What to Expect: Queensland

In recent years, predicting Queensland’s game-plan has been the simplest of tasks. Year after year, victory after victory, the same faces – why change a winning formula? The Maroons would go into each series with the  same strategy that propelled them to victory the previous year, and leave it up to the Blues to stop it.

The problem for Queensland this year, of course, is that last time around the Blues DID stop it. In the first two games of the series, New South Wales were able to drag the Maroons into an arm-wrestle that worked against Queensland’s strengths. Plenty of observers suggested that the injury to Cooper Cronk was to blame, but when you’re carrying a specialist halfback on your bench – an international in Daly Cherry-Evans – that excuse just doesn’t cut it.

Whether it was a case of Cherry-Evans going into his shell or Thurston over-calling him, Queensland’s biggest issue last year was their predictability in attack. Almost every time the Maroons found themselves in good attacking position, they ran the same old plays down the left with Thurston, Inglis and Boyd. It’s only natural that they’d want to exploit the most successful combination in Origin history, but it quickly became apparent that the Blues were ready for everything the Maroons threw at them on that side of the field, as Justin Hodges and Brent Tate – legends in their own right – were sadly under-utilised. This time around, expect the Maroons to do a better job of picking their spots, while they’d also like to see Billy Slater make his presence felt down this side to add an extra element to their attack.

Once Cronk returned in Game Three and the Maroons started using the right edge again, it restored that element of doubt the Blues had struggled to cope with in years past. With Cronk’s club-mate Will Chambers now paired with Hodges on the right, expect a lot more from Queensland down that side tonight, particularly with Sam Thaiday in such good form. His combination with Hodges is an often under-estimated part of Queensland’s attack, and Hodges is a master at drawing in defenders to create space for his wingers. With Chambers being a natural centre and giant Daniel Tupou marking him, the Maroons are unlikely to go the aerial route here.

While the Maroons backs should make them the more dangerous side in attack, they’ll need a huge effort from their under-sized forwards if they are to get the field position they need to make it work. They’ve gone with a small prop rotation of Scott, Myles, Lillyman and debutant josh McGuire, and the gambit here appears to be trading off some size to add mobility on the traditionally slippery surface at ANZ Stadium. The Maroons quartet lack nothing in energy and aggression, but the sheer bulk of their Blues counterparts will demand three defenders on each play, which could wear them down as the game goes on.

Even if the props are outmatched in the yardage game, Queensland’s back row should play a big part in narrowing the gap. Thaiday has plenty of experience in the front row himself, and along with Aidan Guerra they’ll play a bigger role in attack than Blues counterparts Hoffman and Scott, not just in the hit-up stats but also in attacking position. However, the real ace up Queensland’s sleeve could be lock Corey Parker, who might just be the game’s form forward at the moment. He’ll undoubtedly get through a ton of work, but his real strength will be his deadly offload game, which has the potential to create second phase play that will allow the likes of Thurston and Slater to run amok.

Then of course there’s skipper Cameron Smith, who has already cemented himself as the best hooker the game has ever seen. He’ll play his usual role of guiding the team around the park and getting the ball to where it needs to be, but the Blues also need to stay on their toes on every play, as he is a very capable playmaking option out of dummy-half when he senses an opportunity.

The Maroons squad is rounded out with a couple of wildcards on the bench in Matt Gillett and debutant Michael Morgan. Between them, they can cover just about every position on the park, however coach Mal Meninga will be hoping it doesn’t come to that and both can play their natural games. with Sam Thaiday likely to function as a de facto prop at times, Gillett should see his share of minutes in the back row where he is a devastating edge runner when utilised correctly. Provided there are no injuries, don’t expect to see Morgan until the final quarter of the game, where the Maroons will likely use him in a roaming role. The Cowboys have won plenty of close games in the dying stages during their current winning streak, and Morgan’s combination with Thurston has often been the deciding factor. If tonight’s game is a tight one, the Maroons will be hoping the pair can produce the same magic to help get them home.

On paper, this is a more accomplished and threatening team than the Blues, but they’ll need to overcome both a lack of size and the Blues’ home ground advantage if they are to get the job done tonight.

Nick Fray, Origin Online

What to Expect: New South Wales

They may be the defending champs, and they may be on their home turf, but after copping a hiding in Game Three last year and then losing Paul Gallen and Jarryd Hayne, their two best players, as well as senior figures Greg Bird and Brett Morris, the Blues go into tonight’s game as rank outsiders. Add in the lingering question marks over the form of their halves and it looks bleak for them, but if they play to their strengths and avoid errors they are still in with a huge chance.

