My QLD Origin side - game 2
May 29th 2008 10:33
Webb and Co. will be keen to show NSW the true meaning of passion come Origin two
With Origin teams being picked next Tuesday morning, Queensland selectors must undo their mistake and bring attacking prowess to a backline that was starved of possession in game one in Sydney. There is no room for error now.
Billy Slater
Was Battered and bruised after Origin one but still performed admirably to nearly inspire one of the great Origin tries early in the second half. His club form has been terrific and he willl be a constant menace at Suncorp Stadium where the surface is ideal for his game.
Israel Folau
Was played out of position on the right wing but still managed to score on debut. He was solid without being brilliant in Origin one but he will be keen to lift infront of a vocal QLD crowd. If the right halves are picked, Folau will fire in game two of the series.
Greg Inglis
Had a flat game by his high standards last Wednesday night and was clearly outplayed by opposite centre Mark Gasnier. It is now likely however that Gasnier will not be fit for Origin 2 and this will be Inglis's chance to showcase the talent that has made him one of the most freakish players in the game.
Justin Hodges
Was very solid in defence in a well beaten QLD outfit. Hodges tried hard but his attacking ability was limited due to very little domination by halves Thurston and Hunt. Hodges needs more ball in his hands to strike fear into the oppositon. He can go missing if starved of possession.
Brent Tate
Performed admirably against the Blues and has always been a determined type of player. He scored a try off a difficult Thurston grubber which clearly shows his try-scoring prowess. Although not the most talented winger going around, Tate deserves his place through his constant effort in games.
Darren Lockyer / Scott Prince
If Lockyer makes a successful return against the Eels on friday night, he will be a shoe in for the Maroons. His passing and leadership skills were sorely missed against NSW and he will provide QLD with direction. If Lockyer is not fit, Scott Prince really should get picked now more than ever. He his the most skillful halfback in the NRL by light years and he would cause the Blues to back peddle in defence big time. Just Imagine Prince in space with the likes of Folau, Inglis, Hodges and Slater waiting beside him to pounce.
Johnathon Thurston
Really struggled to take control without Lockyer and needs a big game on the weekend to install the confidence and skill that has made him the World's best player for two years now. His combination with Cameron Smith last Wednesday night was seldom and the Maroon's suffered dearly. On his day, Thurston can tear opposition teams apart but he needs cohesion with his dummy half and for his forwards to dominate.
Steve Price
Like Lockyer, Price was a critical loss for the Maroons in game one. His go forward is second to none and his charge down capabilities are abnormal to say the least. Even if he plays 50 or so minutes against Newcastle this week, QLD should pick him. Price is also a key leader for the Maroons on the field and his experience will help the younger brigade stand tall in the heat of battle.
Cameron Smith
Had very little impact against his opposite Number in Buderus and clearly lacked communication with Thurston. His defence was strong but that killed off his attacking imputus out of dummy-half. With Lockyer or Prince back in the side though, expect Smith to play a tremendous role in guiding the Maroons home at Suncorp.
Petero Civoncieva
The cornerstone of the QLD pack for so many years. Civoncieva keeps coming up with herculean efforts to keep the Maroon's pack respectable. But not even he could inspire his troops to glory against a Blues pack that oozes power all over. With Price back in the side, Civoncieva will have his workload eased somewhat and that should increase his effectivness in the forwards tenfold.
Michael Crocker
Puts his body on the line like few others and will be effective running off the likes of Lockyer of Prince. He has always been an effective go forward player and in his last season in the NRL, expect a big performance from the lucky charm.
Sam Thaiday
Was dominated by a Blues pack that defended like men possessed. Thaiday did not display the form that has made him one of the form forwards in the competition prior to last weeks loss to the Blues. The Broncos hard man will be keen to get a crack at the Blues forwards once again in front of 50,000 Queenslanders.
Dallas Johnson
Knocked himself into next week after trying to tackle Willie Mason low. Although Origin has left this man dazzed more than once, Johnson was just born to take a hit for the team and his passion for the Maroon's jersy cannot be questioned. His never say die attitude has made him one of the most respected players in the NRL and is an inspiration to all that play with him.
Interchange
Carl Webb
A real hothead who didn't quite fire last week for the Maroons. Webb is most dangerous when used in short bursts and like Mason, he has been prone to having some dominant Origin performances in QLD. Webb will be full of adrenaline back home and could be a real key for the Maroon's off the bench.
Karmichael Hunt
Although superb in defence, Hunt's attacking prowess was literally non-existant and the Maroons suffered big time due to his inexperience at pivot. He could be a real game breaker off the bench for the Maroon's due to his expertise at stealing metres out of dummy half when the defence is back peddeling. Hunt could fill the void at lock, fullback, hooker and the second row with little worries. He has become a straight shooter in attack and his direct approach would be ideally suited in these positions.
Ben Hannant
His first Origin game would have taught him alot about the skills and determination needed to cut it in rugby league's most challenging arena. Hannant will be better for the experience and will do well in front of adoring QLD fans when given the chance to perform. His season could be made on this performance.
Nate Myles
He performed well in the absence of Civoncieva for most of the first half. Myles now has enough experience in Origin to really assist the likes of Price and Civoncieva in the front row. He has had a solid season with the Roosters so far and will look to provide much needed starch off the bench.
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