NSW SOO Team
- Thread starter TIGER
- Start date
MacDougall
New member
Great call on Maloney. I think Feleti Mateo has also been in decent form. Surprised he missed out on a show at City/Country.
Marshall_magic
New member
Based on what I've heard Sticky say, it will either be
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
or
6\. Soward
7\. Mullen
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
or
6\. Soward
7\. Mullen
Shacklten and tolman had a crap game.
and Hayne for full back
and Hayne for full back
G
Guest
Guest
After watching the ANZAC test and City/Country match last night:
1\. Dugan
2\. Morris
3\. Jennings
4\. Gasnier (if he gets over his calf strain I'd put him straight in)
5\. Uate
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
8\. Snowden
9\. Farah
10\. Galloway
11\. Creagh
12\. Idris (too slow for the centres and Qld will exploit him out wide)
13\. Gallen
14\. TLL
15\. Mannah
16\. Bird
17\. Dwyer
1\. Dugan
2\. Morris
3\. Jennings
4\. Gasnier (if he gets over his calf strain I'd put him straight in)
5\. Uate
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
8\. Snowden
9\. Farah
10\. Galloway
11\. Creagh
12\. Idris (too slow for the centres and Qld will exploit him out wide)
13\. Gallen
14\. TLL
15\. Mannah
16\. Bird
17\. Dwyer
I'm a big fan of Galloway. But do you think him playing limited minutes will go against him? He goes off after 17-20mins. I just have a feeling they will go for players like Snowden and Tolman who play big mins.
I hope Keith gets a shot because he deserves it just have a feeling the selectors and Ricky will go for players that play more minutes.
I hope Keith gets a shot because he deserves it just have a feeling the selectors and Ricky will go for players that play more minutes.
Marshall_magic
New member
Labelling all Australian players certainties, I would go with this
1\. Hayne
2\. Uate
3\. Gasnier
4\. Idris
5\. Morris
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
8\. Snowden
9\. Farah
10\. Tolman
11\. Scott
12\. Creagh
13\. Gallen
14\. Gidley
15\. Bird
16\. Mannah
17\. Galloway
1\. Hayne
2\. Uate
3\. Gasnier
4\. Idris
5\. Morris
6\. Mullen
7\. Pearce
8\. Snowden
9\. Farah
10\. Tolman
11\. Scott
12\. Creagh
13\. Gallen
14\. Gidley
15\. Bird
16\. Mannah
17\. Galloway
G
Guest
Guest
Greats offer missing pieces to Origin selection puzzle
Adrian Proszenko
May 8, 2011
Origin Blues
Adrian Proszenko spoke to six former Blues to see who they think should fill the contentious positions in the Blues squad for the series opener.
JUST 17 days from the start of the State of Origin, very few prospective Blues can be assured of a jersey for the clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen is certain to captain the side with Kurt Gidley out injured, while Gidley's fellow Test representatives, Ben Creagh, Brett Morris, Jamal Idris and Kade Snowden, are shoo-ins for NSW. Australia's 18th man, Beau Scott, and Dragons centre Mark Gasnier, who missed Friday night's City-Country match with a minor calf muscle injury, are also all but certain starters for the Blues.
That leaves fullback, the right wing, the halves, hooker, one front-rower berth and the bench as the major selection dilemmas for coach Ricky Stuart.
Here's what six former Blues players had to say about those problem areas as NSW try to end Queensland's five-year dominance.
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FULLBACK - GARRY JACK
''I don't think Jarryd Hayne has done enough at Parramatta this year. I don't think Josh Dugan is ready for it either. He's got ability but there's a question mark there - he's got to toughen up a bit. I'd go for someone who's been there before. I'd have Anthony Minichiello in there. He knows what it's about; he's been there before. We tend to discard players in their late 20s too early. He wouldn't let anybody down, he's been playing well and he's a genuine fullback.''
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RIGHT WING - ROD WISHART
''I like Aku Uate. He's a goer and hard to stop. Sure, he's a bit rough around the edges but he'd be a handful for them and he'd give it 110 per cent. Instead of playing safe and being defensive, we need to pick blokes who can do some damage. Morris has got the runs on the board and deserves a spot, and Uate should be there. I like picking specialist wingers; we've picked blokes out of position in recent times and it hasn't worked for us.''