The most obvious advantage held by the Blues going into the game is size. Aaron Woods, James Tamou, Andrew Fifita and David Klemmer are all massive human beings. The only Queensland prop that can compete with this quartet from a size standpoint is Matt Scott, so expect the Blues to adopt a similar game-plan to the one they used in Game Two last year, using a constant barrage of big men up the middle to tire out Queensland’s interior defenders. If they can limit handling errors, this should provide the Blues with a considerable advantage in the yardage game.

The selections of Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott as starting back rowers suggest they aren’t going to attack down the fringes much in the first half, although Hoffman becomes a useful weapon in the attacking red zone as both a decoy runner and an under-rated try poacher. However, his role will be primarily a defensive one as the Blues would like to use Boyd Cordner down his favoured left edge to join Jennings, Tupou and Pearce for an all-Roosters attacking combination later in the game.

While that Roosters combination looks good on paper, it’s interesting to note that James Maloney is the left-side playmaker at club level, with Pearce typically more of a factor down the right. Pearce’s familiarity with his club-mates should be beneficial, but the combination may not be as fluid as Blues fans might hope. The utilisation of Tupou in attack will be a key factor, as his aerial ability was a bit of a non-factor last year with Reynolds and Hodkinson preferring to keep the ball at ground level. With the Maroons fielding a natural centre in Will Chambers opposite Tupou on the wing, expect Pearce to aim  a few high kicks his way.

Don’t expect much from the Blues in attack down the right. The selections of Beau Scott, Josh Morris and Will Hopoate are obviously designed to stifle the legendary Thurston/Inglis/Boyd combination defensively, and halfback Trent Hodkinson is more of an organiser than an attacking dynamo. This is where Josh Dugan will come into play. He’ll need to be heavily involved if the Blues are to post points, and his experience at right centre at the back end of last season should ensure he is comfortable as the primary attacking weapon on that side of the field.

Lock Josh Jackson and interchange forward Trent Merrin will be tasked with defending in the middle of the park and helping the props out in attack. Both are capable of generating second-phase play with their offloading, but with the Blues likely to take a safety-first approach this may not prove much of a factor. That leaves hooker and captain Robbie Farah, who will do what he does best, trailing his forwards all over the park and probing for gaps and opportunities, while tackling himself to a standstill in defence.

It may not be the most thrilling game plan ever conceived, but so long as it’s enough for them to come out on top Blues fans won’t care one bit.

Nick Fray, Origin Online

Game One Team Guide: Queensland

The Maroons have gone with largely the same squad that relinquished the shield last year, with just the two new faces appearing on the interchange bench. While questions may abound regarding the age and competitive desire of Mal Meninga’s squad, there can be no doubt about its credentials; this will be one of the most accomplished groups of footballers to ever take the field together.

Here’s our take on each member of the Queensland squad:

1. Billy Slater: Experience, class and the crucial ability to create something from nothing, Slater is everything you want out of  fullback at this level. Having missed the trans-Tasman test through a shoulder injury, he is reportedly in some doubt due to a flare-up earlier this week, so he will be desperate to prove his fitness and show he’s not  spent force in the representative arena.

2. Darius Boyd: Boyd’s presence in this game after tearing his Achilles in the pre-season is nothing short of miraculous. He’s been solid upon his return to the Broncos line-up without setting he world on fire, but as Origin’s all-time leading try-scorer he deserves some leeway there. He’ll enjoy facing off against Will Hopoate down Queensland’s left flank.

3. Greg Inglis: For perhaps the first time in his career, Inglis is struggling a little bit for form, with an uncharacteristically poor performance in the ANZAC test and some quiet showings with the stuttering Rabbitohs placing him under some pressure. Fortunately for the Maroons, an out-of-sort Inglis is still amongst the top few players in the game, and the big occasion may be just what he needs to kick-start his season.

Greg Inglis will be looking to make amends for a quiet year so far
Source: The Cairns Post

4. Justin Hodges: Yet another Maroon to struggle with injuries this year, Hodges comes into this series knowing it will be his last. He’ll be hoping to see a lot more of the ball this time out after Queensland showed an over-reliance on the left edge in attack last year, and as the smartest outside back in the game his bag of tricks could prove the difference if the game becomes a defensive slugfest.

5. Will Chambers: Chambers has proven he belongs at this level after a great Origin debut in Game Three last year, and was one of Australia’s best in the recent defeat to the Kiwis. He is arguably the NRL’s best outside back at the moment, and his club combination with halfback Cooper Cronk should ensure the right flank is better utilised in attack  in this series.

