NSW State of Origin

Ricky Stuart has named his 17-man team to take on Queensland in 8 days time

Fullback - Josh Dugan

The kid is a superstar and thoroughly deserved selection. He'd been earmarked by Ricky for a long time and was always going to get the #1 jersey. Quite an upgrade on Kurt Gidley and certainly better suited to the Origin Fullback role than Jarryd Hayne

Winger - Akuila Uate

The Fijian flyer! Akuila the Thriller ! The Newcastle Winger is a game breaker, with blistering speed and again was a much deserved selection.

Centre - Mark Gasnier

Playing his first Origin game in 3 series, Gaz has played himself into form and trained hard to get back to peek fitness. He's had a stunning last month at the Dragons and his last 2 performances have been his best in a long time.

Centre - Michael Jennings

A surprise selection with the Penrith centre struggling to shine this year in a team which has underperformed all season. However Ricky's decision, I believe was justified. Jamal Idris is a loose cannon and specialist right centre. Jennings is a specialist left centre, who has done it before for NSW. There aren't many other options and even though Matt Cooper retired from rep footy, he was average in last years game.

Winger - Brett Morris

No surprise here, but Jarryd Hayne should have nabbed this position. Morris has scored just 2 tries for the Dragons this season and has failed to perform on the rep scene over the past 2 years. He's a good straight runner and strong finisher, but is not quite the player Jarryd Hayne is. A good club player, but unfortunately not the man I'd have gone with. Penrith's Michael Gordon would have also gotten the nod over Morris in my team.

Five-Eighth - Jamie Soward

Deemed finally ready to wear the sky-blue jersey, Soward's form is unquestionable. His kicking, passing and goal-kicking abilities, backed up by his attitude have proved he is the right man to take the job. Todd Carney miserably drank himself out of contention this season.

Half-Back - Mitchell Pearce

His organisation an Origin level has been quality in the past and he'll need to replicate it again in this years series. He's held his own at this level in the past and deserves selection.

Prop - Jason King

Dear oh dear. Another failed selection. King is well and truly past it. Aiden Tolman should've had this position locked up.

Hooker - Michael Ennis

Good call. Very strong game vs the Dragons last week and is the perfect player NSW need at hooker.

Prop - Kade Snowden

Was always going to get selected here and has not failed in the past. A strong player who is sure to get go-forward for NSW

Backrow - Beau Scott

Interesting selection. I'd have said no to Beau Scott, but having him defend next to Gasnier and Soward, as they do at club level, will be a big advantage. Luke Lewis robbed IMO.

Backrow - Greg Bird

Done nothing all year.. but has proved himself worthy in Origin series gone by. Good call.

Lock - Paul Gallen

Needs no justification. He's tightened the loose screws in his game and will hopefully bust a few of them in the QLD pack.

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Bench - Ben Creagh

Disrespected the NSW jumper by pushing Justin Hodges and running off in the 2009 series. If the defence gets in his face, he is absolutely useless. Big call, but there aren't many other options, apart from a player who has torn QLD apart in recent series, Anthony Watmough.

Bench - Dean Young

Interesting call, but he can play Hooker and backrow which makes him the right choice for a bench utility.

Bench - Trent Merrin

Tom Leroyd-Lars absolutely robbed, as he was the only player to get go-forward to NSW in the past series. Who is Trent Merrin ?

Bench - Tim Mannah

Good call, deserving of his spot in the side.


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Ommissions

Jarryd Hayne - The only bloke who could hold his head high from last series, Hayne has been overlooked in favour of Canberra's Josh Dugan, with Ricky Stuart stating that he sees Hayne as a 5/8th and that he should play there at club level. IMO I totally agree and I think Dugan's running game is better suited to Origin footy. However a spot should've been made for Hayne on the wing, instead of Brett Morris.

Jamal Idris - Another good call. Would get caught out in defence again.

Aiden Tolman - Needs no justification. A lot better than 2 other props selected in this team

Tom Leroyd-Lars - Same deal as Tolman.