I'm surpised at all the bitching about the NSW selection. Get behind the blues ffs. Every year there's always a few selections that make people go "huh" but at least Stuart (as much as I despise the bloke) is trying something different. I think this team might surprise a few of us.
**Edit**
If you don't like this team, f**k off and support QLD.
nicely said. most folks here appear to want the team to fail because the team selected doesnt resemble the one they would pick.
there are over 7m NSWmen, and all think they are the Origin coach. Only one bloke has ownership of the title and he alone will end up being considered a champ or a chump.
Stuart is the one with the authority to implement a strategy and Stuart is the one who picks the personnel he believes can best execute it. there is no doubt that the type of culture and values he wants to instil in the team plays an important role in selections too.
it not just a case of picking who we believe are the best 17 players in the state. they've got to fit into the overall gameplan, and provide balance to the side.
do i think hayne would make this NSW 17 better? f**k yeah. but im not the one who has to come up with a way bringing 17 blokes together for a week and a bit and making it work.
looking at the side, i can see what he's thinking re most of the selections, ex King. Word is Hayne was ommitted due to a poor attitude.
cant wait for One week at a time tonight for Ricky to explain it all.