6. Johnathan Thurston: After a slow start to the year, Thurston has been on fire over the last couple of months, leading the Cowboys from equal last after Round 3 to equal first going into the rep period. Provided his forwards can keep Blues hitman Beau Scott out of his face he should have a big say in the outcome of the series.

The Blues are in big trouble if Thurston’s club form is any indication
Source: Zimbio

7. Cooper Cronk: Cronk is having a relatively quiet year by his standards, with rumours that he’s being managed through a mystery injury refusing to die. With that said, his steady hand is a big reason why Melbourne sits among the leaders at club level, and his influence in the Origin arena was made all too clear when he went down with a broken arm last year.

8. Matthew Scott: At this time last year Scott was the unquestioned no.1 prop in the game, however his performances so far in 2015 have been slightly lacking, with many critics suggesting the likes of Woods and Fifita have surpassed him. If Queensland is to be any hope of matching the Blues in the yardage game, they’ll need Scott at his absolute best.

9. Cameron Smith: Queensland were spared some major drama with Smith escaping suspension for a stray boot to Issac Luke’s head, and nobody will be more eager to avenge last year’s series defeat than the skipper. Despite a new generation of quality no.9s emerging, Smith continues to stand alone as the game’s premier hooker, and as long as he’s on the park the Maroons can never be counted out.

Cameron Smith: Mr Reliable, Captain Courageous and Superman all rolled into one
Source: The Herald Sun

10. Nate Myles: Myles is another Maroon who has been well below his best this season, struggling to make an impact at club level with the Titans and being a non-factor in the ANZAC test. The selections of McGuire on the bench and Napa as 18th man suggest he is under very real pressure to keep his place in the team, so watch for him to lift a gear for this one.

11. Aidan Guerra: Despite missing time recently due to a fractured cheekbone, Guerra retains his Origin spot after a cracking debut series in 2014. Very solid in defence, Guerra’s real strength is with the ball in hand, where the Maroons will be hoping he can further develop his combination with Greg Inglis on the left. He is particularly dangerous close to the line.

12. Sam Thaiday: Benched by Wayne Bennett after an inauspicious start to the season, Thaiday has responded with some of his best football in years recently, playing a big part in the Broncos’ surge to the top of the NRL ladder. With all the talk of Beau Scott targeting Johnathan Thurston, the Blues would do well to remember Thaiday is perfectly capable of doing some serious damage himself – just ask Rooster James Maloney.

13. Corey Parker: Despite having just turned 33, Parker is in the form of his life and a case could be made for him as the best forward in the game at the moment. While he’s always been a stats monster, his running game is doing some real damage at club level and his knack for an offload gives any side he plays for a huge edge in terms of second-phase play.

Corey Parker: Older, wiser and better
Source: The Courier Mail

14. Michael Morgan: With Daly Cherry-Evans ruled out through injury, Morgan is expected to join Josh McGuire in earning a debut Origin jersey, and on recent form he has every right to be there. As impressive as he was at fullback last season, he’s arguably performing even better in the halves at the moment, and his combination with Johnathan Thurston could prove a real factor in the final 20 minutes.

15. Josh McGuire: McGuire finally gets his shot, having been on the cusp of selection for a few years now. An aggressive, relentless prop who relishes a contest, McGuire possess the ideal mentality for Origin, and despite being considered small by front rower standards, he is more than capable of holding his own against the mammoth Blues pack.

16. Matt Gillett: One of the game’s most gifted young forwards, Gillett hasn’t quite lived up to expectations this year, starting the season carrying an injury and spending more time on the interchange bench than a player of his calibre should. Still, he is a vital part of Queensland’s future plans and is versatile enough to cover a number of positions if the Maroons suffer any injuries during the game.

17. Jacob Lillyman: Lillyman might be the most anonymous member of the Maroons squad, but he is by no means a weak link. Another smallish front rower, he’s not a workhorse like McGuire but is the sort of player who’ll take the tough hit-up when his teammates are exhausted and his fearlessness in defence will be crucial against someone like Andrew Fifita in full flight.

18th Man – Dylan Napa: Napa remains in the running for a late call-up, possibly at Morgan’s expense, due to concerns over the Blues’ size advantage but in all likelihood will have to bide his time a little while longer. Napa boasts the size Queensland covets in the forwards but with just 41 NRL caps to his name, he might be considered a bit raw at this stage.

Nick Fray, Origin Online

Origin Legacies: Parramatta Eels

After 35 years of some of the most incredible theatre in world sports, it’s surreal to look back and remember that when the concept was first announced back in 1980 few gave it any chance of succeeding. Among the many misgivings held by critics at the time that players would be reluctant to line up against teammates from club level; they wouldn’t run as hard, wouldn’t tackle with the same intent, their hearts wouldn’t be in it. ‘Mate Against Mate’ is an Origin mantra, and it was Eel who set the tone for the decades to come.

