By now with Origin fast approaching Ricky Stuart, Gus Gould and the clueless selectors will be sitting down and starting to discuss the combinations, players and style they want in Origin this year. I think with Gus on board we still be a stronger squad he can provide the boys with a few tips and some good words to get their minds on track. Gus is the most successful NSW coach after all and there's no denying he did something right do achieve that.
Why have we lost so many series and what have we done wrong?
1) A stupid bunch of selectors who cry after we loose one game and cut and change the team. No team bonding and development builds and we start with a new structure each time.
2) A bunch of useless nuffies that have cost us games with brain explosions and stupid mistakes. Not going to name any but there is a few that have turned the tide of the game. (Ennis and co.)
3) Our forwards (Pre-2011) never used to get the ball rolling hard enough and we we're never meter eaters like we used to be. We need hungry front-rowers who want to tear QLD a new asshole and do their workload rack up the meters, take the hit-ups and have a never say die attitude. FIeld position and meters gained is massive in Origin.
4) Lack of play-makers in key positions and no luck with injuries (Dugan, Jennings, Hopoate and more).
It's time NSW got their act together, fixed things and bought back the winning NSW culture (Which some of us will remember) and competitiveness in Origin football, they bring back the passion and pride we once had and come back to stop the rot.
So we start with this. Who should be definite selections?
1) Gallen. The guy is an absolute machine, a leader on the field and an absolute workhorse. Brings great leadership and plays at a benchmark to lift the team. If he plays like he did in Game II he will no doubt have a great series.
2) Lewis. Again another leadership role and his Utility value is unreal. You can tell when he is on the field he just helps leads people around the park, cuts the crap and get's the job done. The way he gets involved and stand's up come Origin time is awesome.
3) Gidley. As much as people laugh at him. Him coming off the bench in the hooker position or elsewhere might be good for us. *Touch Wood* he is also good injury cover if a player drops in a certain position.
4) Bird. Forget his club form. Don't measure him on that. Bird brings to an Origin squad what a side needs. A strong player that get's meters, is quick off the foot and has good ball skills. We all know Bird steps up come Origin time so no doubt he will do great in the Sky-Blue.
A combination of youth and leadership will be evident in this years Origin squad. Much like last years which one of the closer series and had we played a stronger defensive game in Game I we would have surely sealed the series. Unfortunately though. We did not. With that in mind. What squad can we expect? It's going to be a massive series no doubt. Closer then ever.
First of all though at the time of writing this who's currently injured or suspended:
- Dugan 5 weeks. He should be back in time for Game I if he gets the fullback role like Game I last year. Will he back in form and playing good footy though?
- Williams. 6 weeks. Suspended for 7 weeks for a hit on DeGois. While it's possible he will be eligble for selection it will be his first game in 7 weeks. And as Gallen said in the presser today "He's a destroyer. You don't put him in the middle to tackle you put him there to wreck havoc and be a strong attacker. If he stays fit no reason he can't be selected"
With that in mind. What kind of team can we expect and who is the best player we can have in each position?
1.Dugan (Or else Stewart is Dugan still injured) - Both guys are gun and strong attacking players. Run the ball and give us the X-Factor we need from the back.
2. B.Morris - If his 2012 form continues he might actually play a great Origin game this series. He just has to play like he is in his current FB role. Because who else can we seriously choose?
3. Jennings - (Because he is a gun)
4. Hayne - He is a gun anywhere in the backs. Put him in centre and let him play his natural game. Strong attacker, good leadership skills, great kicker and defense.
5. Uate - This guy will cause QLD headaches. Each time he touches the ball he looks deadly. His defense has improved under Bennett just hopefully Bennett did not tame his agression.
6. Maloney (gk) - Carney and Soward are an option but let's aim for a better and stronger player. Someone who is a genuine attacking half and runs the ball, gets meters and is able to set-up tries and truly change the tide of a game. He is also a great kicker and if he plays his usual game will cause QLD a pain in attack.
7. Mullen/Pearce - Who will get this jersey? Mullen look instilled with confidence under Bennett but Pearce is well Pearce and Stuart loves him. Either way Pearce is a solid player and we could pick worse. Mullen is the preferred though with his running game.
8. Gallen (C) - No explanation needed for this guy. Gallen is a machine. Gallen is superman.
9. Buderus - Ennis and Farah have shown nothing this season to ask for an Origin jersey. Give it to the best hooker NSW have avaliable. He's one of the best modern hookers of all time and no doubt under Bennett would have learnt a few things. Great defense, leadership good from dummy-half and he can read plays like a pro.
10. TLL - Aggressive, strong, mean, passion....all the traits of a true Origin player. If he can web together a few strong games let him play. He will kill it and rack up meters.
11. Lewis - A great utility player as well. Lewis brings a combination of leadership and skill. With his "I'll lead the way boys" attitude he will get people moving and up in the game when the going get's tough. The tough get going.
12. Scott - Great defender and the enforcer we need in Origin incase Thirdmanin decides to chuck a Spaz. He brings some strong running and defensive tactics to.
13. Bird - Again. He always steps up a level in Origin. Plays with 100% pride and never gives up.
14. Mannah - I think he will be here. Good prop rotation and good leadership as well.
15. Watmough - He's a grub no doubt. But he's a damaging forward. He's fast, he's mean and light on his feet, with his quick footwork around the ruck and out-wide he will be sure to gain us some serious meters.
16. T. Williams - Stuff his tackling. He knows how to tackle but that's not his job here. His job is to run the ball like a maniac and smash the QLD defense with aggressive running game. His ban will hurt but I'd still play him. I think he's ready.
17. Kidley - Great utility value incase anyone drops due to injury (Or Inglis eating them) and can play hooker for a bit to give Bedsy a breather.
We need a team that can defend, offers strong attack and skill in attack. We need to fire with fire we have the skill and combos to beat QLD we just have to choose the right people, have the right mind-set and everything. This is our series for the taking!
