Barrett - we are really void of any talent if still picking him.
Soward - nice fit at the Dragons but one must be able to defend at origin level.
Carney - maybe?
Personally I wouldnt play a non kicker / passer at five eighth, if you're going to choose a young un like Pearce at halfback.
The only way Bird can play 5/8th is if someone like Kimmorley is going to play halfback and he's prepared to run all the attack. But unless anyones noticed, Noddy usually falls well short of his best when he has to do this. He is best alongside a five eighth that can control his side of the ruck in attack and allow Noddy to marshall the forwards and play his side of attack.
That means Bird can only be there for a limited amount of time at five eighth before bringing Soward or Gidley off the bench to play five eighth.
They'll probably go with Gidley in this position because it doesnt suit him all that much.
NSW's best option is to play someone at five eighth who will be there for years to come and play them alongside Kimmorley so they can learn the pressure at that level. When Kimmorley retires at the end of the year, the five eighth must be ESTABLISHED and be ready to play every f**king game for the next 5 years. Stability in key positions wins Origin series.
That means you need a PROPER BALL PLAYING FIVE EIGHTH. I reckon Soward is ready if you have Bird at Lock and a dead set genuine defender in the halves. If not, then Campese is your man. But one game and out is not an option. I know Campese played one game and struggled, but Queensland spent 3 years getting smashed by us and they stuck with their key men and they came good. We have chopped and changed every year and the lack of cohesion has killed us.
