Deadset.....I know everyone is entitled to their opinions (and I'm just as likely to be slammed for what I say) and that Dugan is a great young player, however anyone who thinks he should be picked for Origin 1 is being naive. If NSW want to win game 1 let alone the series they should use experience, are origin hardened and players that can combat their Queensland counterparts.
A side like this would be ideal for game 1.
1) Hayne
2) Morris
3) Lyon
4) Tahu
5) Morris
6) Barrett (has he retired from rep footy at all?)
7) Kimmorley
13) Gallen
12) Watmough
11) Hindmarsh (c)
10) Weyman
8) White/Cross
9) Ennis
14) Gidley
15) Lewis
16) Learoyd-Lahrs/Cross
17) Mason
The NSW player of the series from last year should get his hands on the football as much as possible, Hayne. Origin after all is where Hayne got his form from last year IMO.
Morris boys on either flank. Both have great pace and are great finishers.
Lyon and Tahu centres, experienced and of all the centre combinations have the best chance of shutting down their rivals, the other centre capable of doing that atm would be Cooper.
Experienced halves in Origin are essential, Barrett and Kimmorley are both matchwinners for their states, as is and I will get slammed for this, Finch. He has won Origin before, experienced half, wont be controlling the game if he was to play (should be 5/8 if Barrett not available) and most importantly plays with the current NSW coach.
An all tough Origin backrow; Hindmarsh, we all know what he can do. Watmough was the best NSW forward last year and can stick it to the Maroons, and Gallen, well this is the only time of year you cheer on his grubbiness cause he will also stick to Queensland.
Weyman and White up front. Weyman is the best NSW prop atm and White, we all see what he did last year, we want some hotheads in the team who will as I said before, stick it to them. Ben Cross is also another player to consider here.
Ennis as widely debated, is better suited to Origin than Farah.
Gidley and Lewis provide a cover for positions if injuries take their toll, but also bring skill and composure to the team. Both very experienced players.
TLL and Mason provide impact and metres and at the moment, Mason is playing the way everyone knew he could but most of all he is an experienced Origin player and has been very influential at this level.
Controversial calls I know, but experience and the balance of the team is what essential to winning this game. Queensland is vulnerable atm, particularly in the forwards and picking the best forward pack is vital. A team like this is the type of team to take advantage of Queensland. Will it be picked? No....but it's the type of squad NSW needs.
