Rugby League - State of Origin My Blues Side Part 2

In my previous blog I named my 1-7 for the NSW Blues for this years State of Origin Series. I have them lining up as follows:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Brett Morris
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce

Today I will reveal my 8-17 as well as my prediction for this years series.

Front Row - Paul Gallen and Aaron Woods

Paul Gallen is normally a backrower however with Blues front row stocks seemingly low I have him playing in the front row. He has won a man of the match reward in the front row and plays in the middle of the park anyway. Aaron Woods is only 22 and playing for the struggling Wests Tigers yet he is the form front rower of the comp. He is in the starting side as history shows its easier for a debutant front rower to get involved if he starts the game.

Hooker - Robbie Farah

The best hooker from NSW. Was named the NSW player of the series last year and if he didn't play for a inconsistent club side he might be known as the best in the comp.

Second Row - Greg Bird and Ryan Hoffman

Greg Bird is in great form and represented Australia last month as well as being an incumbent from last years series. Ryan Hoffman has not played for NSW since 2009, however he has represented Australia in recent times. He was man of the match in the city country fixture and would be the form front rower in the side.

Lock Forward - Luke Lewis

Another incumbent. Although he had a change of clubs in the off season he is still the same player. He has been a cornerstone of the Blues pack for years and that won't be changing anytime soon.

Bench - Kurt Gidley, Anthony Watmough, James Tamou and Trent Merrin

Kurt Gidley nabs the bench utility spot on experience (he is a former blues captain) and versatility  He can cover the whole back line (1-7) and can play hooker and lock forward. Anthony Watmough is a proven performer off the bench for the Blues and will add impact when he is injected into the game. James Tamou made his debut last year, and although he is a Kiwi and changed allegiances to Australia just so he could play State of Origin, he is still a great prop and will deserve his selection. Trent Merrin, along with Aaron Woods beat out Tim Grant, Tim Mannah and Willie Mason for the two free front row spots. Trent Merrin played previously for the Blues under Ricky Stuart. However he was never able to make his mark. He is currently playing better than ever and looks ready to prove his worth in the rep scene.


So here's the team:

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Blake Ferguson
5. Brett Morris
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen (c)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Aaron Woods
11. Greg Bird
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Luke Lewis

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Anthony Watmough
16. James Tamou
17. Trent Merrin

And now for my prediction. 2-1 to the Blues. Finally NSW will claim a series, at least that's what my heart says. My brain is still undecided.

-William Le Messurier-

Rugby League - State of Origin My Blues Side

State of Origin, the on and off field pinnacle of our game, is fast approaching. The NSW Blues will be looking to end a 7 year losing streak to the Queensland Maroons. Last year under Ricky Stuart we came closer to a winning series than we had in the previous 6 attempts. Now under the coaching of Laurie Daley we look to improve on that with a series win. The following blog will contain the Blues team I would select and why.

Fullback - Brett Stewart

He is the incumbent from last years series, and although he is not in the same class as the two Maroon fullbacks Billy Slater and Greg Inglis he did a fine job last year and there are no other NSW fullbacks in better form.

Wingers - Jarryd Hayne and Brett Morris

I know I know, no Nathan Merrit again? Yes he is the form winger in the comp but he still does not deserve to be selected ahead of these two. Brett Morris was is the incumbent for both NSW and Australia, did a good job of replacing Akuila Uate in last years series. Whilst Jarryd Hayne is a proven performer for NSW on the wing and has been an institution of the NSW side for many years. Sorry Nathan but to quote the line from Happy Gilmore "Better luck next year".

Centres - Michael Jennings and Blake Ferguson

In the centres I have the incumbent Michael Jennings who is in great form for his new club the Sydney Roosters and has the attacking game which can really trouble the Maroons defence. Whilst my other centre is unlikely to be selected, he should be. Josh Morris, although a great centre, doesn't quite have the x-factor of the Raiders' Ferguson. Blake has been in career best form in a struggling team and paired with Michael Jennings could create the attacking centre pairing NSW has been waiting for,

Five Eighth - Todd Carney

Firstly I'll tell you why his rivals missed out. Josh Reynolds missed the city country game which hurts his chances but also compared to Todd Carney and James Maloney he is too inexperienced in games of this magnitude. He did not set the world on fire during his grand final appearance last year. James Maloney had a shocker in the city country game and has only been able to put his foot forward when his team is running a muck on a low down rival. Todd Carney is the incumbent, and he showed on the weekend in the Sharks golden point win over Newcastle that he is over his injury and he's still got it.

Halfback - Mitchell Pearce

This was a two horse race between Pearce and Adam Reynolds. Mitchell won out due to his experience in the Blues team and his proven combination with both Todd Carney and the hooker (to be revealed in the next blog). Adam although talented needs to prove his worth in a struggling team to be chosen over Pearce who can shine whether his team is up by 20 or down by 40.


Well that's the 1-7 of the Blues team, in the next installment the forward pack, bench and a prediction on this years series will be revealed.

- William Le Messurier -