Selections for the Australian team and for the city country fixture suggest that the following team list is most likely for NSW this year.
1. Kurt Gidley (C)
The selectors still give off the impression that they have not decided on a fullback or captain which is a bad sign. However with Kurt selected for Australia and Hayne on the wing in the same team - it looks like this decision will go in the 'too hard' basket for Fulton, Daley and McCarthy as they stick with incumbents. Fine with me.
2. Jarryd Hayne
As suggested above - he has won multiple NSW players' player awards in this position and can be given a license by Craig Bellamy to turn up wherever he wants. This will merge perfectly with kick return options now being a valuable attacking weapon with the 'downtown' rule in place.
3 Michael Jennings
This is a worry. Not because of Michael Jennings, but because he has been chosen on the wing in city v country. Why? One can only assume he will partner Jarryd Hayne on one side of the field for origin so they thought this might prepare Jennings to switch with Hayne if needed. Does this theory sound like a stretch? Possibly; but trying to think like the NSW selectors is like trying to understand a group of drunken old ladies impersonating a group of drunken old men with MS and Alzheimer’s.
4 Chris Lawrence.
Lawrence has no semi final experience. He is a supremely talented footballer but at this stage, it should be Matt Cooper but it won't be. Imagine the confidence he would give to the rest of the side. Imagine the defensive wall that would exist on Cooper’s side of the field against the QLD backline. Imagine the NSW selectors for once showing faith in a proven performer. Imagine the combination with...
5. Brett Morris
Although I'm not a fan of selecting debutants when you don't have to - Morris is the exception. He fits the mould for a man prepared perfectly for an origin debut. Played semi final footy - plenty of speed and class - in good form and has represented his country. He must be picked. I'm sure his debut will have some 'delicate' moments but that comes with the territory for origin debutants.
6. Jamie Lyon
Rumours have already circulated around the selection of none other than the killer in this position. Laurie Daley's adopted son gets another chance to show why he has been welcomed back to the NSW side after "retiring" from rep footy. Lyon's defensive performance last year was a lowlight. With the amount of specialist five eighths available, this selection will defy logic - a standard procedure for NSW selectors.
7. Brett Kimmorley
No reason why the incumbent should miss out. But you always get that nervous feeling with Kimmorley. Actually, that could be the Thai food I have for lunch every Wednesday which comes back on you around kick off time and coupled with origin nerves in general - it may have nothing to do with ‘noddy’.
8. Josh Perry.
There are four qualified props running around for NSW and this should be an easy one. First cab off the rank is Josh Perry. Picked for Australia and is the incumbent for NSW. If the selectors don’t start with him they should be hung.
9. Michael Ennis
Seems as though they haven’t decided on the NSW hooker just yet. City v Country on Friday night might have a bearing but ultimately it’s hard to ignore the Bulldogs’ combination. I'd suggest that even if Robbie Farah dominates on Friday, the selectors will go with Ennis. I wouldn't mind. Its origin and Farah will never get the space and time he is given at the Tigers. They play a style of attack that is difficult to relate to origin.
10. Michael Weyman
Automatic selection. Origin experience counts for so much. That is why people like Galloway and Snowden will have to wait.
11 Ben Creagh
No doubt that Ben Creagh is ready to shine on the games biggest stage. NSW have a number of back rowers who can deliver. e.g.
12 Anthony Watmough
Representing his country on Friday night, his selection for NSW is the easiest pick of the bunch. Which makes me feel like the selectors will mess it up.
13. Paul Gallen
Unfortunately Gallen is the Australian lock so his selection for NSW will cost them at least 4 big penalties during tense moments in the series. The selectors seem like they will ignore Craig Bellamy when he mentions this. Glenn Stewart would be perfect for this position, as would Luke O'Donnell and Anthony Laffranchi.
Speaking of O'Donnell and Laffranchi, they and the rest of the bench will choose themselves. Probably Luke Lewis and Trent Waterhouse.
All have origin experience and are ready to perform. Which means the selectors will go for something totally different because they have shown in the past they are clueless when it comes to showing loyalty to players.
That might sound ridiculous considering NSW's recent record... but that is exactly the point, the education received from last years series will only serve to better prepare them for revenge this year. Trust your previous selections and give them a chance.
So, I’d like to see players who have been blooded from last year get an opportunity to use that experience this year. Therefore, coupled with a blend of youth and experience, the below is my preference. Also listed are 6 squad members who would be in camp in case of injury throughout the series.
1. Gidley (c) - He deserves to be rewarded for years of service and can be trusted to play well.
2. Hayne - I'd rather have him at the back but loyalty to Gidley will unite the squad around their captain.
3. Jennings - Aggressive this year and ready.
4. Cooper - More than just a defensive specialist.
5. Morris - speed to burn - good under the high ball and online defense is impressive.
6. Barrett - experience in important positions. Has never played a 'bad' origin match.
7. Kimmorley - refuses to let the emotion get the better of him. This calmness is invaluable.
8. Perry - will not be intimidated and has shown an urgency this year to defend his line.
9. Ennis - his selection makes the NSW 'spine' look the same as game 3 last year. Great for cohesion.
10. Weyman - Easy pick.
11. Creagh - Impressed as a debutant last year and will be better for the run.
12. Watmough - Obvious choice and will stand out as the squads emotional leader.
13. Stewart - A great scrambling defender and wonderful ball skills. Your traditional lock forward.
14. Lewis - perfect utility.
15. White - even with only one NRL game this year - he will lift for origin as he did in game 3 last year.
16. Poore - I wish they would show faith and ignore whats happening at parramatta. Poore will lift.
17. Waterhouse - big and powerful. Your perfect bench forward who can fill all positions in the pack.
18. O’Donnell - will play at some stage through injury or suspension.
19. Laffranchi - a class above in attack.
20. Tahu - If Hayne was fullback - Tahu would be your starting winger.
21. Mason - I'd like to see him play rep footy again - he is good fun.
22. Bird - safe and controlled. tough in defense. He is the perfect footballer if you want to win 10-6.
23. Carney - Keep him around the camp and let him learn what its about before throwing him in.
No comments:
Post a Comment