Having previously spent over a decade representing New South Wales under the previous interstate format, the late, great Arthur Beetson took to the Origin concept like a duck to water, and nobody felt the full brunt of his ferocity more than his Eels teammates. His punch to the chops of Mick Cronin was all the proof fans needed to confirm that the game was no joke, while big Artie always insisted Blues hooker and fellow Eel Steve Edge copped it much worse in the scrums.

The inspirational Arthur Beetson
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

As the Origin concept grew in the 1980s so too did Parramatta’s standing in the game, and it’s no coincidence that the Eels’ new crop of stars were at the forefront of the Blues’ emergence as a force to be reckoned with. In five-eighth Brett Kenny, the Blues finally found a player who could go toe-to-toe with Maroons icon Wally Lewis, and it was Kenny who scored the try that sealed their first series victory in Game Two of the ’85 showdown. That followed the Man of the Match efforts of lock forward Peter Wynn in Game One, while the electrifying Steve Ella came off the bench to score the Blues’ only try in the dead rubber finale at Lang Park.

The following year, Kenny was joined in the Blues side by halves partner Peter Sterling, with both men claiming a Man of the Match award en route to leading New South Wales to their first ever series clean sweep. However, 1986 marked the end of both the Blues’ dominance as well as Parramatta’s golden era, with the fortunes of both sharply declining in the following years. The Eels did contribute to the successful Queensland cause of that period, though, with tough forward Bob Lindner emerging as a key player in a new-look Maroons side.

Kenny and Sterling, one of the game’s most legendary halves duos
Source: www.foxsports.com.au

Following Lindner’s departure after the 1988 season, the club’s dire on-field fortunes were reflected in the Origin arena, with the Eels going an incredible seven years without producing a single Origin player. It wasn’t until 1996 that the Eels finally contributed to the series again, with Queenslander Jason Smith and Blues pair Dean Pay and Jim Dymock all featuring after joining the club from Canterbury as a result of the Super League war. The following year’s split proved the catalyst for an Eels revival, as they not only made the finals for the first time in over a decade but saw a further three players handed Origin debuts.

As the Eels developed into a competition powerhouse at the turn of the century, the club proved a consistent breeding ground for Origin talent, with Eels juniors Michael Vella, Nathan Hindmarsh, Andrew Ryan and Jamie Lyon all featuring regularly for the powerful New South Wales sides of the early 2000s. However, it was a Queenslander who became a part of one of Origin’s greatest stories, with five-eighth Daniel Wagon the unlikely halves partner for returning legend Allan Langer in the decisive Game Three victory of the 2001 series.

Since Queensland embarked upon their golden era in 2006, the Eels have been noticeably short on Origin glory, with the club struggling to compete in the NRL competition for much of that time. However, the incomparable Jarryd Hayne was always one of New South Wales’s best during that frustrating eight-year run, at times proving to be the one player to truly threaten the Queensland juggernaut. When the Blues finally broke through in 2014, Hayne was at the forefront, scoring what proved to be the decisive try in a Man of the Match effort in Game One and following up with a stellar defensive and counter-attacking effort in a gripping Game Two victory.

Jarryd Hayne was a vital part of the Blues’ breakthrough in 2014
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

With Hayne now departed for a shot at the NFL and the Eels again struggling in 2015, it sadly looks as though the club will have little bearing on this year’s series. While outside back Will Hopoate and new recruit Anthony Watmough featured for the Blues in 2014, both have been well off the pace this year and are at long odds to win selection. However, while we may not see much from the club in the near future, history suggests they will bounce back eventually and give us another Origin legend to join the likes of Beetson, Kenny, Hindmarsh and Hayne.

Nick Fray, Origin Online

Queensland Origin contenders 2015: The Forwards

Last week we ran the rule over Queensland’s backline contenders, and now it’s time to give the big fellas the same treatment. With Game One now just a month away, here are the men in the frame for a coveted maroon jumper in the engine room.

Front Row

Matt Scott is a certainty, and despite a slow start to the year Nate Myles should hang on to the other starting spot. Jacob Lillyman has incumbency in his favour and is a strong chance for a bench spot, however he’ll have to hold off strong challenges from the likes of Bronco Josh McGuire and Roosters all-rounder Dylan Napa, who are both pushing hard for an Origin debut. They may only run with one prop on the bench as they like to carry an additional half/utility and most of their back rowers can pinch-hit for a few minutes here and there.

