Your NSW Origin Side for 2013

[MattyM]

1. Hayne/Gordon/Stewart*
2. Brett Morris
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Akuila Uate
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. James Tamou
9. Robbie Farah
10. Paul Gallen
11. Luke Lewis
12. Greg Bird
13. Anthony Watmough

14. Trent Merrin
15. Andrew Fifita
16. Aaron Woods
17. Willie Mason/Tim Mannah

 

[packo]

Ferguson can get bent, he isn't origin material.

 

[stiggy]

1. Michael Gordon (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
2. Brett Morris (St. George Illawarra Dragons)/Akuila Uate (Newcastle Knights)
3. Michael Jennings (Sydney Roosters)
4. Josh Morris (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
5. James McManus (Newcastle Knights)
6. Todd Carney (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
7. Mitchell Pearce (Sydney Roosters)
8. James Tamou (North Queensland Cowboys)
9. Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
10. Willie Mason (Newcastle Knights)
11. Ryan Hoffman (Melbourne Storm)
12. Luke Lewis (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
13. Paul Gallen (c) (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
14. Ryan Hinchcliffe (Melbourne Storm)
15. Jamal Idris (Gold Coast Titans)
16. Andrew Fifita (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)
17. Shaun Fensom (Canberra Raiders)

- - - Updated - - -

When are people gonna get the idea you can't play one good game and then be selected for Origin? One minute Ferguson's in no ones squad, then after Canberra's win he's everywhere.

- - - Updated - - -

And kind of off topic, but I was looking at a Word document I wrote a month or so a go of my predicted Origin squad and I'm shocked to see how my selections have changed in such a sort time. Kind of regretting posting my team article now haha

 

[Afro Zac]

1. Michael Gordon
2. Jarryde Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Brett Morris
6. James Maloney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. James Tamou
9. Robbie Farah
10. Tim Grant
11. Greg Bird
12. Luke Lewis
13. Paul Gallen

14. Wade Grahm
15. Anthony Watmough
16. Aaron Woods
17. Trent Merrin

18. Andrew Fifita

 

[Aidos]

I can't stand the bloke but Ferguson is a gun. When he's given some good ball he's a huge threat. He obviously won't get a ton of opportunities in Origin, but I' don't see any particular faults in his game either besides his attitude at times which seems fine now. I'd definitely go with Brett Morris instead if he is available, but if he's not then I hardly see many better options. McManus is definitely one but I think he'll be ignored unfortunately because of his Origin debut. Taufua the other, but I still think he's another year away. Gordon's a viable option, I guess.

 

[packo]

1.gordon
2. Hayne
3 Jennings
4 cooper, unless he is retired is go Morris
5 McManus
6 carney
7 Pearce
8 woods
9 farah
10 tamou
11 Lewis
12 bird
13 gallen

14 graham
15 fifita
16 merrin
17 watmough

- - - Updated - - -

I can't stand the bloke but Ferguson is a gun. When he's given some good ball he's a huge threat. He obviously won't get a ton of opportunities in Origin, but I' don't see any particular faults in his game either besides his attitude at times which seems fine now. I'd definitely go with Brett Morris instead if he is available, but if he's not then I hardly see many better options. McManus is definitely one but I think he'll be ignored unfortunately because of his Origin debut. Taufua the other, but I still think he's another year away. Gordon's a viable option, I guess.

I just don't think he is tough enough, I barely see him hit up out if his own end for the raiders.

 

[stiggy]

He's a gun when he wants to be, just like Dugan. When he wants to play well he will, but the next week hell come out and look like he's got better things to do. Plus I doubt hell be selected on the wing, he wasn't playing so flash for Canberra there so if he were to be in the squad I would think it would have to be in the centres

- - - Updated - - -

Interesting choice in Cooper. What's your reasoning with that one?

