emjaycee
Coach
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It hasn't been too often over the last few years that we have had any need to talk about possible Eels players that might make State of Origin sides, however injuries to and form of some incumbent Origin players has brought 4 Eels names into the mix.
QLD:
Mahoney - with the injuries to Friend and McCullough have brought young Reed's name into the mix as a potential benchy for the Maroons. With Hunt the probable starting hooker, Mahoney would allow both coverage for the halves (Hunt to halves, Mahoney to hooker) and give the option of spelling Hunt if he cannot handle the full 80 mins in the middle. My estimate of his chances = 40%
NSW:
Ferguson - no Turbo Tom so Fittler needs a new winger and Fergy was not only in the extended squad but is playing like he did last year with huge metres and good finishing. My estimate of his chances = 80%
Mennings - is in good enough form and has the experience of SoO to be a suitable replacement for the out of form Jimmy "The Jet" Roberts. Unless Fittler decides to stick with Roberts despite his current form in which case Jennings won't be considered. Interesting though that his name has been talked about in some quarters. My estimate of his chances = 30%
Gutherson - he wants Origin money so maybe we might see if he is worth it. As a utility he would be an ideal benchy as he can cover 1-6 if needed. Hasn't been talked about from anyone in the Blues camp that I have read although Fittler does supposedly rate him. In his way is Tyrone Peachey who despite the performance of the Titans in 2019 is the incumbent and is reportedly in good individual form. My estimate of his chances = 40%
QLD:
Mahoney - with the injuries to Friend and McCullough have brought young Reed's name into the mix as a potential benchy for the Maroons. With Hunt the probable starting hooker, Mahoney would allow both coverage for the halves (Hunt to halves, Mahoney to hooker) and give the option of spelling Hunt if he cannot handle the full 80 mins in the middle. My estimate of his chances = 40%
NSW:
Ferguson - no Turbo Tom so Fittler needs a new winger and Fergy was not only in the extended squad but is playing like he did last year with huge metres and good finishing. My estimate of his chances = 80%
Mennings - is in good enough form and has the experience of SoO to be a suitable replacement for the out of form Jimmy "The Jet" Roberts. Unless Fittler decides to stick with Roberts despite his current form in which case Jennings won't be considered. Interesting though that his name has been talked about in some quarters. My estimate of his chances = 30%
Gutherson - he wants Origin money so maybe we might see if he is worth it. As a utility he would be an ideal benchy as he can cover 1-6 if needed. Hasn't been talked about from anyone in the Blues camp that I have read although Fittler does supposedly rate him. In his way is Tyrone Peachey who despite the performance of the Titans in 2019 is the incumbent and is reportedly in good individual form. My estimate of his chances = 40%