NSW lets get serious: Centre Combo

[Lambretta]

Originally Posted by Godz Illa

To "combat" Folau, Hodges and Inglis? That's sounds like defensive language to me, which is a quick turnaround from your attacking bent just two posts ago.

Wings? McManus is in ok form but is he up to this level? Seems a bit of a Steve Turner-esque selection to me. Monaghan on the right wing, Hayne/Quinn on the left.

I get the feeling that Cooper - Monaghan will be the right side pairing.

I dont think that McManus is "Turner esque". Turner is slight of build. McManus is big & strong and causes untold problems for defences.

Even when the Knights were struggling at times last season - he stood out. Turner only seems to be going well when the Storm were going well.

[Godz Illa]

Cooper needs to be marking Hodges. Monaghan is a right side player - makes sense to pair him with Jennings who, while he has played plenty of the right, has been accustomed to the left and is new to Origin. Hayne and Quinn have both performed on the left wing at rep level.

[Scarves]

Jennings, Cooper and Lawrence are all Left Centres. If one of these has to move to right centre and mark up against Greg Inglis on Qlds left, I'd say they'd struggle deluxe just like Mark Gasnier did in Game 2 last year.... and none of these blokes are Mark Gasnier.

Lyon is a Right Centre but pick him and I wonder how the rest of the team react when the going gets tough or if Jamie makes and error.

Monaghan, he's a winger at Origin level full stop. His defence will be under immense pressure at this level and we really need a player of his ilk on the wing against Isreal Folau.

Luke Lewis, he's gutsy and a perfect option for a bench spot, but he's just not fast enough at this level any more to start in the centres and offer the super penetration required to score points.

Can't wait for City v Country, I reckon it's a dead set proper trial match this year and maybe Beau Scott could be a consideration for right centre, he is big, strong, fast and a great defender who runs straight lines. I like his style.

[TimmyB]

It'll be interesting to see what City selectors do in regards to Jennings and Lawrence. They'll want both, but as has been noted they're both left centres.

I doubt Beau Scott will even be selected - Country centres will be Lyon and Cooper.

[8Ball]

Originally Posted by Lambretta

If by gameplan you mean they plan to counter speed with sloth -then a Cooper / Lewis combination is just the thing you want.

..Or if they want a defensive combination in the centres, and attack QLD up the middle with Gidley, Farah and Ennis...

[Sleep]

The media is definitely making it out to be a three horse race between Jennings, Cooper and Lyon. If Lyon shows some enthuiasm he'll walk right into this team with Cooper. Jennings seems to be the back up for both. Morris was in the discussion but with his injury has fallen out of talks.

Monaghan you'd have to think has one wing spot wrapped up.

[typicalfan]

I would think if Hayne shows some form he will be there on the wing as well.

[God-King Dean]

Originally Posted by Liam

3. Lawrence
4. Cooper

[Yosh]

1. Kidley

(left)

2. Lawrence
3. Coops

(right)

4. Jennings
5. McManus

Not a bad combo if you ask me. Sure its not exactly the QLD backline but yeah I think its our best choice. Monas is alright but I think McManus is more built for Origin then him.

Hayne bench? He does have his on and off days but if he brings his Fiji/Australia Semi Final game he'll be great for Origin. Yes? No?

[stormbati]

Maybe Jennings left with Lawrence on the wing? And Cooper right with Monaghan/Hayne? Or maybe swap Lawrence and Monaghan around to combat Falou.
I think anyone could handle Inglis if they just hit him early around the legs.
The certainties for me are
Gidley (captain)
Bailey - Experience, and is in good form anyway
Cooper - Experience, probably best player we have to handle Inglis/Hodges
Waterhouse - In top form
Lewis - Would be great to cover a few positions coming off the bench
Farah - Little kicks behind the line for Gidley or Jennings would be perfect. Best hooker NSW have by a mile.

[Munky]

Originally Posted by Scarves

I'd say they'd struggle deluxe just like Mark Gasnier did in Game 2 last year.... and none of these blokes are Mark Gasnier.

Gasnier was a hopless defender yet never got called on it.

Often left his winger at sea yet the commentators never called him up for it.

It was Best's fault at the Dragons and Turner's fault for NSW.

[JT_]

Jennings and Cooper with Hayne and Monaghan on the wings.

[Ladmate]

Hayne plays a good game and everyone loves him. Seriously, he has been pathetic all season and can only play fullback these days.

[knights_86]

Originally Posted by JT_

Jennings and Cooper with Hayne and Monaghan on the wings.

x 2. McManus as back up for Monas and Hayne (all bias aside of course )

[sando88]

it looks as though monaghan has secured one spot after being on call for boyd.. argh stupid selectors.