The halves should be
7. Soward
6. Carney
But NSW can't pick teams to save their life. Mullen hasn't been anything special this season and he doesn't have the form on the board from previous seasons (well in the last 3 years anyway). To be honest though, origin is a pretty dead concept to me, it's been a boys club for way too long. Doesn't matter how good you play, it's all about who you know or how much the media want to talk you up.
He hasn't been super special this season, but his mental toughness has improved, he's handling the pressure of the game a lot better. He's always had the talent and the kicking game, but he was never as tenacious as he needed to be, that's there this year, he's seeking out opportunities, he's taking a lot more risks - (like going for those 40/20 at the right time etc), that's what you need in an origin half.
Pearce lacks natural talent, but he's hungry, a ball goes loose he's there ready to pounce, it's tackle five, he's ready to take the ball, f**k knows he rarely knows what to do with the ball, but he tries. If had football instinct and some natural talent he'd be a great origin halfback.
