sidelined

In the aftermath of Queensland’s win in the first State of Origin game the focus south of the border has been on Jarrod Hayne’s 61st minute blunder. Hayne, unfairly, been made a scapegoat for NSW loss by certain blinkered scribes. While Hayne gifted the Cane Toads 6 points, he didn’t lose NSW the game.

Not scoring any points in the second half lost NSW the game. Insipid defence in the second half lost NSW the game. The game was lost well before Hayne’s brain explosion – is was just a hastening of the inevitable.

I’d keep Hayne. When he could have crawled into his shell, he kept running at the line and took whatever was dished up to him. It was a good show of character.

No, the problem is elsewhere. Graham Murray seems a nice bloke but he is not an Origin coach. I’m sure I said this last year but what the hell were Hindmarsh and Buderus doing on the bench in the second half? Two 80 minute players and both resolute defenders of the line. I can’t fathom it.

I wouldn’t drop Mullen. He didn’t have a great game but how could he when he was behind a beaten pack? There is a great hint of talent and he will grow into the role.

I can only see one possible change in the backs and that is Matt King being replaced for a real winger. King was caught out twice in defence gifting Queensland two tries. He deserves far more criticism than Hayne. Though you could get rid of Lyon and bring King into the centres where he’d go well with Grothe outside him.

The forwards though is where you can expect some changes. Farah will come into the side likely from the bench to replace Gidley. And I’ve been impressed this year with Cronulla’s Greg Bird. He deserves a run at the expense of Tupou.

The biggest worry is the coach though. Comeback Gus! All is forgiven.