4 rounds gone so we have a decent indicator of form. The QLD backline is one of the greatest in history, so I'll be going for defensively solid centres. here's my current side:
1 -
Gidley In good form and not a shred of competition with Minchiello and Stewart out. Stewart will have 7 rounds to prove his point though before game 1.
2 -
Monaghan Imo there aren't too many wingers making a great case at the moment.
3 -
M. Aubusson Won't be a popular pick I assume but has everything needed to succeed at Origin level. A lot quicker than he looks, gets the ball out to his winger, and most importantly flawless defence. Hopefully he'll prove my point by containing Hodges, Folau and co on Good Friday.
4 -
Cooper Another top defensive centre, been there many times before. Both centres picked can find the line and are better defensively than competitors such as Lawrence and Jennings.
5 -
Jennings I'm not sure if he can play Wing (Panthers fans?) but he deserves selection. There aren't too many wingers making a standout case at the moment. I'm sure we'll see the likes of Quinn make a return though given the coach
6 -
Anasta In good form and getting better each week. The only sensible competitors are Barrett and Campese, but with Barrett only having had 2 games in the NRL in years and Canberra playing terrible football, Anasta should get the nod.
7 -
Wallace In brilliant form, and although outplayed by Soward on Friday, overall has better form, and stands out in front of other hopefuls Pearce and Mullen. Orford is yet to be spotted in 09.
8 -
Weyman Probably the form prop of the competition, at least in NSW anyway.
9 -
Ennis Sorry Farah, second choice yet again. Ennis is the form hooker of the competition.
10 -
Bailey Experienced, in good form, and was there last time NSW won a series. Making huge metres for the Titans.
11 -
Fitzgibbon Still making the opposition look average. Was without a doubt the only NSW forward that can hold his head high after last year's bashing. 15/16 goals for the season too.
12 -
O'Donnell Decent form, has done the job before.
13 -
Sutton In good form and Souths winning games, should finally get his chance this year. Not a five-eight though, regardless of some calling for his selection there.
14 -
Lewis Form utility of the competition, can slot in all over the place.
15 -
Mark Minichiello With Bailey, making massive metres for the Titans. Flying under the radar for the last couple of years but look at his stats. 37 hitups for 461 metres. Obviously breaking the advantage line with nearly every run.
16 -
Creagh Another big metre eater capable of getting of the QLD forward pack.
17 -
Galloway In good form, currently one of the form props in NSW.