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HALVES - JASON TAYLOR
''I don't think Jarrod Mullen did enough to oust Mitchell Pearce as the incumbent. Someone creative at five-eighth is the big question mark for NSW. I don't know that Jamie Soward is an Origin-type player. I don't know that he can do for NSW what he does for the Dragons, which is the most dominant team in the competition. It then comes down to the NSW forward pack. If they can dominate and give Soward an opportunity to run the ball, he'd be a good choice. If they don't, I don't know he's the player to get NSW a try under pressure. Pearce is the halfback and it's a battle between Soward and Mullen for five-eighth.''
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PROPS - MARK CARROLL
''Kade Snowden played for Australia so he should be one. It was good to see what that kid could do - he goes hard. You can't just put a young bloke in - I'd give Luke Bailey a go. I'd also have Gallen as one of my front-rowers. He plays like one - he doesn't play out wide, has 20 carries a game and makes multiple tackles. That lets you take in an extra second-rower. You need some impact off the bench. Size matters, so I'd have Tom Learoyd-Lahrs. I like Tim Mannah too.''
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HOOKER - BEN ELIAS
''Robbie Farah. I always go for someone who can do something on the football paddock. He's still shadow for Cameron Smith in the Australian side and I've always been a Farah fan. He offers so much variety around the ruck. I like blokes who can create something for you. I'd have him every day of the week.''
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BENCH - GREG FLORIMO
''Chris Heighington is an Origin-style player - he has the mentality and attitude for it. He's ready for it. You need some guys who are going to give you some impact when they get out there. Jamal Idris is one guy I'd have a look at. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is ready to lift his game to another level. You could put Paul Gallen up to front row and then bring in another back-rower.''
Adrian Proszenko
May 8, 2011
Origin Blues
Adrian Proszenko spoke to six former Blues to see who they think should fill the contentious positions in the Blues squad for the series opener.
JUST 17 days from the start of the State of Origin, very few prospective Blues can be assured of a jersey for the clash with Queensland at Suncorp Stadium.
Sharks skipper Paul Gallen is certain to captain the side with Kurt Gidley out injured, while Gidley's fellow Test representatives, Ben Creagh, Brett Morris, Jamal Idris and Kade Snowden, are shoo-ins for NSW. Australia's 18th man, Beau Scott, and Dragons centre Mark Gasnier, who missed Friday night's City-Country match with a minor calf muscle injury, are also all but certain starters for the Blues.
That leaves fullback, the right wing, the halves, hooker, one front-rower berth and the bench as the major selection dilemmas for coach Ricky Stuart.
Here's what six former Blues players had to say about those problem areas as NSW try to end Queensland's five-year dominance.
\
\
FULLBACK - GARRY JACK
''I don't think Jarryd Hayne has done enough at Parramatta this year. I don't think Josh Dugan is ready for it either. He's got ability but there's a question mark there - he's got to toughen up a bit. I'd go for someone who's been there before. I'd have Anthony Minichiello in there. He knows what it's about; he's been there before. We tend to discard players in their late 20s too early. He wouldn't let anybody down, he's been playing well and he's a genuine fullback.''
\
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RIGHT WING - ROD WISHART
''I like Aku Uate. He's a goer and hard to stop. Sure, he's a bit rough around the edges but he'd be a handful for them and he'd give it 110 per cent. Instead of playing safe and being defensive, we need to pick blokes who can do some damage. Morris has got the runs on the board and deserves a spot, and Uate should be there. I like picking specialist wingers; we've picked blokes out of position in recent times and it hasn't worked for us.''
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HALVES - JASON TAYLOR
''I don't think Jarrod Mullen did enough to oust Mitchell Pearce as the incumbent. Someone creative at five-eighth is the big question mark for NSW. I don't know that Jamie Soward is an Origin-type player. I don't know that he can do for NSW what he does for the Dragons, which is the most dominant team in the competition. It then comes down to the NSW forward pack. If they can dominate and give Soward an opportunity to run the ball, he'd be a good choice. If they don't, I don't know he's the player to get NSW a try under pressure. Pearce is the halfback and it's a battle between Soward and Mullen for five-eighth.''
