After backreading, I'd say there's a few missing the selectors criteria for NSW. Firstly, when Mullins played, they were looking for his combination with Gidley in the halves, and when players carry injuries that the doctors choose to needle instead of rule out, those combinations won't last long when selectors sit down again. I reckon there has been some harsh comments, but maybe fair as well, and as NSW supporters, we have a right to feel agrieved at our demise as the major force in NRL.
We have had long enough to find combinations of young players who would of formed the neucleus of team now, but the nuances of the game, with coach changes, and change of ego's, I just cannot fathom how on earth NSW will ever win unless they develop the same spirit as QLD. Perhaps NRL is not for educated people, as QLD'ers still can't spell beer, it just XXXX.
When you look at selections, you can see why some players get picked when there are much better players around, and that's because of their combination with other players who are automatic selections. JMHO.