My NSW Origin side - game 2
May 30th 2008 09:39
Greg Bird will look to once again dominate Origin when NSW collide with QLD in two weeks
After the Blues muscled their way to a super victory against Queensland last week, coach Craig Bellamy will most likely stick with the same troops that did the job against a Maroon's side that was touted to run rings around their opposition. The likely loss of Gasnier is a huge blow to the Blues and will cause headache on the selection table come Tuesday week.
Brett Stewart
Was as safe as a bank in Origin one and consistently came up with the right play's in both attack and defence. He now looks to have a mortgage on the NSW fullback position and he thoroughly deserves it.
Anthony Quinn
Had one of the most memorable Origin debuts in history after scoring two tries and proving solid in defence. His hits on Melbourne teammate Billy Slater and Australian half Johnathon Thurston were typical of Quinn's attitude on the night. Has it got what it takes to perform infront of 50,000 Queenslanders baying for his blood?
Joel Monaghan
With Gasnier out, i feel Monaghan deserves his shot in Origin football. He his a noted try-scorer and has been in relatively good form for the Raiders. He his very strong in defence and is a pain to defend against under the high ball. Give him a shot.
Matt Cooper
Played his best game of the season against QLD last week. Cooper showed to all why he his the best defensive centre in the game. He reads opposition attacks so well and rarely do you see him panic. His attacking ability was also effective last Wednesday night and he will be primed again for a big performance in the absence of Dragon's teammate Mark Gasnier.
Jarryd Hayne
Was solid without being brilliant but did his job well. Hayne is slowly creeping back to the form of last year where everything he touched turned to gold. It will be a special night for the Parramatta winger who will look to extinguish the demons of his first Origin game at Suncorp. He can take confidence however that at the same venue, he produced one of the finest Origin moments in history.
Greg Bird
This man was born with a football in his hand. Bird's determination is second to none and he really is a big game player. He has won the past two man of the match awards in Origin football and looks the real deal in the representative arena. His passing game against the Maroon's was also very good to say the least. Like fullback Brett Stewart, Bird now looks a certainty for the Blues.
Peter Wallace
Wallace's performace last Wednesday was reminscent of a young Darren Lockyer in his prime. He was calm and collected and did not let the occasion get the better of him. For a man like Wallace to shine the way he did takes tremendous courage and he has it in bucket loads at the moment. Origin two will present Wallace with his greatest challenge to date as he takes on his master in Darren Lockyer in what should be a fascinating contest.
Mark O'Meley
With Ben Cross out injured, O'Meley is more than capable of feeling the void left by the Knights prop. His form in the last three weeks for the Roosters has been outstanding to say the least and he has performed for the Blues in recent years. He his a player that only knows one way in the field of battle and his experience will be crucial when the going gets tough.
Danny Buderus
Was solid out of dummy-half and he outshone opposite hooker Cameron Smith in his own personal duel. Buderus has become a leader of men in recent seasons and he will be eager to wrap up a glorious career in the sky blue jersey with a series victory at the cauldron of Origin football.
Brett White
One of the most improved forwards in the NRL. White never takes a step backwards and will once again be the man most likely to take the first hitup for the Blues in game two. After last season's baptisim of fire, White has become one of the most important frontrow forwards in the game.
Willie Mason
Mason is having a fine season at the Roosters and did all that was asked of him against the Maroon's last week. Mason is yet to really perform at the cauldron of Rugby league and he will be keen to knock some lingering critics in Origin two. Still the Blues most damaging forward on his day.
Craig Fitzgibbon
Fitzgibbon is just one of the those players that you know will perform no matter what the occasion. His temperment is first class and he will always do things that go unoticed but are critical to a game of football. His game has gone to another level since the reduction of the interchange rule. His presence on the field is finally being noticed.
Ryan Hoffman
Was on the end of some Hunt special's but he did set up a brilliant movement for NSW's first try last Wednesday evening. He will be critical if the Blues dominate up front with his speed and step set to cause havoc on the fringe of the ruck. One of the best hole runners in the game at the moment.
Interchange
Anthony Laffranchi
Was superb in his Origin debut, hitting the ball up with speed and skill to really keep the Maroon forwards back peddling. Laffranchi is what the Blues forwards are all about this year. He has plenty of skill with the ball and is a terrier in defence. He is also an 80 minute man.
Anthony Tupou
If he was at his best last Wednesday night, the Blues could've put Queensland to the sword. His form has been dorment these past couple of weeks, but his ability with the ball cannot be questioned. On his day, he is the most serial offloader in the competiition along with superstar Sonny Bill Williams. He needs more game time in order to showcase his true potential in the Origin arena.
Ben Hornby
Was effective in his limited game time and is always capable of fixing things if injuries strike. Hornby has been dependable in the Dragon's recent rise up the ladder and deserves his spot once again for Origin two.
Jason Ryles
Statistically one of the best forwards in the NRL week in week out. Ryles would be ideal for coming off the bench to trample QLD's tiring forward pack. He runs the ball with no fear and he can offload quite well in most situations. Although his discipline can be a factor, Ryles is an aggresive player and that's what's needed in Origin football.
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