David EdwardsState of Origin - the Halves Dilemma
April 10th 2008 06:56
If N.S.W is to be any chance in this year's Origin series, it has to go with a new formula. The devastating abilities of Johnathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer (providing he is fit), is going to be too much for N.S.W. With a history of being conservative, N.S.W needs to select a halves combination that is going to threaten the Queensland line.
The candidates for the halves positions are plentiful, and with 5 rounds left before selections, the chance is there for someone to stand up and take the opportunity. I believe the selectors are worried about Matt Orford in big game situations, and are tired of picking Brett Kimmorley, who had his day a long time ago. Kimmorley has a very flat style of attack which is probably not effective in the modern game, especially against a big and mobile Queensland forward pack. Matt Orford is said to "go missing" in big game situations, however he could prove to be the pick if he has a few good games back to back.
Another candidate for the half-back position is Michael Monaghan, currently playing overseas in the English super league. Personally, i think Monaghan is a good leader, and N.S.W could do with a halfback such as himself. Versatile and intelligent, Monaghan is a player who is not fazed by occasion, and if picked would do a very competent job.
Another player who is in the mix is Todd Carney. The Canberra Raider is unlucky that he is in a team that is underperforming, but constantly remains the galvanising force for the raiders in attack. Still very young, he could be a contender in a few years, but i don't see the selectors going with him for this series, unless he has a great few rounds leading up to the selections.
Brett Finch has also been mentioned as a chance for Origin 1. However i don't think the selectors will vote for him, as his performances waiver constantly from very good to very woeful.
One who is being talked about a lot in the media is new Brisbane recruit Peter Wallace, who has shown he has being the half-back that Brisbane have been lacking in recent years since Kevin Walters retired. Probably neck and neck with Orford at the moment, he is certianly in with a chance.
As to the 5/8 role. N.S.W has been prepared to sacrifice this position in the past, often opting to play forwards in the position. Greg Bird was solid there last year, but must be used in his rightful position, the back row. So where does that leave N.S.W? Braith Anasta has been playing well, but he is a player who has had his chances in the past and not made the most of them. Personally, i would rather see him not picked, as i believe he is not what N.S.W need to win the series.
So what is the option then? Mullen proved he was just not ready for Origin last year, so it is hard to see the selectors playing him at 5/8, although Craig Bellamy is a modern coach who likes experimenting with his halves combination, so i wouldn't rule him out later in the series. I think Anasta will get the nod at 5/8, and Wallace - should he continue his rich run of form, will start at no. 7 come Origin 1.
As for me, i will pine for the days where N.S.W had to choose between Brad Fittler and Laurie Daley at 5/8, Anthony Mundine was a 5/8 running off the bench, and Andrew Johns was the no. 1 halfback who was also often pushed onto the bench or into the hooking role! I'm glad the days of Gower and Kimmorley are gone. Time for N.S.W to start a new dynasty.
The candidates for the halves positions are plentiful, and with 5 rounds left before selections, the chance is there for someone to stand up and take the opportunity. I believe the selectors are worried about Matt Orford in big game situations, and are tired of picking Brett Kimmorley, who had his day a long time ago. Kimmorley has a very flat style of attack which is probably not effective in the modern game, especially against a big and mobile Queensland forward pack. Matt Orford is said to "go missing" in big game situations, however he could prove to be the pick if he has a few good games back to back.
Another candidate for the half-back position is Michael Monaghan, currently playing overseas in the English super league. Personally, i think Monaghan is a good leader, and N.S.W could do with a halfback such as himself. Versatile and intelligent, Monaghan is a player who is not fazed by occasion, and if picked would do a very competent job.
Another player who is in the mix is Todd Carney. The Canberra Raider is unlucky that he is in a team that is underperforming, but constantly remains the galvanising force for the raiders in attack. Still very young, he could be a contender in a few years, but i don't see the selectors going with him for this series, unless he has a great few rounds leading up to the selections.
Brett Finch has also been mentioned as a chance for Origin 1. However i don't think the selectors will vote for him, as his performances waiver constantly from very good to very woeful.
One who is being talked about a lot in the media is new Brisbane recruit Peter Wallace, who has shown he has being the half-back that Brisbane have been lacking in recent years since Kevin Walters retired. Probably neck and neck with Orford at the moment, he is certianly in with a chance.
As to the 5/8 role. N.S.W has been prepared to sacrifice this position in the past, often opting to play forwards in the position. Greg Bird was solid there last year, but must be used in his rightful position, the back row. So where does that leave N.S.W? Braith Anasta has been playing well, but he is a player who has had his chances in the past and not made the most of them. Personally, i would rather see him not picked, as i believe he is not what N.S.W need to win the series.
So what is the option then? Mullen proved he was just not ready for Origin last year, so it is hard to see the selectors playing him at 5/8, although Craig Bellamy is a modern coach who likes experimenting with his halves combination, so i wouldn't rule him out later in the series. I think Anasta will get the nod at 5/8, and Wallace - should he continue his rich run of form, will start at no. 7 come Origin 1.
As for me, i will pine for the days where N.S.W had to choose between Brad Fittler and Laurie Daley at 5/8, Anthony Mundine was a 5/8 running off the bench, and Andrew Johns was the no. 1 halfback who was also often pushed onto the bench or into the hooking role! I'm glad the days of Gower and Kimmorley are gone. Time for N.S.W to start a new dynasty.
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Comment by Mick D
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Comment by Justin Shaw
-Knights are to be watched this season new look young team the defence displayed last night against the comp leaders was remarkable, Chris Bailey starting to play well a player to watch over the next few years Carney if not picked this year next year will be his year if he keeps playing like he is now.
Comment by Anonymous