NSW Origin Smokies

[sunshine_coast_tiger]

Fifita will probably get a jumper, Woods will probably miss out, Would like to see Nathan Merritt get a go on one wing as well.

I believe our club decided to keep Woods over Fifita when Sheens had to make a decision. I know the storm and many others were keen on Woods. I think we made the right call if we could really only kept one of the 2 of them (really is bad management if that was the truth but knowing our management it probably is).

I would pick Woods every day of the week over Fifita. Woods is a better defender, runs straighter and has a better offload. Have a strong feeling Laurie will go for Fifita over Woods for game 1 (fully expect Woods will take his spot for Game 2).

Merritt will never get picked for NSW. Look at his crap attempt on Koro last week, I also remember when TNT scored 3 tries in a game (I predicted it before the game and won a good amount of money on it) by running straight through him. Imagine what a GI would do to him. There is a good reason why he has never been picked it is soft defence, nothing has changed.

 

[Tiger_Watto]

I'm hoping the pick Gallen up front and have Fifita on the bench… Plus Merritt should be on the wing.

All great choices!!!

 

[system]

Yeah. Watching Merritt defend every week I am sure you Derplanders would love to see him named

 

[wests4life987]

Merritt will never make Origin he is terrible in defence. Also he doesn't have that x factor to break tackles or make line-breaks by himself. Also would like to see Gallen up front with Watmough, Bird or Lewis/Hoffman/Stewert

 

[Marshall_magic]

I think it would be an injustice if Ferguson is chosen over Merritt for the vacant wing spot. I mean what does Merritt have to do to be selected? He's a great finisher with great speed and he's been playing consistently good for years now, while Ferguson has really only come good lately and he's a prick to boot lol.

Merritt couldn't compete when he played City v Country. A great club player, doesn't have that extra gear. Wouldn't put him in the team ahead of Gordon/Morris/Hayne.

totally agree with CB. a good finisher does not make a good origin player. his defence is suspect and his hitups are soft. he also has no x factor (ie that ability to break tackles and create something from nothing)

Merritt's try tally is impressive but in my opinion it is overinflated based on his ability. He scores a lot when his inside men beat their man and get it out to him where he just has to stroll to the tryline. Stick Jarryd Hayne or Brett Morris or Blake Ferguson on the wing for Souths and they would rack up 20 tries a season as well.