 

[packo]

He's a gun when he wants to be, just like Dugan. When he wants to play well he will, but the next week hell come out and look like he's got better things to do. Plus I doubt hell be selected on the wing, he wasn't playing so flash for Canberra there so if he were to be in the squad I would think it would have to be in the centres

- - - Updated - - -

Interesting choice in Cooper. What's your reasoning with that one?

Purely his defence, it's no secret he is the best in his position, and if Lyon was available I'd have cooper/Lyon. Cooper isn't going to burn QLD, but his experience and chat is invaluable for defending their backs

 

[Junior11]

If Ferguson or Merritt get picked I will not watch the game. I'd rather have Minichiello at fullback with Uate and Hayne on the wings or Hayne at fullback with Uate and McManus on the wings.

 

[rhugh89]

Peter Sterling says South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt has earned his chance at State of Origin

By Peter Sterling
Daily Telegraph
May 09, 2013 12:00am

AT the end of the 2006 season South Sydney's Nathan Merritt was positioned at the top of that year's try-scoring list. No great surprise for a man considered one of the game's best finishers at 23 years of age and in his fifth season of first grade.

Except for the startling fact that his team finished with the dreaded wooden spoon.
The Rabbits won a meagre three matches from the 24 contested, yet their winger was able to lead the field with 22 touchdowns next to his name.
Manly's Brett Stewart was next best, two behind.
Merritt's achievement was truly remarkable.
From his debut against the Warriors in 2002, Nathan has always shown an uncanny knack for getting the ball over the line.
He boasts a stunning strike-rate of 146 tries in 208 matches. With nine already under his belt this year in a powerful Souths line-up, he is a realistic chance of overtaking the club record of 29 in a season set by Les Brennan way back in the 1950s.

Actually, I should not use the word "boast" in a sentence when talking about Nathan because there are few more modest or unassuming individuals in the game. Suffice to say that he is no Wendell Sailor.

Nathan Merritt at Souths training. Picture: Brett Costello




However, it does the Alexandria Rovers junior an injustice to only concentrate on his try-scoring feats because he is much more than just a finisher.
Nathan is a complete footballer whose work off the ball is equally as impressive as when he has it in his hands.
His reading and cover of dangerous situations is astute, he is constantly looking for work well away from his left flank and defensively his positioning and communication is first class.
In recent weeks, centre Bryson Goodwin has been receiving plenty of deserved wraps for his work against dangerous opponents.
His effort to close down Manly's Jamie Lyon three weeks ago was highly effective, but don't underestimate the support he was given by the man on his outside.
Centres and wingers must work in tandem and the Souths duo are definitely in tune.
So if Merritt has all these outstanding attributes, why is it that he has not yet represented at a higher level than City Origin or Prime Minister's XIII.

His name has certainly been mentioned in Origin dispatches almost annually without ever getting the nod.
The reason it would seem is that for many years now NSW have had a preoccupation with picking big, powerful flankers whose size and strength have been essential requirements.
If you look back through recent Origin campaigns, the likes of Brett Morris, Akuila Uate, Jarryd Hayne, Joel Monaghan, David Williams, Anthony Quinn, Matt King, Eric Grothe jnr and Timana Tahu all fit into that category.
There have been a few exceptions, with Steve Turner, Hazem El Masri, Michael Gordon and Newcastle's James McManus all being given a debut game each.
However, the Blues definitely favour athletic wingers with plenty of size because much of Origin is about bringing the ball out of corners from on your own line. The success in that early carry then determines the quality of the following set of six.
This tends to carry as much, if not more, importance than the finishing expertise of a winger, although that also carries plenty of attraction.
With incumbent Blues winger Brett Morris having arthroscopic knee surgery yesterday, Nathan's name has again been mentioned as a possible replacement if the Dragon flyer fails to recover in time for the opening Origin contest on June 5.
Being a fellow left-sided player, Merritt would be a leading alternative as a replacement option.
However, if Morris overcomes the knee problem in time, I would hate to think that Merritt would drop out of consideration for selection on the other side of the field because he doesn't play there at club level.
This would be particularly hard to fathom when you consider that Jarryd Hayne has played a number of games for NSW on the wing despite not even occupying that position for Parramatta.
If a player understands the game he will have absolutely no problem getting the job done on either side of the field, whether he plays there regularly or not, and if you watch the anticipation and positioning associated with Nathan Merritt's performances on a weekly basis, then it is clear that he "knows" the game.
It is why he is instrumental in stopping as many tries as he scores.
I understand that Origin is a different beast and that selectors tend to look for important and defined traits for this confrontation that aren't necessarily the most obvious.
It is also clear that the Rabbitohs star is not built like Manu Vatuvei or now possesses the pure speed of an Akuila Uate.
However, what also should not be overlooked is that to beat Queensland the Blues ultimately need to stop and score more points than their opposition and I'm certain Nathan Merritt would prove particularly advantageous in both departments.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-state-of-origin/story-e6frext9-1226637873521






