My team based on the squad:
1. Dugan
I feel like we need a ball runner at the back and Duges is a proven Origin player. His big frame and toughness (yes he goes down a lot but always gets back up) is definitely what we need. Plus if he does get injured, there's always Moylan on the bench.
2. Mansour
Again, big and robust is what we need and Mansour fits it perfectly. A player who's been rewarded for good form and I hope he does well. Could be a Blue for years to come.
3. Jennings
Pretty straight forward decision. Has played well this year and has proven he has it in Origin. Is capable in both attack and defence and should score a try or two this series.
4. Morris
Much like Jennings, Morris has stood up in the Origin arena and is our greatest counter to Inglis. He's getting old and it could be his last series but he needs to be there, and club form has done him justice.
5. Ferguson
While I don't necessarily agree with him being in the team, there aren't many if any other realistic options. He's a big body that can get us metres from kicks, but I worry about his defence and his errors. Hopefully he stands up.
6. Maloney
The best performing NSW half had to be here. Maloney has helped the Sharks cruise to first place and his teammates will be happy he's here. Good running game and good kicking game will compliment Reynolds.
7. Reynolds
Incredibly pleased that Reynolds got picked over Pearce. Unlike than his derpness, Reynolds can actually put teams under pressure with his great kicking game and is great at directing the team, so his organisation will be pivotal. Should thrive under a strong pack.
8. Woods
The cult figure all great teams need. Although there was doubt over his injuries he's come out from them well and should continue his form into Origin. Will be a central figure in stopping McGuire and Scott.
9. Farah
While Ennis has been in better form, Farah has shown some success in the Origin arena. The only thing I'm worried about is the fact he can hog the ball quite a bit, which would hamper Maloney and Reynolds' impact. Could be his last series with Peats on the rise.
10. Gallen (c)
No words needed, but i'll put them in anyway. I hope that everyone lifts for the great captain's final hurrah in Origin. He deserves to win another shield and I hope the boys can do it this year. Will be inspirational.
11. Cordner
I think since his last Origin outing, Cordner has matured as a player. Like a few on here have explained, he's better stating than from on the bench, and is a part of our new generation coming through. I think this will be his breakout Origin series.
12. Jackson
I'm not a huge fan of Jackson and i'd rather honestly have Scott here, but he is a good player and very capable in the Origin arena. Has a very big job in trying to contain Inglis and help Reynolds in defense, but i'm confident he can do the job.
13. Bird
I think Birdy plays better as a roaming lock than he does confined to one corridor as a second rower. His across the field runs to put players into holes is a good weapon for us to have and his aggression and passion is second only to Gal.
BENCH
14. Moylan
A good utility to have off the bench. Can cover fullback and the halves and with the versatility of the other backline players, he could be very useful. Great ball playing which will be helpful to the halves.
15. Frizell
Frizell is such an Origin type player and i'm glad he got the shot over Cartwright. His robust running and strong defence will be useful when he comes on and will help the team go forward when fatigue hits in. Definitely has to come off the bench.
16. Klemmer
The thing I love about Klemmer is that he's the perfect bench prop. Huge frame, plenty of power and lots of aggression. Perfect for Origin and he will be a Blue for many many years to come. Critical to our success in the middle of each half.
17. Tamou
The great thing about Tamou is that he can be an impact player off the bench or a solid starter. Since his return to injury last year he's been great for the Cowboys and was good for the Blues last year. Solid option for the bench
18th Man: Walker
Shouldn't even be here tbh. You could call me a bitter Souths fan but honestly his form this year has been up and down and he's been thrown around and hasn't settled until his last game in his best position at centre. Shouldn't be picked unless he's playing centre which we have plenty of.
