NSW Announce Side for Origin 1 - My 6 Thoughts
1. Fittler Rings the Changes
Brad Fittler has always thrived on being a bit whacky and a bit different. However it is clear in his demeanour and in his commentary he is also a student of the game and was always going to shack things up in terms of selection. NSW sides over the past five years under Laurie Daley have largely been uninspiring, based on loyalty to players of previous losing seasons, as they drifted from one series loss to another without may repercussions. They often picked a side not to lose rather then a side to win. It's clear this year Freddie wants to usher in a new era, as most coaches like to do when taking over any job. Gone are most of the players with the battle scars of series losses to Queensland. In are some of the form players of the NRL who are fresh but also raw. Whatever happens it is bound to be an interesting ride with so many untested players in this most demanding arena.
2. Backline Full of Pace but Questions Remain
NSW outside backs are there for their attacking ability and not necessarily their defensive fortitude or grit. This is a side that has devastating potential, however also contains players that will be tested when on the back foot, or in making defensive decisions in the line, or under the high ball. In the outside backs, debutants Tom Trbojevic, James Roberts, Latrell Mitchell and Josh Addo-Carr are all known for their speed and ability be destructive with the football. Whilst it is refreshing to see a side brimming full of pace and power, Origin can be as much about saving tries as scoring them, so it will be interning to see how these guys go when the pressure is applied, or they're not on the front foot.
3. Cook Earnt His Spot
I think most had Cameron McInnes locked in at hooker a month ago, however Damien Cook's form has been irresistible. His running game is reminiscent of Craig Wing at his best who was so effective for the NSW backline in the early 2000's. However Cook will have to make 50 plus tackles and that often numbed the attacking threat of guys like Robbie Farah, Michael Ennis and Nathan Peats who played for the Blues over the past decade. Dynamic speed and power is a great asset, however Cook will need to also provide a cool head and make his tackles, as there is specialist Number 9 on the bench to really give you confidence if he struggles.
4. Graham and Jackson Two Unlucky
NSW needed a heavy turnover of players. Last year was different to several series losses they have had to endure. They lost that series, rather than Queensland won it, after being 1-0 up and 10-point leaders at home in Game 2. The likes of Aaron Woods, Jarryd Hayne, Blake Ferguson and Josh Dugan can have no complaints about being ushered out of being part of this new era. Woods has flattered to deceive at the Bulldogs, whilst Dugan and Ferguson let the State down last season. Hayne was never in the picture, which leaves just Josh Jackson and Wade Graham as players I think can count themselves a little unlucky. Jackson has performed strongly in a side with little firepower at Canterbury, and is the sort of team player that never lets anyone down. He was NSW Player of the Year just two years ago. Graham had some unhappy moments in Origin last year, but his ability to ball play and kick on the left would have taken some pressure off the halves, with Damien Cook not a noted kicker.
5. Pressure on Captain Cordner To Deliver
He might not admit it, but NSW Captain Boyd Cordner would be fretting somewhat coming into this Origin series. Last year, in his debut series as Captain, the Blues imploded despite leading 1-0 in the series, to cough up a comfortable lead in Game 2, before being grossly outplayed in the decider. Cordner would have felt the brunt of that, and his form at Club level this season has been moderate at best. There is no doubt he is a tough and unselfish player, however there are the likes of Josh Jackson and Wade Graham, who have missed out, that are playing better football.
6. NSW Must Deal With a Different Pressure as Favourites
NSW go into a tricky situation where, despite having lost 10 of the last 11 series will enter the series clear favourites with most bookies. Losing here would be seen as a real failure given the retirements of two future immortals plus Cooper Cronk. Most NSW fans are jumping for joy with the retirements of Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith. Whilst there is no doubt Queensland will not be anywhere near as formidable in terms of experience and ability to close out games under pressure, the Blues will have to deal with the weight of expectation that they are now expected to win the series when they have known nothing of the sort in the past decade. Queensland, even in recent years, thrived on being the under dogs, at times even at times when they really shouldn't have been. Now they are true under dogs, and will relish that everyone is writing them off.
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