On the even of State Of Origin 101 I have taken it upon myself to select the greatest New South Wales State Of Origin team of all time.
Anybody that has played State Of Origin football for New South Wales is eligible. All players are selected in career best form.
This team was selected to play a game. It isn’t one selected to make certain players feel good that they got in there and record point scorers or try scorers were not taken into account.
This is simply a team I would select if the aliens landed and I ended up with a time machine to select the best State Of Origin players that have ever lined up for New South Wales.
League Freak’s Ultimate New South Wales State Of Origin Lineup:
1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Eric Grothe
3. Brett Kenny
4. Andrew Ettingshausen
5. Tim Brasher
6. Laurie Daley
7. Andrew Johns
8. Glenn Lazarus
9. Danny Buderus
10. Paul Harragon
11. Mark Geyer
12. Bradley Clyde
13. Brad Fittler
14. Geoff Toovey
15. Steve Roach
16. Paul Sironen
17. Paul Gallen
As you can see I have gone with three forwards on the bench and Geoff Toovey as my utility player.
I selected Jarryd Hayne at fullback over Brasher as I think he gives me more playmaking ability. I had to have Brasher in the side though. He was a great player for the Blues.
Eric Grothe Sr gets the other wing position while Brett Kenny and ET fill the centre positions.
My halves were easy. Joey Johns and Laurie Daley, two outstanding State Of Origin legends.
The front row was a similarly easy choice. The Brick With Eye’s is the best front rower NSW has ever produces, Danny Buderus was brilliant at Origin level, and Paul Harragon gave everything he has in a Blues jersey.
My back row was more difficult to select. I went with Mark Geyer who I would say “Mark….SMASH!” to as he run out on the field. Fewer players in Rugby League history have been as fearsome as Geyer was in sky blue. I went with Bradley Clydne in the back row with Brad Fittler giving for playmaking ability and a kicking game at lock.
Toovey on the bench can play in the halves or at hooker, Steve Roach and Paul Sironen were outstanding for the Blues, and Paul Gallen gets in there because he has been a bloody good player for NSW in a lot of losing efforts, but he has played his guts out every time he has played State Of Origin football.
So, there it is! Tell me what you think in the comments box below (You dont have to be a registered member to comment!) and feel free to post your own NSW lineups there as well!
