I have done a review of each position looked at the options and also a smokey in most positions and then selected my player for each position and when I get to the end I will pick 4 reserves Let me know your thoughts
Fullback
Options
Jarrod Hayne
Josh Dugan
Brett Stewart
Kurt Gidley
Smokey -Their isn't really one is this position
With a number of classy options, unfortunately for Dugan injury has struck , Hayne is the most classy and best in this position and has played well for NSW, Stewart probably needs 12 months in FG before being back in contention and Gidley has shown he isn't quite up to starting in origin esp with the class available - I think Hayne this year but in future he might be on the wing given its not our strongest position
Selection Jarrod Hayne
Wing
Options
Micheal Gordon
. Aquila Uate
Brett Morris
Blake Ferguson
Smokey - James McManus
A lot of options for these 2 positions, Gordon was good last year for Penrioth and in his Origin debut and probably for mine deserves to hold his spot, Morris has some experience but for mine has never really stood out on the representative stage , Uate really knows how to score a try and this can be essential in Origin but their must be worries about his workrate and defence but perhaps his try-scoring abilities are needed, Ferguson has really impressed for the Raiders this year and has bucket loads of talent but perhaps he needs a full year for a little more maturity, as a smokey former origin winger McManus is back this year and still posses the same qualities that got him his original start
Selections Micheal Gordon and Aquila Uate
Centres -
Options
Idris
Jennings
Lawrence
Gasnier
Lyon
Matt Cooper
Beau Scott
Smokey - Blake Ayshford
So many options for NSW here with the problem being that if they get it wrong it could be a huge mistake with Inglis and Hodges the QLD pair. Idris has started this year really well and after his tast last year is defiantly a serious contender but issues with his defence are still in most peoples mind. Strangley enough the incumbents are probably the least likely for mine Beau Scott shouldn't have played last year and definatly won't be their this year and Micheal Jennings while being a class player has been one of Penriths worst in a bad team so far this year. Chris Lawrence would have been a certainty for mine so his injury was unfortunate. Gasnier has come back from Rugby and has been solid withlout quite doing enough to say he should get his origin jumper back. Jamie Lyon has had an early season injury but probably deserves a spot if he can string a few games together as he has a god Origin history and is still a class player. Matt Cooper has played a lot of Origin but I think we all know that he hasn't been good enough. As a smokey I think the Tigers Blake Ayshford is probably one of the form centres of the game this year and he handled Inglis with ease last night
Selections
Jamie Lyon
Jamall Idris
Five Eight
Options
Todd Carney
Jamie Soward
John Sutton
Terry Campese
Kurt Gidley
Smokey James Maloney
While I have listed a few options for 5/8 Todd Carney is definatly the standout here as long as he can keep his mind on the job and not the drink . Campese would have been a chance if he wasnt injured this year , Soward runs the dragons but doesent seem up to Orgin although with his kicking game he would add a new dimension to the team, Gidley has utility value but like at fullbakc he doesen't quite match up to his contenders at this level, My smokey is James Maloney who had a great year for the warriors last year although hasnt started so strong this year, antoher smokey could be John Sutton who has been seen as having potential for a few years though perhaops a change of club would help him fullfill it
Selection - Todd Carney
Halfback
Options
Mitchell Pearce
Jarrod Mullen
Trent Hodkinson
Smokey Peter Wallace
Some good options here for NSW although not much depth and not really the stars of the game available for QLD, Pearce is both the incumbent and also partners Carney at the roosters so is definatly the favourite , Mullen has had some Origin experience and so far this year his work with Matty Johns seems to have him in Career best form , Hodkinson is solid and played really well for City last year , the smokey here would be Peter Wallace who has played origin before and wasn't unimpressive when he did and the experience of years with the Broncos doesen't hurt
Selection Mitchell Pearce
Backrow
Options
Gallen
Bird
Lewis
Watmough
Creagh
Waterhouse
Anasta
Laffranchi
Heiighington
Smokey -Houston
While there are a number of options for the backrow position for mine there are also some certainties in Gallen , Bird and Lewis who are the incumbents and looking at the options the best options as long as they are fit , Watmough came off the bench last year but he may struggle based on being a grub of a human being although it hasn't effected him previously, Creagh , Waterhous and Laffranchi have all played a little bit of Orgin over the last few years without looking like options . The smokey is Houston but firstly I don't think he is back to the same form and secondly dismissed or not him getting selected in rep football doesn't do the image of the game any good Hieghington could be an outside chance and this is probably his best year but he might not quiet be up to this level
Selection Gallen, Bird, Lewis
Props
Options
Snowden
Douglas
Mannah
King
Galloway
Toleman
Merrin
Leahroyd Lars
Weyman
Smokey- Bryce Gibbs
Lots of prop options for NSW which is great, Snowden and King are the incumbents with Mannah and Leahroyd Lars on the bench in game 3 last year. King isn't up to it and won't get a spot. Snowden played ok last year and has a great start to the yr and with his ex coach Stuart now coaching nsw he should be a big chance. Douglas is a chance but probably not at the level of his NSW teammates. Toleman and Mannah are similar players who will do lots of work but don't do much that isnt straight up and down you can probably have one but not 2 in a squad .Leahroyd Lars has been our best origin forward off the bench last few years although hasnt been in great form so far this year . Weyman has probably had his chance and is out injured at the moment. Merrin probably needs another year or 2 before he is up to this level. Galloway is a monster but does seem to go missing sometimes although perhaps that is down to the kind of football the tigers play which means they arent as forward orientated and Origin may be his go he definatly has the build and skills with a good off load and that Tigers ball playing ability. My smokey is his tigers team mate Bryce Gibbs who is probably the best defensive prop in the game and has great endurance his attack has improved and he seems to play his best football in big games
Selctions
Snowden
Toleman
Hooker
Options
Farah
Ennis
Young
Smokey- De Gois
Ennis is the incumbent but he gives away too many penalties, misses to many tackles and throws too many forward passes. He supposedly has Origin mentality but in reality he is just a grub and cost a game last year , penalties in origin just take too much out of teams. Farah has almost been the dally m winner most years, is the best attacker and a better defender then Ennis and works harder he didnt seem to get on with Bellamy should be the starting hooker with injury the only concern. Young is a converted backrower and toughish but you need skill to be the origin hooker and a great passing game neither of which he has DeGois is a smokey especiall with injuries his defence isnt perfect but he offers more in attack then Young or Ennis if Farrah is injured
Selection - Farah
Bench For my Bench I would want a prop, a 2nd row prop , a backrower and a utility
Leahroyd Lars The best NSW forward last few years off the bench
Bryce Gibbs- His endurance and defensive ability and he steps up in big games perfect off the bench in Origin
Gidley- Talented enough to play any backline position and hooker off the bench just not as captain
Watmough even though he is a grub he really is the next best option off the Bench in the backrow
So My team
Hayne
Uate
Lyon
Idris
Gordon
Carney
Pearce
Gallen
Bird
Lewis
Toleman
Farah
Snowden
Leahroyd Lars
Gibbs
Gidley
Watmough
(preemptive strike)
