What if State of Origin really was a selection trial for the Kangaroos?

The idea that State of Origin is a selection trial for the Australian Test team is often advanced, particularly when talking about Origin eligibility.

The perceived problem is that players who are selected for either NSW or QLD may ultimately choose to represent their country of heritage, rather than the Kangaroos.

Of course we know that Origin serves a far different purpose, and that many factors other than just Origin appearances will determine who gets to wear the green and gold.

But what if Origin form was the only guide to Australian team selection, and we had to pick a 17-man Kangaroo squad right now, solely from the players who have played origin this year?

Here’s how I believe the team would look:

Fullback – James Tedesco (C)

Tedesco has been one of the best players on the park in each of the games played this year, and has covered a ridiculous number of metres.

His positional play and goal line defence has been first class. His only rival for this position is Kalyn Ponga, who himself has had a wonderful series, but two into the one jersey won’t go.

Could Ponga fit into the squad somewhere else?

Wingers – Brian To’o and Kalyn Ponga

It hasn’t been a series to showcase wingers, and surprisingly wingers ran in only 2 of the 20 tries scored across the series.

To’o scored one of those and was consistent, rather than brilliant, throughout, and his ball running was a feature. Ponga gets the nod ahead of the specialist wingers on offer for two reasons.

One, he’s in such good form that it’s hard to leave him out, and secondly, no other winger put his hand up to claim a spot. Queenslanders Xavier Coates, Murray Taulagi and Selwyn Cobbo look to be players of the future, rather than Test match ready now, and both Corey Oates and Daniel Tupou have seen better days.

Kalyn Ponga. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Centres – Valentine Holmes and Matt Burton

Holmes has been a revelation in Origin this year, and has not only come up with some freakish plays in both attack and defence, but also has done the hard work for his team when required.

He has scored two tries for QLD in the series and his goal kicking has been excellent, landing 7 goals from 9 attempts.

Matt Burton has looked like a genuine star since he became a fixture in the Penrith team last year. He has size, footwork, a great passing game, a devastating kicking game and can tackle.

He starred for NSW in his Origin debut in game 2 and played well in a losing side in game 3.

The rest of the contenders for the centre position were disappointing, with the exception of Jack Wighton, but I don’t see him a realistic option for a starting centre spot.

Five eighth – Cameron Munster

In a two man shoot out with Jarome Luai, Munster is a clear winner. He was brilliant for QLD in game 1 and one of their best in game 2.

Luai has had his moments, but consistency and decision making have let him down. He also lacks the defensive capabilities of Munster.

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Halfback – Nathan Cleary

In another two-horse race it’s hard to separate two strong candidates. DCE, the experienced campaigner, who played a key role in QLD’s game 3 victory, but didn’t really shine in either games 1 or 2, or Nathan Cleary, who can totally dominate the opposition on his day.

Not much between them, but Cleary gets the nod on the back of his slightly better kicking game, much stronger defence, and his goal kicking prowess.

Lock Forward – Isaah Yeo

There’s a few candidates here, all in good form in the series and most will get a start in this team somewhere. Yeo gets the 13 jersey on the back of his better ball playing skills and big motor.

He had a strong series and edges out Patrick Carrigan and big Tino who also make the side, while Reuben Cotter looks like a player of the future if he doesn’t play himself into the ground.

(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Second Row – Cameron Murray and Angus Crichton

These two earn their positions as much through a process of elimination as anything else. They are both highly mobile, good with the ball and strong defenders, and are a step above the available competition.

Liam Martin was largely disappointing, runs the same predictable line and doesn’t link well with the players outside him.

The game has moved on from the offerings of both Tariq Sims and Felise Kaufusi, Jai Arrow is a disappointment, while both Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Gilbert are still a work in progress.

Front Row – Patrick Carrigan and Jake Trbojevic

Two mobile players with high work rates, they can play big minutes, are good defenders and can link effectively with the backs.

Of the rest, Josh Papalii’s best days look to be behind him, Junior Paulo has been inconsistent, and Jacob Saifiti has only had limited opportunities.

(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Hooker – Harry Grant

Grant is usually one step ahead of the opposition and has the ability to score or manufacture a try out of nothing. He as a good passing game either side of the ruck and presents a constant threat to the opposition.

Apisai Koroisau was also an option but misses out, while Damien Cook is a long way from his best form.

Bench – Ben Hunt, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, and Kurt Capewell

Ben Hunt just keeps on producing the goods in the big games, and is just as effective if he starts the game instead of Grant. He can pull off the big plays when required and provides great injury cover for the halves.

Big Tino is a destructive weapon who can provide great impact off the bench.

He also doesn’t appear to like the opposition, which is a desirable trait in test football.

Payne Haas was in good form in both games 1 and 2, although playing injured, and will provide the team with great go-forward when he joins the fray.

Kurt Capewell played well in both games 1 and 3 and knows how to get the job done, whether in the back row or the centres.

I reckon that’s a pretty strong and well-balanced side, and if they were taking the field for Australia tomorrow, they’d be very hard to beat.