- - - Updated - - -

Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart thinks Jarryd Hayne is ready to step in as NSW fullback in State of Origin I

By Paul Crawley
Daily Telegraph
May 09, 2013 12:00am


RICKY Stuart won't come out and say it directly - but take it as fact that he thinks Jarryd Hayne is ready to step up as fullback for NSW in the Origin opener on June 5.

In the wake of Brett Stewart's back injury, NSW yesterday went searching for a fullback replacement and Hayne was pretty much the last one standing.
With Josh Dugan still missing in action, it's understood the job is now Hayne's to lose.
Stuart was yesterday asked if Hayne was ready to take over at No.1 in Origin.
Think back to 2011, when the then NSW coach created controversy when he selected Dugan ahead of Hayne as the Blues fullback because he didn't think Hayne had the right type of game, or work ethic, to do the job justice.

"I think five-eighth is his best position," Stuart said at the time. "That is just me as a coach."
Stuart was reluctant yesterday to tell Laurie Daley how to pick his team, but the Parramatta coach revealed why he has changed his mind on Hayne as a fullback.
And it is all about work ethic and energy.
"Three years ago, when I thought Jarryd Hayne was a better five-eighth option, it was because he wasn't playing the fullback role I want my fullback to play," Stuart said.
"At the moment, I can't be more happy with the work he is doing off the football and he is growing with his amount of touches every week."
His game last Saturday night against North Queensland was the perfect example of how Hayne is trying to take his game to another level.
While his attacking statistics might not yet be where Stuart would like them to be, his defensive efforts to keep Parramatta in the game spoke volumes for his attitude and commitment.
He saved three certain tries with ball-and-all tackles on the line and on several other occasions cleaned up other attacking movements with outstanding anticipation.

BRETT STEWART

Manly fullback Brett Stewart is unlikely to be fit for State of Origin I. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph



People often talk about what separates Melbourne Storm and Queensland champion Billy Slater from his peers, qualities that make him probably the best fullback to play the game.
Slater's class has as much to do with his preparation and work ethic as his brilliant anticipation and attacking wizardry.
They say Slater does his homework on the opposition like no other fullback in the game and then he backs it up with his high-energy game and tremendous anticipation on kick returns.
This is where Stuart always believed Hayne's game needed to grow and, week by week, he reckons the Parramatta fullback is edging closer to the mark.
While Hayne's recent efforts don't rate up there with his own heroics from his 2009 Dally M-winning season, Stuart can see signs the enigmatic Eel is taking his game in the direction it should be heading.
"That was his best game at fullback, for me, since I've been here," Stuart said of his effort against the Cowboys.
"His work off the ball, his positioning on Johnathan Thurston grubber kicks - he is doing a lot of work off the football to put himself in a position where he is effective.
"The reason I have kept Jarryd at fullback is because he is playing the way I want him to play at fullback.
"He needs high quantity touches.
"If he does that, then the more dangerous we are as a football team."
But Stuart point blank refused to offer any selection advice to Daley.
You can safely assume his stance has something to do with the ugly war of words he had with Tim Sheens last year when the Kangaroos coach publicly criticised some of the selection decisions made by the Blues.
But as for backing his fullback to be the No. 1 man for NSW, Stuart wouldn't back him out either.
"Look, I'm not going to talk about Origin, but if you are asking me if I am happy with the way Jarryd is going with us, yes I am," Stuart said.
"In fairness to Laurie, it is not my job to be commenting on Origin positions.
"But I am more than happy with how Jarryd is working at his job for us."



