It is under no dispute that the two best halfback in the competition to date are Orford and Monaghan. I am going to put Orford up as number 1 with Monaghan about a nanometer behind him, probably due to Orford's injury and lack of game time but I'd say its a fair assumption.
After the game last night, Sterling said to Gould "You don't think the NSW halfback was playing tonight."
Gould said", "No I don't, I think the halfback will come from Manly's Orford and I also wouldn't mind seeing Michael Monaghan.
So if he has any say, I wouldn't be surprised to see either of them thrown in and it really wouldn't bother me either way. Monaghan might just have Orford in terms of toughness and size although once again Orford isn't far behind either, being the NRL's strongest pound for pound player.
Although there is an article on NRL this morning saying the selectors are going to go for experience. Choosing blokes who have been there before and can handle the situation. Orfords name is mentioned as an afterthought and Monas isn't even discussed.