NSW Blues Origin Thread

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Ryan Hoffman could be considered also, I doubt O'Donnell is going to make the squad unless there is injuries, there is far too many better second rowers/locks.
 
bboy_555 said:
Does anyone think that Kidley could be the NSW fullback if he keeps his form up?
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I wouldn't exactly call his form red hot. He was in better form this time last year. Hasn't done anything too fancy this year. He'll have to lift his game.
 
I would go for Mullen and Carney in the halves as they are both young and talented players who are possibly NSW's future halves combination. Even if they don't go well in game 1 keep them there and see how good they become in the next year or two. This means that Buderus would have to stay at hooker to provide some stability in terms of experience so that it isn't too hard on the team as a whole. Unfortunately Farah would probably miss out with Gidley on the bench.

Another thing I think that one second rower should be swapped on the bench for a prop as there is always a problem with 60-80 min players not getting the game time to be effective. Plus props will have more impact.
 
I think if Mateo is available he'll be our Lock
If they go with inexperienced no.7 (Wallace,Mullen,Carney)? they will have a bigger no.6 probably G.Bird or B Anasta (I don't rate Anasta but selectors do).
I think Kidley's got the Utillity spot wrapped up for a while if FIT.
They also need some Large Specailist Front rowers on da bench. So i reckon that our very own BIG Ben Cross should be a shoe in for one of them. They'll also pick Mason IMO
Farrer?????? I think the selectors want him in the team BUT don't know where to put him .
If Kidleys there they'll have three Forwards on the bench with him.So as crazy as it seems seeing as he's in Grrrreat form he may just have to wait one more year or until game 2 ( if we lose ) at least.
 
I think it all starts with the country v city game

so farah(city) v bedsey (country)

where does wallace fit in ?
where is he from?

I'd like to see
6.mullen
7.carney for country
 
Wallace is a Melbourne born lad but grew up playing in the Penrith district, so he would be picked for City.
 
because of our lack of one winger, what do you guys think about Miniciello at fullback and Stewart on the wing? Or the other way around.
 
I don't know who to choose between mini or stewart

stewart was great in his debut game...and mini is always solid

and I'm a little biased but I'd have k.gidley anyway :p
 
I reckon form will prove to be the difference. If both players are in good form then Mini should get the spot, due to his experience.Imo
Gidley should get a bench spot if his form is good
 
Picking the Blues halfback
By Andrew Johns | April 06, 2008 12:00am

ROBBIE Farah for Blues halfback? Let's not go there.

As talented as Farah is, I wouldn't be in favour of throwing the Tigers hooker into a State of Origin game at halfback.

I've never been a fan of picking centres on the wing at that level, let alone a hooker at No.7. The position is too specialised. I just think it would be too big an ask for Farah and too big a risk for the Blues.


By my reckoning, there are seven players in contention for the job with no real favourite. The final decision for coach Craig Bellamy and the selectors will come down to form, combinations and what sort of role Craig wants his No.7 to play.

Who plays five-eighth may influence who is named at halfback. Here is my take on the main contenders.

Brett Finch
THE big thing going for Finchy is we all know the occasion won't get to him. He has been there before and has won the Blues a game with a golden-point field goal. He wouldn't be afraid to boss the side around and has a strong kicking game. He seems to be playing with a lot more maturity and a lot more patience with the Eels.

Peter Wallace
NOT the dark horse many people might think because his form for the Broncos has put him in the mix. With Darren Lockyer on the sideline, he has taken control of matches with his kicking and passing. Will also know first-hand many of the players NSW will face.

Todd Carney
NOT a star of the future because I think he's a star now. Has a lot of pressure on him at the Raiders as their go-to man but has thrived with the added responsibility. I like the way he is able to construct games and carry out his coach's plan, and he has the added string of being strong and quick. His massive 40-20 against the Dragons last week was the most influential moment of the game. Has the class to pull it off in Origin.

Jarrod Mullen
He has the added advantage of tasting Origin football last season so you know if he is picked, he will know what to expect. I know Peter Sterling has been watching him closely in games this season and raves about some of his touches. His combination with Danny Buderus could be a factor.

Matt Orford
Would have had the selectors taking notice on Monday night with a sensational game against the Warriors. It was his passing at the defensive line that caught my eye. Has probably burnt himself in the past with an average performance in a crucial game or at a crucial time. Don't rule him out this time.

Brett Kimmorley
The veteran of the field but a great competitor. If the selectors play it a little safer and go with experience, Noddy has been there plenty of times before and will know better than anyone what it is all about.

Mitchell Pearce
I doubt he'll get his chance this season but it's not a matter of if for this kid but when. His performance against the Bulldogs on Friday night was outstanding for a young bloke in a big game, which showed he can handle the occasion. He comes from good stock and has all the attributes. He's tough, takes the ball to the line, is quick and has a great kicking game. His potential is scary.
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By Joey - DT
 
I just finished reading that in the paper. Everyone seems keen that Mullen would fit comfortably but also think that Carney could play well. But I agree with Joey, Farah at halfback is a half-baked option.
 
knight-no-7 said:
Good to see they are keeping a close watch on Mullen. But tbh, Mullen needs more time.
Bird should get the 5/8th IMO.
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Yea him or Anasta.

I suppose the halfback spot depends who you pick in other positions like hooker, fullback and five eighth.

I really think they need a ball playing halfback and running type five eighth, rather then two playmakers.
 
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HE'S the Blues' saviour direct from Brisbane. The Broncos' Peter Wallace is suddenly the hot favourite to play halfback for NSW in Origin I.

Unwanted by the Panthers last year, Wallace joined the Broncos in the off-season and is now $3.25 top pick to wear the Sky Blue No.7 against the Maroons at ANZ Stadium on May 21.

While Parramatta's Brett Finch, Manly's Mat Orford, Sharks veteran Brett Kimmorley, Canberra's Todd Carney and injured duo Jarrod Mullen (Newcastle) and Robbie Farah (Tigers) all have claims, Lasseters chief bookmaker Gerard Daffy believes red-headed Wallace, 22, has his nose in front.

"I wouldn't say it is a done deal yet, but the form Wallace has showed makes him the obvious favourite for mine,'' Daffy said. "The game is still a month out and players, and teams, can go in and out of form between then but he has really stood up this year.''
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Source: DT

Only a fool would put money on Mullen, Farah and Gidley.
 
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