Jennings, Morris and Lawrence are good young players but the QLD centres are far better defenders, are more experienced and have better halves distributing them the ball. Trying to match their backs attacking wise isn't the answer. The way to beat QLD is to contain them out wide with strong defenders and beat them through the middle of the field.
we tried that in 06/07/08 and it didnt work
Jennings, Morris and Lawrence are good young players but the QLD centres are far better defenders, are more experienced and have better halves distributing them the ball. Trying to match their backs attacking wise isn't the answer. The way to beat QLD is to contain them out wide with strong defenders and beat them through the middle of the field.
1. Gidley.
2. McManus.
3. Tahu.
4. Cooper.
5. Jennings.
1. Gidley.
2. McManus.
3. Tahu.
4. Cooper.
5. Jennings.
As a Queenslander, I love that backline. Needs a bit more Wolfman though, or Turner. Maybe some Lyon in there as well. SOMEONE has to play like they couldn't care less.
Bonus points if you pick Pearce and Anasta in the halves, and Mason/White/Kite in the forwards.
In all seriousness, I don't understand why people are determined to pick Cooper, and move players out of position to accomodate him. He's a decent defender, but he couldn't score a try to save himself.
The fact is, the Queensland back line will score no matter what you do or who you pick; it really is that good. Instead of playing negative, defensive footy, you're better off attacking and keeping us on the back foot, pinned in our own half where our halves have no room and our backline can't hurt you.
Depending on form, this is the backline you need:
1. J Hayne
2. B Morris
3. C Lawrence
4. J Morris
5. B Stewart/ J Monaghan/Anyone other than Wolfman, McManus or Turner
6. T Carney
7. B Kimmorley
As far away from SoO footy as possible: Gidley
The Morris brothers have solid defence and speed to burn - they also have some crazy psychic thing going on, play them together on the same side of the field. Larwence is a really good defender and plenty quick as well.
1. Gidley.
2. McManus.
3. Tahu.
4. Cooper.
5. Jennings.
The fact is, the Queensland back line will score no matter what you do or who you pick; it really is that good. Instead of playing negative, defensive footy, you're better off attacking and keeping us on the back foot, pinned in our own half where our halves have no room and our backline can't hurt you.
Theres no such thing as negaitve or positive footy in Origin (the mentality might be there, but it doesnt really exist). Its all about controlling the game and then having that something extra. NSW just need to select the best players and go from there. Players with character and the strongest desire to win. If we get more of the ball, make less mistakes, all that needs to be done is to take advantage of the the opportunities, and that I believe thats where we have gone wrong in the past, not takign advantage.