Quiet achiever Jacob Lillyman never lets his state down
Source: www.couriermail.com.au

Hooker

Cam Smith is a certainty, but like the halves the battle for heir apparent is an interesting one. Jake Friend was the man last year but Andrew McCullough can’t be too far behind, especially given Friend’s injury problems this year. Matt Ballin has done the job before as well. But the real ace up Queensland’s sleeve, and a definite contender for a spot on the bench, is Panthers livewire James Segeyaro, who possesses the ability to drastically change the complexion of a game with his quickness and creativity.

Cam Smith is set to lead his beloved Maroons once again in 2015
Source: www.heraldsun.com.au

Second Row

The incumbent starting trio of Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday and Aidan Guerra is likely to be retained, although Guerra is racing the clock to recover from a facial injury. Matt Gillett leads a large pack of players fighting for a bench spot, including Josh Papalii, Chris McQueen and uncapped Cowboy Gavin Cooper. Cooper’s teammate Ethan Lowe could be in with a shot after a strong start to the year, with the inconsistent Dave Taylor probably on the outer. Corey Oates is a bolter for the bench given he can cover for the backline, but it be a bit early for him as he’s yet to play big minutes up front on a regular basis.

Sam Thaiday will be a key cog in the Maroon machine
Source: www.couriermail.com.au

Cover Image Source: www.roundeight.com

Nick Fray, Origin Online

New South Wales Origin Contenders 2015: The Forwards

Last week we looked at the backs in contention for a spot in this year’s Blues lineup, and now we turn our attention to the big men up front. With Game One now just a month away, here are the men in the frame for a coveted blue jumper in the engine room.

Front Row

Captain Paul Gallen will be in the side somewhere if fit, whether it be here or at lock, however the timeframe for his recovery from a painful hip injury remains uncertain. Aaron Woods is a near-certainty to win a spot, most likely in the starting 13., while James Tamou has hit form after a poor start to they year and should join him in the squad. The final spot is expected to go to Shark Andrew Fifita, who is an absolute match-winner on his day but remains prone to lapses in discipline. The likes of Kade Snowden and David Klemmer will come into calculations should injuries hit the front-liners.

Aaron Woods is one of the best young props in the game
Source: www.zimbio.com

Hooker

Robbie Farah has a mortgage on the no.9 jumper, but if disaster were to strike there’d be a tough call to be made, with the edge probably going to Parramatta’s Nathan Peats. He will line up opposite Melbourne’s Ryan Hinchcliffe in the City-Country game, with former starter Michael Ennis seemingly on the outer. Hinchcliffe does not play the position regularly, however, and is a bench prospect at best. Don’t discount Canterbury’s young gun Michael Lichaa either – he’ll get his chance eventually but ideally the Blues hierarchy would like to keep him under wraps for a few years yet.

Robbie Farah’s name is permanently inked on the Blues team sheet
Source: Fox Sports

Back Row

With Greg Bird named in the Kangaroos squad it appears as though his off-field dramas won’t stop him from lining up for the Blues this year. Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott are the other incumbent starters and Hoffman should be there again after a strong start to the year and Scott should recover from his current ankle injury in time to take his place as well. There’s always the chance Gallen lines up at lock, particularly if Bird is selected at five-eighth as proposed by Andrew Johns recently. Despite plenty of contenders for a bench role, incumbents Boyd Cordner and Trent Merrin will almost certainly be there, with veterans Anthony Watmough and Luke Lewis fighting it for the final spot – Lewis’s versatility and Watmough’s indifferent form give the Shark a slight edge at this stage. Other fringe candidates for a bench spot include in-form Dragon Tyson Frizell, versatile Bulldogs forward Josh Jackson and enigmatic Titan Ryan James.

Boyd Cordner will be looking to establish himself as a long-term Origin player
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au

Cover Image Source: www.sportingpulse.com

Nick Fray, Orign Online

Queensland Origin Contenders 2015: The Backs

We’re now just a month away from the Game One teams announcements, and with injuries, suspensions and form slumps wreaking havoc across the NRL already this year we might be in for a few surprises when the squads are finally named. We continue our look at the men competing for spots as we run the rule over Queensland’s injury-plagued backline.

Fullback

This one is fairly straightforward – if Billy Slater returns to full fitness in time for Game One he’ll be there, if not it will be Greg Inglis. Should disaster strike and both men are unavailable, just about anything could happen here, but it would most likely open the door for a versatile livewire like Anthony Milford or Ben Barba.

