Who's Playing Who?

It’s that time of year again… Origin. Three of the biggest games of the season determine which state will take bragging rights for the next 12 months. For the last six years, that has been Queensland. But on the eve of the NSW team announcement, Adrian and Matt have come up with sides that they think can end the era of Maroon dominance.

Adrian

1. Brett Stewart

2. Brett Morris

3. Josh Morris

4. Jarryd Hayne

5. Akuila Uate

6. Todd Carney

7. Mitchell Pearce

8. Paul Gallen (c)

9. Robbie Farah

10. James Tamou

11. Greg Bird

12. Anthony Watmough

13. Glenn Stewart

Bench

14. Luke Lewis

15. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

16. Tariq Sims

17. Tony Williams

Comment: When I look at that side, I see points all over the place. I think Stewart is the right man for fullback – he’s over his injury troubles now, and can resume his Origin career. Hayne and Morris in the centres would work well, but I can also see the case for Lawrence. Halves are pretty self-explanatory and Farah returns to the fold at hooker. Now, as for my forwards, I’d have Lewis as my ‘utility’ player. Not so sure about Learoyd-Lahrs, but he has been there before. If they don’t go with him, I can see one of Merrin/Galloway/Woods stepping in. I’d only pick Woods if he was going to be there every match from here on – no point picking him and dropping him when he’s obviously a long-term prospect. Sims and Williams round out my bench. I don’t know if they will go with both, as they’re similar players, but for too long NSW have gone with the ‘safe’ option. Forget that, what have we got to lose? Pick Sims, and if Williams is in good shape physically, throw them both in. They only need to play short bursts, but think of the damage they could cause.

Matt

1. Josh Dugan

2. Jarryd Hayne

3. Michael Jennings

4. Chris Lawrence

5. Akuila Uate

6. Todd Carney

7. Mitchell Pearce

8. Paul Gallen (c)

9. Robbie Farah

10. James Tamou

11. Greg Bird

12. Anthony Watmough

13. Glenn Stewart

Bench

14. Luke Lewis

15. Aaron Woods

16. Tariq Sims

17. Tony Williams

Comment: The major thing here is I’ve gone with Dugan over Stewart at the back. To be honest, I’d be happy with either guy getting picked, I just think that after investing in Dugan last year you could get the pay off now. Jennings being in reserve grade won’t matter, he was playing worse last year at this stage and was awesome in Origin, so pick him, and I think Lawrence and Morris are about even in attack, but Lawrence will handle Inglis a hell of a lot better than J Morris. Hayne is another that lifts for Origin, and I think if he floats around from the wing and searches for the ball he’ll be dangerous. Most of the pack pick themselves and like Adrian, Sims and Williams can cause havoc from the bench. Woods has been one of the form front rowers in the NRL, and deserves a start more than the other props who have tried and failed at this level before. Also, Lewis is the ‘utility’ on the bench, a spot which he really excelled in last year.

Those are our NSW teams – do you think we’ve got it right? Who would you pick? Leave a comment below.