\
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PROPS - MARK CARROLL
''Kade Snowden played for Australia so he should be one. It was good to see what that kid could do - he goes hard. You can't just put a young bloke in - I'd give Luke Bailey a go. I'd also have Gallen as one of my front-rowers. He plays like one - he doesn't play out wide, has 20 carries a game and makes multiple tackles. That lets you take in an extra second-rower. You need some impact off the bench. Size matters, so I'd have Tom Learoyd-Lahrs. I like Tim Mannah too.''
\
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HOOKER - BEN ELIAS
''Robbie Farah. I always go for someone who can do something on the football paddock. He's still shadow for Cameron Smith in the Australian side and I've always been a Farah fan. He offers so much variety around the ruck. I like blokes who can create something for you. I'd have him every day of the week.''
\
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BENCH - GREG FLORIMO
''Chris Heighington is an Origin-style player - he has the mentality and attitude for it. He's ready for it. You need some guys who are going to give you some impact when they get out there. Jamal Idris is one guy I'd have a look at. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs is ready to lift his game to another level. You could put Paul Gallen up to front row and then bring in another back-rower.''
G
Guest
Guest
Hinchcliffe rockets into contention for Blues
Brad Walter
May 8, 2011
Ryan Hinchcliffe … ready for State of Origin if needed.
Ryan Hinchcliffe ... ready for State of Origin if needed. Photo: Getty Images
MELBOURNE utility Ryan Hinchcliffe insists he would be ready for State of Origin if called into the NSW team after a man-of-the-match performance for Country on Friday night.
Hooker, left centre and the utility role off the interchange bench are the only positions that appear undecided after the City-Country match in Albury fulfilled Blues coach Ricky Stuart's hopes of being a virtual selection trial.
Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce and St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward confirmed they would form a reliable NSW scrum-base combination with strong performances on opposite sides, while Newcastle winger Akuila Uate sealed a spot with his 80th-minute try.
Up front, Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway impressed Stuart, while Canterbury's Aiden Tolman turned in another tireless effort and Canberra forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs returned to his powerhouse best.
Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne probably did enough to retain the No.1 jersey ahead of Canberra's Josh Dugan, although a place may be found for both of them after injured Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley was ruled out of Origin I.
Gidley's absence has cast doubts over plans for Dean Young to start at hooker before moving to the back row when the Knights utility came off the interchange bench, and Stuart must now find another player in the Craig Wing or Craig Gower mould, or choose Robbie Farah or Michael Ennis as hooker.
But Hinchcliffe emerged as a potential bolter by winning the man of the match and Country players' awards after being a late call-up when Ennis was ruled out with a rib injury.
A hooker at Canberra before moving to Melbourne three years ago, Hinchcliffe usually plays in the back row or halves at the Storm due to the presence of Cameron Smith.
The 26-year-old could be the answer to Stuart's interchange dilemma, which could also have an impact on whether Jamal Idris plays in the centres or takes a similar role to the one he performed for Australia on Friday night.
''If the opportunity comes up, I would love to,'' Hinchcliffe said. ''Coming into this camp, I sat down with Laurie Daley and he wanted me to play a very basic role in the team, so hopefully I did that.
''Playing under Craig Bellamy, he instils a lot of confidence in you and I think all the Melbourne Storm boys have helped me become a lot better player.
''If the chance came up to play against Cam I would love it, but I am certainly not thinking about that.''
Brad Walter
May 8, 2011
Ryan Hinchcliffe … ready for State of Origin if needed.
Ryan Hinchcliffe ... ready for State of Origin if needed. Photo: Getty Images
MELBOURNE utility Ryan Hinchcliffe insists he would be ready for State of Origin if called into the NSW team after a man-of-the-match performance for Country on Friday night.
Hooker, left centre and the utility role off the interchange bench are the only positions that appear undecided after the City-Country match in Albury fulfilled Blues coach Ricky Stuart's hopes of being a virtual selection trial.
Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce and St George Illawarra five-eighth Jamie Soward confirmed they would form a reliable NSW scrum-base combination with strong performances on opposite sides, while Newcastle winger Akuila Uate sealed a spot with his 80th-minute try.