Billy Slater is racing the clock, but should line up in his customary no.1 jumper
Source: wwos.ninemsn.com.au

Wing

Darius Boyd is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from an Achilles tear, but getting up for Game One would be a miracle. With Melbourne’s Will Chambers seemingly locked into one spot following a successful debut in Game Three last year and consistent performances at club level since, Boyd’s spot is likely to be filled by either Newcastle’s Dane Gagai or Bronco Dale Copley, with Gagai probably marginally ahead at the moment.

A possible dark horse is young Shark Valentine Holmes – he’s viewed by many as Slater’s long-term successor at the back, and while it might be a little early for him the Maroons do have a history of blooding talented backs on the wing – Slater, Inglis and Hodges all had the same initiation.

Valentine Holmes has enjoyed a stunning start to his career, catapulting him into Origin contention
Source: www.sharks.com.au

Centre

Greg Inglis and Justin Hodges are the incumbents, and if everyone’s fit they’ll be there again. However, Inglis could be forced into fullback should Slater fail to recover in time, while Hodges himself has struggled through hamstring issues that will keep him out of the Trans-Tasman test. Fortunately, the Maroons have plenty of depth here, with Chambers, Gagai and Copley all accomplished performers in the position.

Regardless of his birthplace, Greg Inglis is a Maroons legend and a future immortal
Source: www.zimbio.com

Halves

Barring injury, Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk will the 6 & 7 for the Maroons, so the real interest falls upon the bench role filled by Daly Cherry-Evans in recent times. While Cherry-Evans’s recent issues have been well-documented, his form hasn’t been all that terrible, and the Queensland selectors’ famous loyalty to incumbents could work in his favour.

However, many believe that Bronco Ben Hunt has surged ahead of him over the last 12 months, and his experience spelling Andrew McCullough at hooker would probably make him more suitable for the role. The Maroons could even surprise us all by putting Milford or Cowboy Michael Morgan here, but it seems unlikely at this stage.

Can Ben Hunt follow up his 2014 Kangaroos debut with a spot on the Queensland bench?
Source: www.couriermail.com.au

Cover Image Source: www.roundeight.com

Nick Fray, Origin Online

New South Wales Origin Contenders 2015: The Backs

We’re now just a month away from the Game One teams announcements, and with injuries, suspensions and form slumps wreaking havoc across the NRL already this year we might be in for a few surprises when the squads are finally named. We begin our look at the men competing for spots in what could be the most contentious group in this year’s series: the Blues backline.

Fullback

The Blues’ hopes of defending their breakthrough series win was dealt the worst possible blow before the 2015 season even began, with fullback Jarryd Hayne suspending his league career to try his luck in the NFL. While Hayne’s occasional wizardry is irreplaceable, Laurie Daley has named a trio of contenders who would all bring their own strengths to the position. St George-Illawarra’s Josh Dugan has reverted to the position in 2015 and is in fine form of late – he looks to be the frontrunner at this stage, however his ability to play centre or five-eighth could see him picked elsewhere in Daley’s squad.

Penrith excitement machine Matthew Moylan forced his way into the Kangaroos squad last year and has picked up where he left off, emerging as a genuine candidate for an Origin debut. Daley does love fielding club combinations in his squads and Moylan’s hopes can only improve if fellow Panther Josh Mansour earns a spot on the wing. Manly’s Brett Stewart boasts plenty of Origin experience and is a proven big-game performer, but form and fitness are not in his favour at the moment. Daley has ruled out Tigers sensation James Tedesco for the time being, but he may come into calculations later in the series.

Exciting Panthers fullback Matt Moylan could be set for an Origin debut next month Source: www.zimbio.com

Wing

Daley has plenty to think about here, with Brett Morris expected to miss the series and fellow 2014 wingers Daniel Tupou, James McManus and Will Hopoate all struggling desperately for form in 2015. Of that trio, Tupou would be the most likely to retain his spot given his club combination with likely centre Michael Jennings, but all three are at risk of missing out, with Panthers giant Josh Mansour and Tigers veteran Pat Richards touted by many as potential replacements. Mansour did sustain a knee injury against the Titans, however, and probably won’t be back in time for Game One.

South Sydney flyer Alex Johnston looms as a bolter, however when you play for the Rabbitohs nearly every game is a big one and he’s acquitted himself superbly – his hopes would receive a massive boost if teammate Dylan Walker earns a call-up in the centres. Don’t rule out the possibility of incumbent centre Michael Jennings being pushed on to the wing either.

Tigers veteran Pat Richards could cause trouble for the Maroons with his deadly boot
Source: www.zimbio.com

Centre

The Blues love Josh Morris as he matches up with Queensland’s Greg Inglis better than any of the other options. He’s also recently re-discovered his try-scoring touch, so he’ll be there for sure. Michael Jennings seems a fairly safe bet to fill the other centre position, but it may depend on what Daley wants to do with Josh Dugan, who played two games there last year.

