Blues Team

[Killer03]

I think it's the best team that could have been picked. The Dogs halves deserve their chance. Maloney is desperately out of form, and to be honest Pearce is just not showing enough hunger for the role. I'm not sold on Josh Reynolds, but he'll rip in all night. Hodkinson is composed and a very good kicker, think he could be a real match winner.

The only negative I have is are there big enough boppers on the bench? I don't see any of the bench as Fifita like big boppers who can add real impact in the middle (sure they can all add a bit of punch out wide), but then again, who else is there to pick? Tim Grant, but that's about it.

And in the backs perhaps Hopoate was worth a mention, but I still feel he needs to wait until next year and then he walks into the team.

To me it all hinges on Hayne. He plays well we are a very good shot. He doesn't and we lose and lose badly.

 

[Crusher_Cleal]

Any team with Hodko, Brett Morris and Beau Scott in it, is going to lose. Those 3 just aren't origin quality imo.

 

[winnyason]

Why are we not looking to future in pigs, Jackson and Tariq sims, omg Ryan Hoffman I feel sick.

 

[panash]

To win in Origin you need players that have flare without even trying...Forwards can march up the field all night if good enough but without attacking flare you cant pin your hopes on grubbers and high kicks..

origin superstars in the past who made a difference - for example

lewis , langer , mortimer ,sterling , kenny , johns , lockyer etc...

Today Qld have - smith , thurston , cronk , slater , inglis & ( champion EVANS if required )

NSW have - ?????????????????? maybe Hayne....


seriously this should be a embarrassment...

Grub reynolds has passion & heart and a quick darting run towards the edges thats it...

The only time Dogkinson isnt a statue is when his kicking goals...

compare the halves and their is your answer.

 

[simon_eagle]

Anyone surprised Jorge didn't get called up? I am astounded actually. The fact we only have two players (both on the bench) from either side -- and we are clear 2nd on the ladder. Jorge is a natural finisher and boy is he strong. He looks made for SOO.

 

[HappilyManly]

Unfortunately his defence is still developing.

Tofuo isnt much better, but he can take a high ball.

I would rather Hoppa in the SOO team 😎

 

[ALinda]

Yes I would've preferred Hoppa in the team too, with his skills, composure and experience. The 2 years out hasn't affected his good form and his omission is disappointing imo.

Tupou's ok and better than Taufua under the high ball. I'm not surprised Taufua wasn't picked, especially after last night. He's not up to the pressure of Origin footy....yet.

 

[MWSE]

Surprised about the negativity surrounding this team.
I think all the selections are justified. Halves picked on form, Scott picked for his aggression and defensive ability, Topou and Jennings for their combination, Hoffman for his experience and defense, TRex has actually been in good form the past month or so. Brett Morris is probably the best all round winger in the game. Merrin's ball playing skills are outstanding.

All in all it is a far better team than any which is led around the park by Pearce and Maloney.

 

[lsz]

Funny how every year the nsw team is written off (correctly) but they continue to get close

What was it last year?2 points in the last game?

On paper we should not get close but we do...we just need to take the opportunity

 

[RiverEagle]

I just don't think either Cherry or Choc should be there.

Seriously, how do you justify having a 2nd specialist halfback on the bench and if Choc's form of late is among the best three in the competition then I'm a bad judge.

There should be no Manly players in either squads!!!!!!

Choc probly misses out if Bird, Cordner,and even Fifita were available.

He'll still step up.

Big games bring out the best in guys like Choc.

 

[niccipops]

Mmmm...dilemma. Having to cheers for the doggies players in the Blues.:s
Must be done though as this Queensland winning business has to stop. I live amongst the lunacy and they're completely insane at SOO time. Perhaps Cooper's sinews will be out of sync and a surprise series win to the Blues is on the cards.
Got to go make a noise complaint. My neighbours are shouting at their fourex.
Go the blues. Please win.

 

[winnyason]

Only time I condone the pest known as josh Reynolds, trex is manly at heart so cheer him on. Hayne train must step up big time.

 

[voicefromthehill]

I just don't think either Cherry or Choc should be there.

Seriously, how do you justify having a 2nd specialist halfback on the bench and if Choc's form of late is among the best three in the competition then I'm a bad judge.

There should be no Manly players in either squads!!!!!!

Smart selection policy - I'm pretty certain they did the same with Cronk while Lockyer was still playing. All about blooding generation next with plenty if time

 

[sheridanstand78]

I think that finally the Blues are on the right track.

Great to see form rewarded in relation to the halves. Dont like the dirty dogs but they have been stand outs.

The team I think will get stronger as the series gets on. I would have loved to have seen William Hoppa in the team cause he would keep Inglis very honest. I think that Nathan Peats should be considered in this series too as hes been a stand out at Parra.

I think Choc is there for his experience, he needs to lift his form, ball control is not what it should be.

DCE deserves to be there and will be a valuable weapon for Queensland.

 

[Kue]

Minus Hoffman, Woods, Jennings and Farah add Bird, Fifita and Ennis and Hopoate and it would be an interesting series.

 

[HappilyManly]

Its a win-win for NSW Manly fans as
1) Pearce is pissed off and will go on another bender to console his ego. Should stop any B2B dreams

2) Dogs 4 players will exhaust/injure themselves

3) New guys will go flat out for the Blues and might win a game or two
🙂

 

[Kue]

I like Reynolds for origin but think he would of been well paired with Mullin.

Not sure Hodgkinson will see out the series. He is good, no doubt but it might as well be Pearce and it will be if he can't put in a good show game one. Hope he does well but its eaten up better half's than him before.

 

[SeaEagleRock8]

Hayne train must step up big time.

Hayne is a plane not a train 🙂

 

[The Prince of Brookvale]

Let's face it, no matter what team is selected, they are on a hiding no matter what. I think they have got it right this time, with perhaps a few players lucky like Scott and Hoffman. They probably need to promote one of the back rowers and another prop on the bench. Stewart is the best fullback in NSW. Don't know how Jennings is an automatic selection every year. Hayne should of been centre instead and play J Moz on his preferred left centre position. Otherwise it is the best chance NSW has had in years.

 

[Garts]

For those of you questioning Choc, no offence but you are thick. He always performs for NSW and should be there.

I don't think NSW will win, Qld will more than likely go 10 in a row but I can live with the fact the players are generally there on form, especially the halves. But who knows, we have been so close the last 2 series. Just need that little bit more creativity. I would not put money on us but if Hayne fires we are a shot.