Up front, Wests Tigers prop Keith Galloway impressed Stuart, while Canterbury's Aiden Tolman turned in another tireless effort and Canberra forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs returned to his powerhouse best.
Parramatta fullback Jarryd Hayne probably did enough to retain the No.1 jersey ahead of Canberra's Josh Dugan, although a place may be found for both of them after injured Newcastle skipper Kurt Gidley was ruled out of Origin I.
Gidley's absence has cast doubts over plans for Dean Young to start at hooker before moving to the back row when the Knights utility came off the interchange bench, and Stuart must now find another player in the Craig Wing or Craig Gower mould, or choose Robbie Farah or Michael Ennis as hooker.
But Hinchcliffe emerged as a potential bolter by winning the man of the match and Country players' awards after being a late call-up when Ennis was ruled out with a rib injury.
A hooker at Canberra before moving to Melbourne three years ago, Hinchcliffe usually plays in the back row or halves at the Storm due to the presence of Cameron Smith.
The 26-year-old could be the answer to Stuart's interchange dilemma, which could also have an impact on whether Jamal Idris plays in the centres or takes a similar role to the one he performed for Australia on Friday night.
''If the opportunity comes up, I would love to,'' Hinchcliffe said. ''Coming into this camp, I sat down with Laurie Daley and he wanted me to play a very basic role in the team, so hopefully I did that.
''Playing under Craig Bellamy, he instils a lot of confidence in you and I think all the Melbourne Storm boys have helped me become a lot better player.
''If the chance came up to play against Cam I would love it, but I am certainly not thinking about that.''
G
Guest
Guest
Mullen has edge in Origin dogfight
Ricky Stuart
From: The Sunday Telegraph
May 08, 2011 12:00AM
AFTER the City-Country game, I walked into the dressing room and pulled Ryan Hinchcliffe aside and thanked him.
"You showed why these games aren't a waste of time," I told him.
"You took your opportunity and you ragdolled it.
"Well done."
In fact, I thanked all the players not only for their performance but for their attitude towards the game on Friday night.
They approached it the right way, which is the way I wanted and what NSW need. They treated the game as a genuine Origin trial.
They have given me a wonderful headache.
I went into the game uncertain about which direction to go in some positions and I've come out of it more certain in some and less certain in others.
Between here and selection day I'll watch the game I don't know how many times and eventually come to a decision which will best suit NSW's plans. A lot of it will be based on what I saw on Friday.
These players showed why City-Country is still important.
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* FULLBACK
During the game I did an interview with Andrew Johns.
Given I was already on the sideline, I headed over to Paul McGregor, the Country trainer, and asked him to tell Josh Dugan that I wanted to see him touch the ball four times in the next three sets.
I like it when Josh Dugan is busy. In fact, both fullbacks play their best football when they are busy and on the ball.
Dugan is an explosive player who plays his best football when he is around the ball, something he shares with Jarryd Hayne.
For his part, Hayne turned the game around, not only with his ability and strength, which we all know is there, but with his guile.
You could see he was trying, that he appreciated it was an Origin trial. He really impressed me with that.
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* OUTSIDE BACKS
Akuila Uate was a standout and really showed how comfortable he is in a representative jersey.
With Brett Morris in Brisbane playing for Australia, we had a chance to have a look at a few of our backline options and, more importantly, give them the chance to say "I'm ready".
Beau Champion really put his hand up until he dislocated his shoulder. Obviously we have Mark Gasnier also, who has been impressive with the Dragons.
Michael Jennings also showed how getting a little quality ball can change your performance.
To be honest, he has struggled a little at the Panthers this season, but with some good clean ball coming his way, he became that player opponents fear.
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* HALVES
Last week, Newcastle coach Rick Stone pointed out a stat to me that showed of all the kickers in the NRL, Jarrod Mullen is on top for hitting the ground with his kicks.
This might seem a bizarre kind of stat, but so much of Origin is about winning the yardage game, which starts with your kicking.
And when Billy Slater is the player returning the ball, you don't want a kicker who is going to let him catch it on the run every time we send it down town.
You want that kept to a minimum.