There’s also the option of blooding brilliant Souths young gun Dylan Walker, however he is yet to return from a broken hand sustained back in Round 3. He might be more likely to figure later in the series. Canberra’s Jarrod Croker was a shadow player for Game Three last year and could be an outside chance, as could versatile teammate Jack Wighton.

Canterbury’s Josh Morris will be crucial to the Blues’ hopes of containing Greg Inglis
Source: www.news.com.au

Halves

Expect plenty of heated debate over the next four weeks surrounding the 6 & 7 for the Blues. Incumbents Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson got the job done in 2014 and boast the all-important club partnership Daley prefers, however on current form neither should be anywhere near the Origin team. Adam Reynolds was going gangbusters prior to his injury, but his unavailability means Luke Keary is probably out of the picture.

That brings us full circle to the much-maligned Mitchell Pearce. His club form has been mostly outstanding since he was stood down from last year’s series, and the fact he missed out for disciplinary reasons rather than form issues also works in his favour. Based solely on recent form, he’s the clear-cut choice, however the mixed fortunes of Roosters teammate James Maloney could throw a spanner in the works. Defence continues to be an issue for him, and few will forget the job Maroons enforcer Sam Thaiday did on him in the 2013 series.

Should the Blues opt for Pearce but not Maloney, further options at five-eighth include Newcastle’s Jarrod Mullen or the Titans’ Aiden Sezer. They could also get creative and slot Dugan or Moylan here, and even Greg Bird has been mentioned as a possibility, along with rookie namesake Jack Bird of Cronulla, which would be a massive story if it unfolded, but in all likelihood it will be either the Roosters duo or the out-of-sorts Bulldog boys.

Will Mitchell Pearce finally deliver on the big stage in 2015?
Source: www.triplem.com.au

Cover Image Source: www.sportingpulse.com

Nick Fray, Origin Online

Where to now for Queensland?

Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports

Eight in a row – it’s a good run in any competitive arena, and anyone who accomplishes such a feat has earned the right to reflet proudly upon such an achievement when the end finally comes. Unfortunately, whilst history is nice, the present, and indeed the future, are always more important – take the South Sydney Rabbitohs for example. Sure, they’ve won 20 premierships, but the last of them was so long ago (1971) that the majority of their fans probably weren’t around to see it.

With this in mind, the time for Maroon reflection is already over as they look to reassert their dominance in the Origin arena after New South Wales finally ended their golden era. However, whilst the bulk of their players should be available next year, it’s no secret there are a number of key players getting up there in years, and it may not be long before we see a considerably different Queensland side to the one we’ve come to know in recent years. The Maroons have done a good job of slowly integrating players of the future into the setup in recent years, but they’ll need to hope those players are up to the task as the vast majority of emerging NRL stars at the moment bleed blue.

At fullback, Billy Slater has obviously been an integral part of Queensland’s success in recent time, but at 31 he’s not exactly ‘Billy the Kid’ anymore. While he still possesses incredible quickness and vision, he’s become increasingly injury=prone over the last couple of years and may be a candidate for retirement in the next couple of years. Fortunately, the Maroons are likely to enjoy several more years of Greg Inglis and he appears set to take over at the back once Slater calls it a day.

Not going anywhere: Greg Inglis Source: The Cairns Post

In the backs, Brent Tate may well have played his last game after the devastating injury suffered in Game Two, whilst running mate Justin Hodges is 32 and no stranger to serious injury himself. Also, with Inglis likely to move to fullback in the near future, Queensland are likely to need 3 new faces in the backline within a couple of years. One of those spots seems destined to go to Will Chambers, who will debut on the wing tonight as Tate’s replacement. Newcastle’s Dane Gagai has enjoyed another solid season and will surely come into calculations if forgiven for his transgression in a pre-season camp, whilst Bronco Dale Copley has enjoyed his best year of first grade after coming back from a serious injury and has been touted as a candidate for Origin football. Melbourne’s Justin O’Neill has become something of a forgotten man due to injuries and inconsistent form, but at 23 he still has plenty of time to get his career back on track. Also, given that Queensland’s success began with giving talented youngsters a shot, Canberra cousins Edrick and Brenko Lee might get their shot sooner rather than later.

Young gun: Brenko Lee Source: The Courier Mail

First choice halves Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk probably still have another three or four years in them, but the Maroons have already shown their hands here with Daly Cherry-Evans already a regular part of the squad and Bronco Ben Hunt almost debuting in Game Two this year due to injuries. Watch also for Anthony Milford, who is likely to play five-eighth when he moves to Brisbane next year but can also cover fullback, although at the moment it seems that Luke Keary will be forced to represent the Blues if he develops into an Origin footballer.

