The first State of Origin is on Wednesday, May. Just over a week away. Be buggered if I care about the Queensland side. All that matters is NSW getting the trophy.
The trouble with the NSW selectors in the past is that they have tried to pick a team that won’t lose instead of picking a team that will win. Queensland have long understood that distinction.
With that in mind, if I was a selector (and I’m sure the NSWRL will call any day) here is my side:
1. Brett Stewart – No arguments here. Very safe at the back and an amazing ability to score tries.
2. Jarryd Hayne – Form is starting to get back to his best. Wil rise to the occasion.
3. Mark Gasnier – Is in good form and very dangerous with a little bit of room.
4. Jamie Lyon – Offers much more in attack than Matt Cooper. Lyon on one side and Gasnier on the other could cause problems.
5. Eric Grothe – Yes, the pundits reckon Anthony Quinn will get the other spot. But Grothe finding his feet and hits the ball up hard.
6. Braith Anasta – There are calls for Bird to play 5/8 but he had no kicking game. Anasta is playing well and will put the cane toads on the backfoot with his long boot.
7. Kurt Gidley – Tempted to pair Anasta with Pearce but Gidley has the experience.
8. Ben Cross – Saw stars earlier tonight but hits the line hard. Simple but that is all Origin calls for.
9. Danny Buderus – Gets his spot as Farah is out injured. Won’t let the Blues down.
10. Brett White – A little lucky maybe but the other props in contention need to stand up.
11. Ryan Hoffman – Deserves his spot in the run on isde.
12. Paul Gallen – His aggression, if properly contained and directed, will suit Origin.
13. Greg Bird – Madness if he plays 5/8. Why do you think Cronulla have issues scoring points? Lock suits his game much better.
Interchange:
Brett Finch, Anthony Laffranchi, Willie Mason, Anthony Tupou
Whaddya reckon fellow league pundits?
4 responses so far ↓
Mungo Amanda // May 13, 2008 at 10:41 am
The list:
NSW team: Brett Stewart, Jarryd Hayne, Mark Gasnier, Matt Cooper, Anthony Quinn, Greg Bird, Peter Wallace, Brett White, Danny Buderus (capt), Ben Cross, Ryan Hoffman, Willie Mason, Paul Gallen. Interchange: Anthony Laffranchi, Anthony Tupou, Craig Fitzgibbon, Ben Hornby.
Shaun // May 13, 2008 at 10:49 am
Thanks Mungo.
I’m pleased that they have taken a punt on Wallace. Shows some vision. But NSW’s kicking game is going to be limited with only Wallace and Buderus. A little suprised by Hornby’s selection. Finch is in better form.
gilmae // May 13, 2008 at 10:57 am
They should have called Shaun. I would have moved Finch in to replace Gidley and put Wallace on the bench.
Club Troppo » Missing Link Daily // Jul 22, 2008 at 5:23 am
[...] Cronin speculates on likely NSW team selections for next week’s first State of Origin rugby league [...]