly.
Why not? Great question. Something something something about his dad not being the coach. I honestly can’t fault this bloke. He’s immense.
8. Payne Haas
Why? Big, strong, resilient and fit – he’s everything you want in an Origin prop these days. The Origin battle starts with the big boys up front, and Haas is made for this type of conflict. He’ll turn up all game and won’t stop.
Why not? Recent contract negotiations and unrest in clubland for Payne have some people questioning whether he’ll be distracted for the three biggest games he’ll play this year. Coach Freddy assured the hosts on NRL 360 on Monday night that his selection wasn’t confirmed until he heard from the man himself that it wouldn’t affect their camp.
9. Damien Cook
Why? A big-game player who’s been there before, he has an excellent record on the big stage. He’s locked down the No. 9 jersey with his speed out of dummy half and leadership across the park, and he hasn’t missed a game since he was first selected back in 2018.
Why not? The Api Koroisau-Penrith connection will always loom large as long as Cleary and Luai stay in the halves.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
10. Junior Paulo
Why? An absolute battering ram, like a modern-day Mark O’Meley, this bloke is a sight to behold at full flight and will be right at home up front with Payne Haas to lay flat any Queensland enthusiasm in the forwards.
Why not? Thankfully for Junior, some poor form and ongoing injury trouble for incumbent NSW prop Daniel Saifiti have left the door open for Paulo to have another crack at the big time. Compared to both Daniel and his 2021 prop partner Jake Trbojevic, Paulo is not as dynamic with the ball in hand, and the Maroons forwards will be lining him up from a mile away.
11. Cameron Murray
Why? Firstly, he’s going to look great in all the media fluff as maybe the best looking second-rower in the comp. Cam is a bloke who works well above his weight and doesn’t take a backward step. His extreme fitness means he’ll be a handful towards the back end of the game when the big boys get tired.
Why not? Is a lack of size something that can be made up for at Origin level as a middle forward? He’s certainly not the ball runner that Tyson Frizell is, nor does he have the size of bench player Reagan Campbell-Gillard.
12. Tariq Sims
Why? Tariq always seems to be able to put poor team performance at club level to the side when he puts on the sky blue jersey. He fought his way back into the team last year after missing out in 2020 and played a big part in the Blues winning the series early. An old hardhead who doesn’t mind a bit of chirp.
Why not? Tariq is made to look good by being a standout player in a bad side. Does he really deserve a starting spot over some of the other guys in the squad or on the bench? I don’t think so.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
13. Isaah Yeo
Why? He’s hands-down the best lock in the game right now. Not only does he get through all the work expected of a lock in both attack and defence, but his ball-playing ability is unmatched at No. 13. Along with his Panther pals Cleary and Luai, he’ll be looking to have a field day controlling the middle of the field while his cronies cut them open out wide.
Why not? This bloke is a product of his team’s success and their systems. If Luai and Cleary go down, Yeo will have trouble meshing with any new halves pairing that doesn’t understand the way he fits into their game plan.
14. Stephen Crichton
Why? Crichton has been earmarked for an Origin selection for a while now. His versatility to play all the outside back positions leaves the Blues sitting pretty should an injury occur during the game. Otherwise his strike and speed will be invaluable late in the game when he can come on and slice a tiring Maroons pack to pieces
Why not? He’s got the outside backs covered, but this No. 14 jersey traditionally has gone to a guy that can moonlight in the halves or even as a pseudo backrower or Hooker. This selection flies in the face of that logic. and it won’t be a massive surprise to see Nicho Hynes come in should coach Fittler see an issue.
15. Liam Martin
Why? Under the current Blues structure this guy is very unlucky not to be running out in a starting jersey. Another hard worker through the middle, with the opposition softened up and the connections Martin will make with his Panther teammates, his addition to the cauldron midway through the first half could be lethal.
Why not? There’s more experience in the extended squad on this roster. and sometimes that is what is required in Origin, especially if you want to have an impact coming off the bench. He doesn’t bring the same punch in attack as other options.
16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Why? Big and mobile, RCG has the ability to bring some big enthusiasm off the bench and will be loving the thought of running at tired forwards in the middle. He’s liable to break the line from time to time as well – a runaway try is all we ask for from the long-legged prop.
Why not? He’s been away from the Origin arena for a while, having played one game at the MCG back in 2018. Probably squeezing into the team on the back of injuries to other key players, he’ll need to earn his keep to stay in the spotlight.
17. Ryan Matterson
Why? This guy has earned it. He’s been one of Parramatta’s best in the forwards this year and joins a few teammates who have made the leap in previous years. Another hard worker in the middle his contribution will be crucial to Blues success. No pressure, young fella.
Why not? A debutant always draws a bit of extra scrutiny, especially with experienced forwards with good Origin pedigree in the extended squad. He’ll have a point to prove, but there is such thing as trying too hard.
All in all, this Blues squad certainly has the potential to continue the NSW dominance of recent years, with depth and experience across the park.