http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...tate-of-origin-i/story-e6frexv9-1226637893457





- - - Updated - - -

Canberra Raiders winger Blake Ferguson emerges as NSW State of Origin wildcard



By Dean Ritchie
Daily Telegraph
May 09, 2013 12:00am


CONTROVERSIAL Raider Blake Ferguson has gone from park football to Origin wildcard in the space of two months, with the Canberra match-winner now firmly on the Blues' radar.

A back injury has ruled Manly fullback Brett Stewart out of the Origin opener at ANZ Stadium and St George Illawarra winger Brett Morris is in serious doubt after knee surgery.

Manly yesterday revealed Stewart will be sidelined for five weeks with a chipped bone in his back, paving the way for Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne to claim the Blues' No. 1 jersey for the Origin opener on June 5.



Both wing spots could now be vacant after Morris had arthroscopic surgery yesterday to remove torn cartilage.

"We expect his rehabilitation time frame to be between two to four weeks dependent on how he recovers from surgery," Dragons high performance director Andrew Gray said yesterday.

NATHAN MERRITT

South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt is another contender for an Origin place. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph





Ferguson has emerged as a challenger to Souths' Nathan Merritt and Newcastle's Akuila Uate for the wing roles.

Manly's Jorge Taufua is also in the mix.

Ferguson has been in brilliant form for the Raiders since being sent back to play for Mount Pritchard in the NSW Cup following the pineapple breezer scandal that resulted in Josh Dugan being sacked from the club.

He also walked out of an emerging Blues camp before the start of the season without telling coach Laurie Daley.

However, his transformation has been so complete that Canberra coach David Furner yesterday said Ferguson's would be a perfect fit for State of Origin.


AKUILA UATE

Newcastle Knights speedster Akuila Uate is also in the frame. Picture: Liam Driver Source: The Daily Telegraph





"He is aggressive with the ball and without the ball," Furner said. "The harder the game, the better Blake goes. He has great versatility and can play wing, centre and fullback. He can also kick goals."

Daley, of course, would have to be comfortable Ferguson would fit into the team environment. The pair had a clear-the-air chat in February after Ferguson left the camp for emerging Blues players.

"He's highly thought of, but you've got to make sure you're the complete package if you want to have success. The world's his oyster if he wants it to be, he's such a mighty talent," Daley said at the time.

Ferguson has been dominant playing at right centre and will get a further chance to press his claims on Sunday against Newcastle.BRETT MORRIS

Dragons winger Brett Morris is set to miss State of Origin I after having surgery on an injured knee. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph





Daley was reluctant to discuss Origin positions yesterday, but he did express his disappointment at losing Stewart for game one.

"It's a blow, no doubt," Daley said. "I feel disappointed for Brett, I know how much he was looking forward to playing in the opening game."He played all three matches last year and was very dangerous. He scored a couple of tries. Brett is a popular member of the side so I know his teammates will be disappointed.

"He just seems to have picked up an injury at the wrong time. We will continue to push forward.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-origin-wildcard/story-e6frexv9-1226637903234

 

[stiggy]

So Blake Ferguson plays one good game and suddenly he's Origin material?

