Like I said, Suaalii = barge arse. Not much else. Over rated, over hyped, overstepped the mark yet again. Good in yardage and under the high ball but not worthy of this level, yet.
Still, he's an 8-minute Politis-influenced Origin veteran. Can't take that away from him.
It was a very weird decision, I watch the Roosters every week and whilst Suaalii is a good player he isn't even the best centre at the Roosters let alone the best centre option for this game of Origin. Also, with just over 50 games he's effectively a rookie so only should have been selected if absolutely necessary.
Why no Burton? Every time I get around to watching the Dogs he seems to be their best player, if a half goes down he can cover, he's won a comp at centre, surely he's our best choice in that position even if Suaalii was available and wanted...
Origin II team
1 Edwards
2 To'o
3 Crichton S
4 Mitchell
5 Lomax
6 Luai
7 Moses
8 Jurbo
9 Api
10 Haas
11 Martin
12 Crichton A
13 Yeo
14 McInness
15 *Olakau'atu (*Murray if available)
16 Paulo
17 Utoikamanu
18 Hynes/Young
I like the team but I still don't think getting rid of Tedesco is the answer. Ran over 200 metres, scored a try, second most tackle breaks and looked good for the most part in a soundly beaten team.
For me I think we need to go with the following, keeping in mind that we don't want to make too many changes over a game that probably would've been much closer if we played 13 Vs 13
1. Tedesco 2. To'o 3. S. Crichton 4. Burton 5. Lomax 6. Luai 7. Moses 8. J. Trbojevic ( C ) 9. Api 10. Haas 11. Martin 12. A. Crichton 13. Yeo
14. Watson 15. Paulo 16. Leniu 17. Young
---
Experience throughout the backline except on Lomax's wing which should be fine, Luai/Moses a much stronger halves pairing, forwards looking strong, bench looking tough with a genuine utility option on there that can cover halves, hooker and could maybe even fill the backline if need be.
If Madge could get Wighton out of retirement and he plays himself into form he'd be a possibility for 14 also, he's been very shit this year though so he'd have to play himself into some incredible form...