Biding his time: Ben Hunt Source: The Courier Mail

Front row is an interesting position for Queensland, as they’ve moved away from the traditional four-man prop rotation over the last couple of years to rely more on backrowers pinch-hitting for short spells. Some claim that this tactic is part of the reason Queensland have been off the pace his year, however despite seemingly irresistible claims Josh McGuire was only able to snare 19th man duties for tonight’s game. While he’s the obvious next cab off the rank at the position, there’s little else coming through at the position for Queensland, with only Rooster Dylan Napa getting a mention. Martin Kennedy looked a likely candidate a couple of years ago but his career has regressed significantly this season. At 29, Ben Hannant and Brenton Lawrence may be called upon over the next few years as Queensland wait for the likes of Bulldogs youngster Lloyd Perrett to develop. Fortunately, starting trio Matt Scott, Nate Myles and Jacob Lillyman still have some good years left in them.

Knocking on the door: Josh McGuire Source: The Courier Mail

At hooker, captain Cameron Smith is now 31, but he is the sort of player who could conceivably play on until his mid-30s. Still, the Maroons have started integrating Rooster Jake Friend into the Origin setup, whilst Bronco Andrew McCullough has had a hugely impressive year, so Queensland look well-stocked at the position regardless of how long Smith plays on.

The heir apparent: Jake Friend Source: The Courier Mail

And finally, whilst the back row position looked extremely healthy not so long ago, the advanced age of Corey Parker will open a starting spot, whilst Ben Te’o also looks likely to be unavailable due to a rumoured move to European rugby. Also, whilst hardly an established Origin star, Dave Taylor is also rumoured to be a target for the 15-a-side game and may be another one to scratch from the list. Still, with Aidan Guerra impressing in his first couple of Origin games and the likes of Matt Gillett, Chris McQueen, Josh Papalii available they have a good young nucleus around Sam Thaiday, but ideally they’d love it if guys like Corey Oates and Ethan Lowe can step up and establish themselves as Origin-calibre players.

Promising signs: Ethan Lowe Source: The Daily Telegraph

We’ve become so accustomed to seeing the same players turn out for the Maroons over the last few years that the thought of a new-look side within the next couple of years may seem a scary one for Queensland fans. While the names listed above suggests that there is still enough talent to ensure the Maroons stay competitive for years to come, the majority of them still have much to prove before they can be considered Origin-calibre, and if even a few of them fail to live up to expectations it’s entirely possible that the Blues may be about to embark on a golden era of their own.

State of Origin Player Profiles: The Benchies

Nick Fray, Origin Online and Over the Line Sports

We’ve looked at all the starters for tonight’s big game, but these eight men will have their say at some point as well. Here’s a quick look at tonight’s interchange players, starting with the Queensland quartet.

Jacob Lillyman, New Zealand Warriors: Not the biggest name but he’s played well for the Warriors in recent times and has a bit of Origin experience. Should bring a little bit of extra grunt to the Maroons’ engine room.

Aidan Guerra, Sydney Roosters: It has emerged in the last few minutes that he will start ahead of McQueen. Very impressive on debut and he can cement a long-term spot with another big performance here tonight in the back row.

Ben Te’o, South Sydney Rabbitohs: While it hasn’t been Teo’s best year, the Maroons selectors are sticking by him and he was a bright spark off the bench in Game One. Can set up a big second half of the year if he gets it going in such a big game tonight.

Dave Taylor, Gold Coast Titans: ‘The Coal Train’ gets another crack at Origin level after some cracking recent performances at club level. He will be desperate to have a big impact tonight to get his career back on track, but how many minutes will he play?

And the Blues…

James Tamou, North Queensland Cowboys: Is having a better year for the Cowboys this season and did nothing wrong when thrust into the Blues starting lineup for Game One. Should see healthy minutes again tonight.

Anthony Watmough, Manly Sea Eagles: The fact he’s playing Origin with a torn bicep is a testament to just what a tough old warhorse Watmough is. Hopefully it doesn’t hurt his performance but his attitude cannot be questioned.

Trent Merrin, St. George Illawarra Dragons: Merrin is unlikely to see the big minutes he does at club level but they won’t lose anything when he is injected into the game. Will be a mainstay of the Blues pack for years to come.

Luke Lewis, Cronulla Sharks: The veteran utility has played very little football this year and didn’t have a whole lot to do in Game One. With that said, he will be more than up to any task that is asked of him tonight, even if he has to fill in somewhere in the backline.

That’s all – enjoy the game everyone!