This series is really starting to excite me.
2012 was a fantastic series with both game 1 and 2 being decided due to the sinbinning of Jennings and Cronk respectively, some controversial calls, some heroics from Farah, Brent Tate being denied in the ingoal area and the atmosphere of ANZ stadium.
Game 3 came down to the wire with QLD running away early only to have NSW claw their way back into it and level the scores with about 10 to go. Cronk's field goal was the difference.
It was awesome stuff.
This year looks to be a lay down masiare for the maroons due to the fact that all our stars are in top form for their clubs whilst the NSW stars are struggling somewhat. That being said, this is origin and players take it up a level when they put on these jerseys. NSW have 2 home games and that is a huge advantage as they will pack out both games with 80 000 screaming fans. Game 2 was won last year due to the crowd. NSW will have to bring a supercharged effort this year though as the usual suspects for the maroons - Smith, JT, Ingliss and Slater (all future immortals without a shadow of a doubt), are on fire. Add to them Cronk who has been in outstanding form for ages now and our attack is looking lethal once again. Only one NSWelshman made the Australian backline last weekend and this indicates that NSW have to change who they rate as competitive backs.
For mine, the back 3 for NSW has to be Hayne, Uate and Merrit. Here you have the blinding speed and talent of the wingers who are both sensational finishers mixed with the x factor of the fullback who always delivers on the big stage. Morris is the incumbent but has proven time and again he doesnt have what it takes at this level and even though Stewart is playing well for Manly, he doesnt have that spark that Hayne has.
The centers have to be Jennings and Morris however I would lean towards Jarrod Croker. I know people will scoff at me suggesting Croker but hear me out. Last year was a good one for this bloke and he is playing well again so far this season. He was right up the top in all stats as a center last year and who could forget that game against us when he was facing 2 possible SOO centers and blew them off the park recording 250 meters in attack, 2 tries and a dozen tackle breaks? He is also an extremely reliable goal kicker.
The halves for NSW have been their achilies heel since Stuart, Joey, Fittler and Daley exited the scene. What used to be a strength is now a weakness. For me it is easier to say who shouldnt be there. Mitch Pearce is a dreadful SOO player. He has had 9 or 10 cracks now and been very poor. Carney was no good either last year and hasnt shown much this year so far either. No one is really setting the world on fire in these positions but the closest is A. Reynolds and Maloney. I think Reynolds may be a bit too green still and would like to see what he does with this huge Souths pack throughout 2013 before locking him in as a convincing contender. That being said, he is a tank of a player, has the toughness and the kicking game required and is playing well this year after having a great 2012\. Maloney has been solid but didnt fire in the City v Country match so he is still a worry. Qlds back 3 are very good returners of the ball therefore an intelligent kicking game is required. QLDs halves are magicians and good ball runners so defence is also of high importance. I am not totally convinced with my selections here but I am going to say Reynolds as halfback and for 5/8 I would go with Greg Bird. NSW have a strong forward pack and even though Birdey is a certainty for a second row spot, He could be moved without too much hassle to the lineup. He has played and scored man of the match performances in the number 6 before for NSW, is an aggressive and skillful competitor and would put huge pressure on JT in defence and attack.
NSW dont have much of a worry with their forwards at the moment they have been competitive for a while now and the likes of Tamou, Farah, Grant, Gallen, Lewis, Watmough will always give their all, aided by new comers such as Woods, Sims, Mateo and Cordner and old timers like Mason and Hoffman they have a huge stockpile to choose from.
I have only concentrated with the backs here and for mine the 2013 NSW backline for game 1 should be;
1-Hayne
2-Uate
3-Jennings
4-Morris (Croker on standby)
5-Merritt
6-Bird
7-Reynolds.
