Let the debate begin! I’ll add my thoughts on the NSW squad later this evening. Won’t comment on the Cane Toads as they are a bunch of nothings. 
| NSW | QLD |
|---|---|
| 1. Kurt Gidley (c) | 1. Billy Slater |
| 2. Jarrod Hayne | 2. Darious Boyd |
| 3. Jamie Lyon | 3. Greg Inglis |
| 4. Michael Jennings | 4. Justin Hodges |
| 5. James McManus | 5. Israel Falou |
| 6. Terry Campese | 6. Darren Lockyer (c) |
| 7. Peter Wallace | 7.Jonathan Thurston |
| 8. Brent Kite | 8. Petero Civoniceva |
| 9. Robbie Farah | 9. Cameron Smith |
| 10. Luke Bailey | 10. Steve Price |
| 11. Ben Creagh | 11. Ashley Harrison |
| 12. Luke O’Donnell | 12.Sam Thaiday |
| 13. Paul Gallen | 13. Dallas Johnson |
| 14. Craig Wing | 15. Ben Hannant |
| 15. Justin Poore | 15. Nate Myles |
| 16. Glenn Stewart | 16.Karmichael Hunt |
| 17. Michael Weyman | 17. Michael Crocker |
My thoughts on the NSW squad….
A step in the right direction as the NSW selectors have used form as a guide rather than past perceptions.
The back line is pretty much as expected but Campese worries me. On his day he can single handed rip a side apart. But that is the problem. A tendency to go himself that can bomb a move and a problem with confidence if the team do not get off to a good start. Hopefully the ascent to the Origin stage will raise his game and he can bring teams back not just keep them going.
The forwards are also pretty much along with expectations. Gallen is a weak link and needs to show that he can play tough and not stupid at this level.If he can’t control his white line fever then he’ll cost us field position if not the game. You can bet that the Maroons will try and appeal to his darker side.
Ben Creagh and Luke O’Donnell more than deserve their spots. Poore and Weyman are the form props for NSW and will be wanting to show they belong. It isn’t a bad idea for them to come of the bench as experience will be needed for the opening exchanges where Kite and Bailey will do well.
All in all it is a good NSW side. But whether they can beat QLD is another question. The Maroons won’t admit they are favourites but with a test back line they will start in front.
4 responses so far ↓
Bismark O'Measles // May 26, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Strong Q side…particularly in the back line, we’re going to struggle against that.
Jason // May 26, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Good luck fellas. Queensland side looks good from here
gilmae // May 26, 2009 at 11:06 pm
We can expect the following from the #13s. No matter how many tackles he makes or how many metres he makes, Gallen must be judged by how many extra tackles his team has to make and how many metres they give up because of him.
And does Queensland have the stamina to play with 16 men after Dallas gets himself KOd with a dodgy tackle in the first NSW set.
Mountain Boy // May 27, 2009 at 2:47 pm
They won’t risk Hodges here with a hamstring injury. If he’s out there will be some fun had by Mal and the QRL trying to find another number (4) that fits the bill. I suspect Karmichael will come into the starting 13, meaning either himself, or Billy (the kid – with the big nose) will be playing out of position – My guess Falou moves to centre and Karmichael and Billy toss up who gets fullback and who gets wing.
Sounds more than just a little disruption doesn’t it?
Other than that maybe NSW will be the team to put their hand up and say they will just tackle Thurston whether he throws a dummy, or not. Hardly a team in 5 years has wised up to his “dummy and go”. Just tackle him you idiots?! He really doesn’t have a lot to offer if you take the dummy out of his repertoire.