Picking the Blues halfback

[gong_eagle]

Picking the Blues halfback

By Andrew Johns
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,23489775-5016307,00.html

ROBBIE Farah for Blues halfback? Let's not go there. As talented as Farah is, I wouldn't be in favour of throwing the Tigers hooker into a State of Origin game at halfback.
I've never been a fan of picking centres on the wing at that level, let alone a hooker at No.7. The position is too specialised. I just think it would be too big an ask for Farah and too big a risk for the Blues.


By my reckoning, there are seven players in contention for the job with no real favourite. The final decision for coach Craig Bellamy and the selectors will come down to form, combinations and what sort of role Craig wants his No.7 to play.
Who plays five-eighth may influence who is named at halfback. Here is my take on the main contenders.
Brett Finch
THE big thing going for Finchy is we all know the occasion won't get to him. He has been there before and has won the Blues a game with a golden-point field goal. He wouldn't be afraid to boss the side around and has a strong kicking game. He seems to be playing with a lot more maturity and a lot more patience with the Eels.
Peter Wallace
NOT the dark horse many people might think because his form for the Broncos has put him in the mix. With Darren Lockyer on the sideline, he has taken control of matches with his kicking and passing. Will also know first-hand many of the players NSW will face.
Todd Carney
NOT a star of the future because I think he's a star now. Has a lot of pressure on him at the Raiders as their go-to man but has thrived with the added responsibility. I like the way he is able to construct games and carry out his coach's plan, and he has the added string of being strong and quick. His massive 40-20 against the Dragons last week was the most influential moment of the game. Has the class to pull it off in Origin.
Jarrod Mullen
He has the added advantage of tasting Origin football last season so you know if he is picked, he will know what to expect. I know Peter Sterling has been watching him closely in games this season and raves about some of his touches. His combination with Danny Buderus could be a factor.
Matt Orford
Would have had the selectors taking notice on Monday night with a sensational game against the Warriors. It was his passing at the defensive line that caught my eye. Has probably burnt himself in the past with an average performance in a crucial game or at a crucial time. Don't rule him out this time.
Brett Kimmorley
The veteran of the field but a great competitor. If the selectors play it a little safer and go with experience, Noddy has been there plenty of times before and will know better than anyone what it is all about.
Mitchell Pearce
I doubt he'll get his chance this season but it's not a matter of if for this kid but when. His performance against the Bulldogs on Friday night was outstanding for a young bloke in a big game, which showed he can handle the occasion. He comes from good stock and has all the attributes. He's tough, takes the ball to the line, is quick and has a great kicking game. His potential is scary.

 

[themanonthehill]

Every f**king mug keeps leaving out John Morris
Cretins
At least Tom Shines knows a good halfback when he sees one

 

[Karmawave]

Out of that list, I hope Kimmorley and Orford are the last 2 halves in line for the NSW gig.

Would prefer any other to Orford/Kimmorley.


Joey is right though, Mitch Peace is a freakish talent. Will be the player of his generation that we talk about in 10 years like we talk about Lockyer/Joey now.

 

[juneauquan]

Finch. Spectacular 2nd half against the Bulldogs can't negate his inconsistencies and somewhat awful performances at other times this year.

Wallace. Just doesn't scream State of Origin calibre player. Especially NSW SOO Halfback. Still a good player.

Mitchell Pearce. Starting to impress me, but maybe it is a bit early for him. If NSW go down 2-0, I wouldn't be surprised if he get a call up.

Todd Carney. Has not impressed this year. I watched him closely last night and I was disappointed.

Matt Orford and Brett Kimmorley. No thanks. Both have had their chances and not impressed.

Jarrod Mullen. Personal favourite. Has the experience and has that X-factor that is needed for the position.

I think Jarrod Mullen should get the call up, but if he fails maybe give Pearce a chance.

And what about 5/8?

 

[Renowned League Expert]

Finch. Spectacular 2nd half against the Bulldogs can't negate his inconsistencies and somewhat awful performances at other times this year.

There have been no awful performances from Finch this year. In fact, he has been voted the players player in every Eels match this season. Even in last night's loss he still came up with two try assists and a try.

Not sure I'd be picking him for NSW, though.

 

[Butters]

I'd go Noddy or Finch. Noddy played good last year and he know's how to win at origin and in the tight ones.

 

[Jono078]

Mitchell Pearce could be the favourite because of his combination with Anasta (assuming he is 5/8th).

Then second would be Mullen IMO. He was the HB last year, then didnt get selected again due to injury and other stuff.

 

[Butters]

Then second would be Mullen IMO. He was the HB last year, then didnt get selected again due to injury and other stuff.

His terrible performance in origin 1 being the other stuff?

 

[juneauquan]

There have been no awful performances from Finch this year. In fact, he has been voted the players player in every Eels match this season. Even in last night's loss he still came up with two try assists and a try.

Not sure I'd be picking him for NSW, though.

I didn't mean awful games, I meant he has been awful at points during some of the games. Then again most of the Parra players have played awful football at sometime or rather this year. All I meant was that Finch is still inconsistent and the NSW SOO cannot be inconsistent.

Even last night, he made a great cut out pass to Grothe leading to Parra's 2nd try, but there were other times when he made some costly errors (like the drop ball early in the 2nd half when Parra were building pressure)

Also, we had a taste of what Finch can offer in that 2nd half of the Bulldogs game. He just needs to keep up that performance. But I don't think he has. Maybe I am being a bit harsh saying he has been 'awful', but he has still been inconsistent when you consider that 2nd half against the Bulldogs

 

[keeney]

Mullen was decidedly average in Origin 1 last year, but he was average for most of last year and shouldn't have been selected anyway. He's playing with confidence again and his defense and 5th tackle options have regained the composure they used to have. Not saying he's the best option but he's definetly one of the better ones.

 

[Moffo]

carney for mine, has less questions marks then the others

if they pick kimmorley they should be shot

 

[Cletus]

I think it'll be Orford, Finch or Kimmorley. Pearce is probably the best out of the lot of them but I can't see him getting picked because of his age, especially after Mullen failed. If I had to pick a favorite I'd say Kimmorley.

 

[kia ora storm]

Noddy...good experience and good kicking game.

 

[NK Arsenal]

Finch - inconsisent

Wallace - can play half and five-eighth and is the dark horse

Carney - don't rate him

Mullen - plays better in the number 6 jersey

Orford - sh*t in the big games

Kimmorely - only as a last resort

Pearce - best half-back so far this year

My halves combo:

6. Mullen
7. Pearce

 

[Johns Magic]

Anasta has to be the 6 on current form. It's just a shame that Mullen, Carney and Finch all play best in the 6 as well.

I'd be leaning towards Wallace at this stage.

 

[Moffo]

bring trent barrett/gower back from europe?

 

[[furrycat]]

Daniel Holdsworth.

 

[Johns Magic]

bring trent barrett/gower back from europe?

Gower is the worst halfback in any code in any part of the world.

 

[mongoose]

I can't vouch for carney - he has been mostly poor so far this year. I think he is the most talented player of the lot of them but he's too inconsistent.

 

[salivor]

Picking Kimmorley, Orford or Finch would just be a step backwards for NSW and nothing but a bit of patch work until one of the young ones are ready to step up. They're best to make a call on either Carney, Mullen, Wallace or Pearce and give them the whole series to make their mark.