Probably the biggest headache of all is what to do in the halves.
Mullen and Mitch Pearce were both strong. Jamie Soward played well until he went off injured, and we will have to see what happens there.
Mullen's kicking game was terrific and after the game I made sure to tell him he was right in it as far as selection goes. I also like the fact he can comfortably play five-eighth, one of the real strengths in the modern game.
With so much left and right-side play, most halves are comfortable slipping in at first or second receiver.
Pearce has been a little out of sorts at club level with the Roosters this season, but he really showed his poise in the representative arena with some strong organisation and good defence. And just on Todd Carney. You never say never in rugby league, but I don't think one game next weekend would be enough for Toddy to be ready for Origin I and it would also e an injustice to the players that have worked so hard this season.
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* BACK ROW
Twelve months ago, few had heard of Simon Dwyer. Now he is putting his hand up for Origin, which is what the City-Country game can do.
I thought he was terrific.
In fact, we did well in the backrow. Given Paul Gallen will hold down one spot, the performance of Dwyer and Glenn Stewart, who was the Country selectors' man of the match, was heartening.
Chris Houston has also returned strongly.
The Knights forward keeps performing each week, and his effort on Friday night was one that said we have to take serious notice of him.
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* HOOKERS
Robbie Farah struck up a good combination with Pearce.
He was smart around the ruck and created a lot of attacking opportunities for City - everything we know he is good at.
It was a shame Mick Ennis had to pull out of the match with injury as it would've been good to see Robbie and Mick go head-to-head
I've already told you what I thought of Hinchcliffe.
He prepared himself like we've come to expect from Melbourne players and as a result of that he received the television man of the match and has now thrown a real curly one into the selection room.
* FRONT ROW
After an indifferent start, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs jumped out of the ground. I can't say how impressed I was at how well and how tough he played.
He was very dominant. The way he came out of the line to put a hit on Tim Mannah was exactly the sort of efforts I am looking for to lead the Blues in Origin.
Around him were other strong performances.
Keith Galloway played well. Mannah continued his good club form. Aiden Tolman was his typical self, setting the bar high and staying there.
Dan Hunt put in the kind of performance that made you take notice. He's a very good footballer, this one.
Heading towards the Origin series, there has been a lot of focus on our front row and, at times, some concern. But the City-Country game saw players start to put their hands up.
The trick, in respect to all of these players, is to now find those who have it in them to take the next step up to Origin level.
Origin football is another 40 per cent again on what they played on Friday.
Who has it in their motor? Who has the constitution?
I know what they can do with their talent.
What I'm looking for now is who has that little more?
Ricky Stuart
From: The Sunday Telegraph
May 08, 2011 12:00AM
AFTER the City-Country game, I walked into the dressing room and pulled Ryan Hinchcliffe aside and thanked him.
"You showed why these games aren't a waste of time," I told him.
"You took your opportunity and you ragdolled it.
"Well done."
In fact, I thanked all the players not only for their performance but for their attitude towards the game on Friday night.
They approached it the right way, which is the way I wanted and what NSW need. They treated the game as a genuine Origin trial.
They have given me a wonderful headache.
I went into the game uncertain about which direction to go in some positions and I've come out of it more certain in some and less certain in others.
Between here and selection day I'll watch the game I don't know how many times and eventually come to a decision which will best suit NSW's plans. A lot of it will be based on what I saw on Friday.
These players showed why City-Country is still important.
\
\
\
* FULLBACK
During the game I did an interview with Andrew Johns.
Given I was already on the sideline, I headed over to Paul McGregor, the Country trainer, and asked him to tell Josh Dugan that I wanted to see him touch the ball four times in the next three sets.
I like it when Josh Dugan is busy. In fact, both fullbacks play their best football when they are busy and on the ball.
Dugan is an explosive player who plays his best football when he is around the ball, something he shares with Jarryd Hayne.
For his part, Hayne turned the game around, not only with his ability and strength, which we all know is there, but with his guile.
You could see he was trying, that he appreciated it was an Origin trial. He really impressed me with that.
\
\
\
* OUTSIDE BACKS
Akuila Uate was a standout and really showed how comfortable he is in a representative jersey.
