sidelined

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?