The NSWRL has announced the Blues State Of Origin side for game one and I have to say, its a lineup I really like and one that looks like its been selected to attack the Maroons and really go after a win rather than trying to defend its way to a series.
When you have lost 6 series in a row, you need to go out and try something different. I think there is no doubt that that is what Ricky Stuart has done.
James Tamou, Tony Williams, Todd Carney and Jamie Buhrer all make their State Of Origin debuts, and its hard to argue against their inclusions in the team.
So, lets have a look at the team:
The Official New South Wales Blues Team
1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Josh Morris
5. Akuila Uate
6. Todd Carney
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Paul Gallen (C)
9. Robbie Farah
10. Trent Merrin
11. Luke Lewis
12. Glenn Stewart
13. Greg Bird
14. Jamie Buhrer
15. Tony Williams
16. Ben Creagh
17. James Tamou
I pretty much like the entire lineup, which is a rare thing for me to say.
The backline looks dangerous. I have no problems at all with Michael Jennings being selected from the Windsor Wolves. He is a quality player, a game breaker, and when he is given quality ball he shows his class, something he never gets playing for the Panthers.
The halves have played a lot of football together which is good and Todd Carney is in fantastic form.
The forward pack looks like it has a lot of ball playing ability and when you look at it with the bench rotation, it has huge impact too.
The two players most have questioned selecting are Ben Creagh and Jamie Buhrer.
Jamie Buhrer has been picked as a bit of a utility player. I’ve got no problems with his selection at all. As for Ben Creagh, I’d have rather seen Tariq Sims as I think he gives more pure grunt off the bench, but thats probably the only change I’d like to see made.
I tend to think the NSW forward rotation has it all over Queensland this year. Especially if they select Petero Civoniceva in their lineup.
So now we wait for Queensland to pick their Origin side for game one. I have a feeling there are going to be a few surprises in their lineup.