 

[josh2010]

Edit if Bmoz is out
1 Hayne I think he is the FLB NSW needs to win. Always performs for NSW and with Stewart out he needs to play FLB
2 Uate With Hayne Shifting to FLB Uate is a Must. Powerful and Fast and can create something out of nothing. One of the best if not the best Winger in the game.
3 Jennings In great form and Probably NSW's Best Centre apart from Lyon whi is retired from Rep Footy. He also holds a great Combo with my 2 Selected and club Team mates hales
4 Jmoz The Next best Center for NSW. Played great last year and is a must
5 Bmoz A great Winger who knows how to score tries. Played a good game last year As well.
6 Maloney The Form 5/8 of the comp atm. Great Running game and Passing game and forms a great Partnership with Pearce and Maloney.
7 Pearce Played Decent last year i thought and with NSW close to winning (Should have won if you ask me but thats another story) he deserves another shot. Again good partnership with Maloney and Jennings
8 Tamou Probably the 2nd best prob in the gaame behind team mate Matt Scott. he is a must
9 Farah Played awesome last year and was NSW's best player. Only real option to have at Hooker
10 Gallen NSW's best option with the lack of FRF's imo is Gallen at FRF and then Shifting to 2rf during the game.
11 Lewis In Red hot form atm and picks him self. Will be in most teams but usually off the bench. But with me selecting Gall at FRF Lewis is a great replacement to start and NSW will only gain attack with him there from the Start
12 Stewart Picks Himself. Always Selected and Never lets down.
13 Bird As Stewart
14 Merrin Can Cover FRF and Lock and in good form with Dragons. Diserves another shot.
15 Watmough As Stewart
16 Woods Great form and probably Tigers 2nd best player atm behind Farah. needs too be picked.
17 Fifita/Mason Can't go Wrong with either. Both in great form. If your looking for Power then Mason needs to be picked. If your looking for Spark off the bench then Fifita.
18 Merritt Great form and leading the try scoring atm. Wouldn't complain at all if he was to be picked. Think most are surprised to not see him play already

 

[MattyM]

As much as I'd love to see McManus back in the NSW side, I don't think he'd have a chance, unless of course Uate, Morris, Gordon, Hayne or Merritt picked up injuries. The skillful and reliable players never seemed to get recognised over the 'big name' players who don't perform well at the top level besides Hayne and maybe J Morris. He'll get a chance sometime in the future, I HOPE.

- - - Updated - - -

I don't think G Stewart should be selected in game one to be honest, with his injury he hasn't had enough game time to show that he's up to Origin standard. Me personally, I think Watmough should be starting in the second-row.

 

[stiggy]

I disagree with Gallen at Prop. He has said time and time again he doesn't enjoy playing there, and I think his full potential could be used at Lock, with Bird taking Stewart's spot in the Second Row. As for Fullback I think Gordon is a much better option.

 

[GODLEY]

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Akuila Uate
6. Todd Carney/James Maloney
7. Mitchel Pearce
8. James Tamou
9. Robbie Farah
10. Paul Gallen
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Ryan Hinchcliffe
13. Greg Bird

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Luke Lewis
16. Willie Mason
17. Trent Merrin

18. Aaron Woods

The only problem i see defensively is if Jenko and Uate are on the same edge they'll get targeted alot and conceed alot of points IMO!
Would still have Carney as my 1st choice 5/8, played with Pearce before and has that Origin experience already!
If Maloney gets picked itll be a one off game for him if we lose! Then he'll be in the shadows like Mullen!

 

[rhugh89]

Mad Dog Adam MacDougall backs Newcastle Knights flyer Akuila Uate for State of Origin

By Josh Massoud
Daily Telegraph
May 10, 2013 12:00am


BLUES selectors have been urged to rescue the credibility of City-Country as an Origin selection trial and rush Akuila Uate straight back into the NSW side for game one.