Justin
Guest
Did Penrith make the GF 2 years in a row? After finishing 10th in 2019. Did Nathan Cleary play a big part in those games leading up to 2 GF appearances ? Also in the Penrith sides wins so far , for a lot of this year? Why base an opinion on a player’s ability , based on 1 or 2 games? The question for you would be. Which clubs other than perhaps Melbourne, Parramatta right now. Wouldn’t wish to buy Nathan Cleary right now, if he was looking for a new club?
Westie
Guest
I think you’d find that Cleary played the rest of the year last year, with a bung shoulder. After his shoulder was injured in game 2 of the SOO. I’d say that he did pretty well for the rest of the season considering that. He wasn’t the only Panther injured in the GF when the Rabbits had everything go there way , going into that game. So, I’d say they won the GF! Well done … No matter what the margin was. As for the ‘ failing when the pressure was put on him ‘? Which game did NSW lose last season? The one when Cleary didn’t play. The games before last season. Maybe he wasn’t a dominant figure in any of those games? However, was Thurston a dominant figure in SOO when he first played?
Panthers
Guest
I may have agreed with your Luai being a combination player with Cleary a year or two ago. However, without Cleary earlier this year & playing alongside O’Sullivan in the halves at Penrith. Luai was a stand out & a dominant player in those games. Just as he had been when playing NSW Cup a few years ago.
Cat Brown
Guest
I love the way that Nathan Cleary is considered the greatest player. I remember 2020 very clearly. He failed in Origin when pressure was put on him. He failed in the final once again when he was targeted. Lets not forget Panthers only won by 2 points in the final. Two points. Not a great win just a win
Adam Clements
Roar Rookie
I will admit some of these ‘why nots’ were very difficult, especially when there’s no clear 2nd option
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Of course, not saying the Panthers turning into Champions was much more than Luai, just needing to point out, his dynamic play was a key element, and he brought a much needed change in playing style and energy to the Blues last year. I'm glad he's there. He's definitely not unworthy.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
People have short memories, whether that's a lingering Covid symptom, or not but if we journey back to 2019, Ivan has just returned but Panthers were going ordinary. Chance of playing finals hardly won a game towards the end of the season and missed out. Nobody was calling Nathan immense back then. They were putting a big question mark over his ability, and his place in the team. Enter Luai in 2020. Panthers have hardly lost a game since. People place a big emphasis on Luai needing Cleary, when it was Luai who helped turn the team into winners. Not sure what part of his play wasn't suited in 2021. Got me beat there.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Hah, these must be Broncos why nots as well then.
Adam Clements
Roar Rookie
The other thing about Luai is I don’t know if he would be picked if he didn’t play alongside Cleary. Cleary would be selected no matter who the 5/8 is, but Luai is a combination selection. No disrespect to him and his outstanding game, but he gains a lot from having Cleary by his side week to week.
Adam Clements
Roar Rookie
I’ll admit that it’s an old school mentality, in the sense that in the past, smaller players with big mouths knew to keep their mouths shut for fear of consequences. As for Luai I think you’ve misunderstood me. It definitely has a place as far as a spectacle is concerned but he makes himself a target by carrying himself the way he does. Doesn’t mean I don’t love watching it!
Albo
Roar Rookie
Sounds pretty much like his opposite , Munster ?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! I would concur with those two points, matth . Further on Staggs , whilst a dynamic runner at times, he can make an error or three, and I think he prefers to go himself at every opportunity rather than set up his winger .
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Good article Adam. I don't really agree with this statement about Luai - "his chirpy, cheeky nature has no place among the fire and brimstone of Origin". Queensland will be putting up photos of him disrespecting their players last year. He was laughing in their faces, standing over their players, kneeing them in the back, taunting them, pointing at them - just being an out and out Origin pest.
matth
Roar Guru
Two more why nots: Staggs - has a tendency to drift out of games and even for games at a time and needs someone else to bring him in. Won’t go looking for the hard early tackle carry. Can get excited and jump out of the defensive line at the wrong time. Haas - lately his stats are better than his actual impact. After hitting the line he often does a slow walk and gives the defense time to get set. Every now and then he gets caught flat footed in defense at marker. At least that’s what I’m hoping :stoked:
Adam Clements
Roar Rookie
There’s no doubt he steps up for Origin in any case. He’s been part of 3 series wins in 4 years. Bird could argue the case that was a victim of the Blues rebuild because he was part of two series losses and the stink from that probably didn’t wash off as well as he would have liked.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Interesting article, Adam. I'm not sure about Sims being a good player on a bad team. He's an empty shell these days. I'd argue - and I have the stats to back it up - that Jack Bird has been far more effective on the edge this year.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Oh yes I had forgotten that :laughing:
Tony
Roar Guru
I'm surprised Api even got near the squad after his ill-discipline last year.
Adam Clements
Roar Rookie
Cook’s been unreal in Origin, but having Api waiting in the wings is a huge blessing.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
This is a quality side. Apart from the Tupou question, for mine it must have been very tempting to go with Api, especially given the Panthers connection. Does Cook still have the edge over him?