With Brett Morris in Brisbane playing for Australia, we had a chance to have a look at a few of our backline options and, more importantly, give them the chance to say "I'm ready".
Beau Champion really put his hand up until he dislocated his shoulder. Obviously we have Mark Gasnier also, who has been impressive with the Dragons.
Michael Jennings also showed how getting a little quality ball can change your performance.
To be honest, he has struggled a little at the Panthers this season, but with some good clean ball coming his way, he became that player opponents fear.
\
\
\
* HALVES
Last week, Newcastle coach Rick Stone pointed out a stat to me that showed of all the kickers in the NRL, Jarrod Mullen is on top for hitting the ground with his kicks.
This might seem a bizarre kind of stat, but so much of Origin is about winning the yardage game, which starts with your kicking.
And when Billy Slater is the player returning the ball, you don't want a kicker who is going to let him catch it on the run every time we send it down town.
You want that kept to a minimum.
Probably the biggest headache of all is what to do in the halves.
Mullen and Mitch Pearce were both strong. Jamie Soward played well until he went off injured, and we will have to see what happens there.
Mullen's kicking game was terrific and after the game I made sure to tell him he was right in it as far as selection goes. I also like the fact he can comfortably play five-eighth, one of the real strengths in the modern game.
With so much left and right-side play, most halves are comfortable slipping in at first or second receiver.
Pearce has been a little out of sorts at club level with the Roosters this season, but he really showed his poise in the representative arena with some strong organisation and good defence. And just on Todd Carney. You never say never in rugby league, but I don't think one game next weekend would be enough for Toddy to be ready for Origin I and it would also e an injustice to the players that have worked so hard this season.
\
\
* BACK ROW
Twelve months ago, few had heard of Simon Dwyer. Now he is putting his hand up for Origin, which is what the City-Country game can do.
I thought he was terrific.
In fact, we did well in the backrow. Given Paul Gallen will hold down one spot, the performance of Dwyer and Glenn Stewart, who was the Country selectors' man of the match, was heartening.
Chris Houston has also returned strongly.
The Knights forward keeps performing each week, and his effort on Friday night was one that said we have to take serious notice of him.
\
\
* HOOKERS
Robbie Farah struck up a good combination with Pearce.
He was smart around the ruck and created a lot of attacking opportunities for City - everything we know he is good at.
It was a shame Mick Ennis had to pull out of the match with injury as it would've been good to see Robbie and Mick go head-to-head
I've already told you what I thought of Hinchcliffe.
He prepared himself like we've come to expect from Melbourne players and as a result of that he received the television man of the match and has now thrown a real curly one into the selection room.
* FRONT ROW
After an indifferent start, Tom Learoyd-Lahrs jumped out of the ground. I can't say how impressed I was at how well and how tough he played.
He was very dominant. The way he came out of the line to put a hit on Tim Mannah was exactly the sort of efforts I am looking for to lead the Blues in Origin.
Around him were other strong performances.
Keith Galloway played well. Mannah continued his good club form. Aiden Tolman was his typical self, setting the bar high and staying there.
Dan Hunt put in the kind of performance that made you take notice. He's a very good footballer, this one.
Heading towards the Origin series, there has been a lot of focus on our front row and, at times, some concern. But the City-Country game saw players start to put their hands up.
The trick, in respect to all of these players, is to now find those who have it in them to take the next step up to Origin level.
Origin football is another 40 per cent again on what they played on Friday.
Who has it in their motor? Who has the constitution?
I know what they can do with their talent.
What I'm looking for now is who has that little more?
Dwyer sound like a real chance from that. I agree with sticky, I thought Stewart had a colossal game on friday and he has been there before many times.
I think we'll see Stewart Gallen Creagh and possibly Dwyer…
Farah will get hooker
Sauce may get a bench spot.
When is the team announced?
I think we'll see Stewart Gallen Creagh and possibly Dwyer…
Farah will get hooker
Sauce may get a bench spot.
When is the team announced?
happy_tiger
Well-known member
I think last prop spot will come down to Hunt and Sauce Hopefully Sauce has done enough
Black_Orange_White
New member
I would be furious if no tigers get picked and if Ennis gets picked. I will never watch Origin with the same passion.