Uate was the stand-out three-quarter in last month's much-maligned encounter, scoring a try, setting-up the match-winner and preventing a last-minute equaliser with a desperate tackle on opposite number Jorge Taufua.
Former NSW flanker Adam MacDougall last night said the five-star performance must place the Fijian flyer ahead of Nathan Merritt, Blake Ferguson and Taufua in the pecking order of replacements for injured incumbents Brett Stewart and Brett Morris.
And Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett has also spoken out in favour of Uate, claiming the 25-year-old must be re-installed on form after last year's axing.
"He's playing a lot better than at this time last year - and they picked him last year," Bennett said. "He's getting better and better each week and the last month is the best football I've seen him play.

"Last year, he came back from the Kangaroo tour with injury and struggled with that.
"But he's had a proper pre-season and my only regret is that he doesn't touch the ball with every set of six."
From his discussions with Queensland players, MacDougall is assured that Maroons playmakers don't want Uate on the receiving end of their downfield kicks.
But MacDougall, who played inside Uate at the Knights before his retirement in 2011, is also concerned about the impact on City-Country's relevance should Uate be overlooked.
Taufua had a strong game in Coffs Harbour, but Merritt was quiet and Ferguson missed the game with a fractured cheekbone.

Akuila Uate in action during City-Country. Picture: Tim Hunter




"It would dilute the credibility of City-Country if Aku missed out," MacDougall said.
"The whole idea of the game is to test the players at a higher level. Aku was easily the best winger on the field that day, and I just about thought he was the best player.
"If they don't use that fixture to pick the best players, then it shouldn't be there.
"They should just make it a game about promoting the game in Country areas, rather than an Origin selection trial."
NSW coach Laurie Daley and selection adviser Bob Fulton both travelled to Coffs Harbour to watch the game.
Daley has previously expressed his admiration for how professionally Uate handled his axing prior to last year's decider. Uate recently admitted he'd learned from his failings in defence.
"I know I stuffed up," he said. "I can't keep thinking about what I've done wrong in Origin. I'm not one of those whingeing players that sooks about it and goes nowhere, I told him I was fine and wanted to play for NSW (in 2013)."


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...-state-of-origin/story-e6frexq9-1226638878444

 

[Junior11]

Paul Kent said Uate won't get selected because of his defence and Merritt will be there because of his ability to sniff out a try lol probably the the stupidest thing he's ever said

 

[Aidos]

Paul Kent said Uate won't get selected because of his defence and Merritt will be there because of his ability to sniff out a try lol probably the the stupidest thing he's ever said

Daley is a hypocrite then because Merritt's defence isn't great either.

He went missing in CvC and against Manly. He doesn't aim up in the big games.

But.. but he scores tries lol.

- - - Updated - - -

Is Kent saying that with his opinion, or Daleys?

 

[Junior11]

Exactly, Merritt's defence is no more special than Uate's, plus he's half the size of Akuila he's just going to get steamrolled all night. At least Uate offers more than just finishing tries, he makes things happen himself, he takes powerful hit ups to help out the forwards and makes huge metres, he's always a threat when he has the footy and scores tries in much better fashion. Look at CvC, you wouldn't have even noticed Merritt out there with other rep players but Uate carved up, scored a try, set up the eventual match winner and saved a match winner. He's 100 times the winger Merritt is.

- - - Updated - - -

Is Kent saying that with his opinion, or Daleys?

Well he was saying what he had news on and that was one of the things he talked about but I don't think he was 100% sure

 

[Afro Zac]

I actually hope they pick Merritt now, just to shut up all the Souths fans and whoever else up. Merritt will get steamed roll all night with the like of Inglis/Hodges running him and the QLD forwards will be licking there lips all night. God Merritt's overrated as hell! Put him in a team like Parra or Penrith then come back to me to see if you still are considering him for that wing spot.

As Junior said Merritt goes missing in big game, defense is ppretty much the same as Uate. Merritt can catch a ball from the likes of Inglis and Reynolds and run a few meters to score? So could Everingham and Joel Reddy, put them on the winger for NSW.

Neither Uate or Merritt should get picked, but who would you rather running at you full tilt? Uate or Merritt?