David EdwardsFinally - NSW Origin squad is announced.
May 13th 2008 03:19
Thankfully we can all rest now that the NSW Origin side has been picked. Months of anticipation and predictions not seen since the y2k bug was a threat can now be eased, and fairfax journalists can start banging their heads together coming up with new headlines besides "My Origin team predictions".
Peter Wallace is the clear bolter, and will add the necessary structure to a backline which craves to be told what to do. His clear judgement is important in a time where halfbacks are half-a-dozen, yet none in the field seem to have the ability to geniuinely lay claim to a deserved origin halfback role.
Willie Mason's plea to selectors to "Pick Anasta and Finch" has been ignored, and common-sense has prevailed. While Willie may want his mates in the team, the correct selection of Wallace ahead of Finch will do much for NSW's exciting back-line.
Cooper and Gasnier are good players, but they need a confident half-back to order them around the paddock. A Bird/Gidley combination would have left them impotent, however Wallace has the nous to guide them around and offer them opportunities to show their speed and footwork.
The selection of Craig Fitzgibbon has surprised many, and clearly his experience is a major factor behind his selection. The lack of a genuine goal-kicker is also a concern, however Fitzgibbon will be able to fill this role off the bench. He is an 80 minute player, and an appropriate replacement for the out of form Nathan Hindmarsh.
Todd Carney can consider himself unlucky not to snare a bench spot - selectors instead opting for the more experienced, and arguably more versatile, Ben Hornby. However, team selections and injury may play a role later in the series, and Carney could still play a part in the series later down the track.
Whilst we await the QLD squad announcement, one positive is the fact that QLD are unlikely to play Thurston and Prince in the same side. I'm sure that if NSW had a halves combination as dynamic as that, they wouldn't hesitate to select both - regardless of perceived defensive frailties. Origin is a form of the game where QLD could simply select one or two "protectors" to look after the small men. If you have the talent at your disposal, you really must use it, as Origin is played at a frentic pace and suits little men with quick feet and quick judgement.
My pick?
-Origin One will go to NSW at home. Buoyed by this victory, they will carry the same team into Origin two and get thumped up in QLD.
-The decider will go to QLD. It is still too early for NSW to claim back the trophy. Perhaps next year.
Peter Wallace is the clear bolter, and will add the necessary structure to a backline which craves to be told what to do. His clear judgement is important in a time where halfbacks are half-a-dozen, yet none in the field seem to have the ability to geniuinely lay claim to a deserved origin halfback role.
Willie Mason's plea to selectors to "Pick Anasta and Finch" has been ignored, and common-sense has prevailed. While Willie may want his mates in the team, the correct selection of Wallace ahead of Finch will do much for NSW's exciting back-line.
Cooper and Gasnier are good players, but they need a confident half-back to order them around the paddock. A Bird/Gidley combination would have left them impotent, however Wallace has the nous to guide them around and offer them opportunities to show their speed and footwork.
The selection of Craig Fitzgibbon has surprised many, and clearly his experience is a major factor behind his selection. The lack of a genuine goal-kicker is also a concern, however Fitzgibbon will be able to fill this role off the bench. He is an 80 minute player, and an appropriate replacement for the out of form Nathan Hindmarsh.
Todd Carney can consider himself unlucky not to snare a bench spot - selectors instead opting for the more experienced, and arguably more versatile, Ben Hornby. However, team selections and injury may play a role later in the series, and Carney could still play a part in the series later down the track.
Whilst we await the QLD squad announcement, one positive is the fact that QLD are unlikely to play Thurston and Prince in the same side. I'm sure that if NSW had a halves combination as dynamic as that, they wouldn't hesitate to select both - regardless of perceived defensive frailties. Origin is a form of the game where QLD could simply select one or two "protectors" to look after the small men. If you have the talent at your disposal, you really must use it, as Origin is played at a frentic pace and suits little men with quick feet and quick judgement.
My pick?
-Origin One will go to NSW at home. Buoyed by this victory, they will carry the same team into Origin two and get thumped up in QLD.
-The decider will go to QLD. It is still too early for NSW to claim back the trophy. Perhaps next year.
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Comment by Mick D
Regardless, I think QLD will really miss Lockyer and this will be the year NSW's flag will again fly above Brisbane's Story Bridge.
Go the Blues!
Comment by Captain Carnage
Comment by David Edwards
Sporting Mind
Comment by Captain Carnage