Jarrod 'Messi' Mullen

[Noname36]

Matty Johns said it best on his show last night: he has the best kicking game and the best passing game in the comp.

How does he never get a serious look in for Origin? When the NSW 5/8 position gets discussed he's always brought up as maybe a 5th or 6th option after the likes of Josh Reynolds or Sutton or Seazer. Are we just all insanely biased and he is actually only the 6th best 5/8 in NSW? The only people that have brought him up as a legitimate option are the Johns boys (which the selectors will put down to bias) and Sterlo.

I'm not even saying I want him to play SOO. We know in the past he loses a bit of confidence around that time of year and selfishly I'd love to have him just focused on us...but still, how he's never even seriously considered with his skills are beyond me.

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

He's just another Matt Orford. Even when Orford was absolutely killing it, he was never considered

 

[Noname36]

Anyone else a bit concerned about this blokes contract situation? I couldn't see him playing for another club but I hope with the HSG hoopla his new contract doesn't get put off too long.

 

[Burns]

It has kinda dragged out a bit but there is no way I could envision Mullen playing for anyone else. Hopefully they can work out the details over the next few weeks.

 

[Bring it home Knights]

If the media were pushing for him I reckon Daley and co would select him. Can anyone remember the last time the blues actually had a kicking game that was even on par with what is required? Mullen has the best long kicking game in the comp and he doesnt get a look in. Also how many times over the last few years have we seen Pierce, Maloney and Carney miss tackles that Mullen would have made? If he's not selected, the blues deserve another SOO series loss.

 

[Joker's Wild]

To be fair to Pearce, he doesnt miss many tackles. In fact Id say he and Mullo are the 2 best defencive halves in the comp.

Maloney and Carnet are turnstiles though

 

[Bring it home Knights]

When playing for the Roosters, I agree Pierce is a good defender. For the blues however, he has been bumped off sooo many times.

 

[Johns Magic]

I think the need for a goalkicker will go against Mullen getting picked.

 

[Chicken_Hunter]

I think the need for a goalkicker will go against Mullen getting picked.

They will just select gids.

But Pearce is easily the best halfback NSW have and Mullen is easily the best 5/8. A Mullen/Pearce combo is a no brainier really

 

[timka4]

Why do you need a 'halfback'. As long as a half or even both can organise a team then that's plenty. It's exactly what Mullen does already. He Reminds me of a traditional halfback now anyway more than a 5/8.

 

[Noname36]

I'd pick Mullen and Carney and also pick Beau Scott (he's one of if not the form forward in the comp anyway) and stick him next to Carney to protect him in defense.

 

[The Showstopper]

I would be sweet with Pearce being picked if Mullo wears the 6. That is a dangerous half combo. They compliment each other well and as has been said both can defend very well.

 

[Johns Magic]

1. Stewart
2. B Morris
3. Hayne
4. Jennings
5. Taufua
6. Mullen
7. Kelly

Would be my backline but then you have the goalkicking problem. Tempted to find a spot for Richards or Croker but B Morris and Taufua are too good to drop and Croker would likely to get monstered.

 

[The Showstopper]

1. Stewart
2. B Morris
3. Hayne
4. Jennings
5. Taufua
6. Mullen
7. Kelly

Would be my backline but then you have the goalkicking problem. Tempted to find a spot for Richards or Croker but B Morris and Taufua are too good to drop and Croker would likely to get monstered.

Jarrod Croker? If so that kid has come on in leaps and bounds. A really rate that kid. Really tough for his size and a great finisher. It is a shame we could not get Albert Kelly to fire while here. talk about a lost talent.

 

[Johns Magic]

Jarrod Croker? If so that kid has come on in leaps and bounds. A really rate that kid. Really tough for his size and a great finisher. It is a shame we could not get Albert Kelly to fire while here. talk about a lost talent.

Yeah I quite like a lot about Croker. Neat in most departments. I think his defence has improved in the last couple of years but I haven't watched him closely enough lately to be sure he could handle Origin physically. At least he wouldn't mark up on GI's side.

 

[Spot On]

1. Stewart
2. B Morris
3. Hayne
4. Jennings
5. Taufua
6. Mullen
7. Kelly

Would be my backline but then you have the goalkicking problem. Tempted to find a spot for Richards or Croker but B Morris and Taufua are too good to drop and Croker would likely to get monstered.

I like the above. But for me, Stewart out (unless absolutely 100% fit) and Dugan in. I'd piss Jennings off finally too. Kelly is an interesting choice because his defence was non existant at times last year. I haven't watched a lot of him this year and if you think he's improved in that area then I'm happy to support him.

 

[cb4]

I'd pick Mullen and Carney and also pick Beau Scott (he's one of if not the form forward in the comp anyway) and stick him next to Carney to protect him in defense.

I completely agree, this is exactly what I would be doing.

 

[Johns Magic]

I like the above. But for me, Stewart out (unless absolutely 100% fit) and Dugan in. I'd piss Jennings off finally too. Kelly is an interesting choice because his defence was non existant at times last year. I haven't watched a lot of him this year and if you think he's improved in that area then I'm happy to support him.

I rate Kelly's defence these days.

Dugan stalls too many backline plays for my liking. His playmaking just isn't there. Watch the Manly game on the weekend to see what Stewart in full flight provides a backline - poetry in motion.

Plus I don't rate Dugan's defence as high as Stewart's.

 

[Spot On]

I rate Kelly's defence these days.

Dugan stalls too many backline plays for my liking. His playmaking just isn't there. Watch the Manly game on the weekend to see what Stewart in full flight provides a backline - poetry in motion.

Plus I don't rate Dugan's defence as high as Stewart's.

Totally agree. Just wrote in the NSW thread that for me Dugan is a ball returner and should not be allowed to to be part of any attacking raid. He kills attack but a better ball returner I don't think we have.

That said, I'd take Brett Stewart every day of the week but the bloke just doesn't seem 100% fit very often. If he is then he's my first choice.

 

[slotmachine]

It is a shame we could not get Albert Kelly to fire while here. talk about a lost talent.

He was firing, dominated NSW Cup.

Also, Josh Morris is the first centre picked for NSW because he handles Inglis so well.