Origin 2

NSW

Anthony Minichiello

Comes in to replace injured Canberra star, Josh Dugan. Mini hasn't played good football since suffering a string of injuries over the last 4 years. This is a very odd selection, given the quality form Brett Stewart has been in.

Akuila Uate

Super player, who deserves his spot again

Mark Gasnier

Could well be playing for his representative future with Jamal Idris breathing down his neck for that right centre position. Was well contained in game 1 and will need to stand deeper and get some early ball if he's to cause havoc next Wednesday night. Superstar on his day and NSW need him in form.

William Hopoate

Another odd, odd selection. Having played only a handfull of first grade games, let alone playing in the centres, Hopoate is given a chance to play for his state. This is also odd considering he won't be playing NRL football for the next 2 seasons, due to religious commmitments. A reshuffle to put Hayne into the centres and Blake Ferguson on the wing, would have been a better option.

Jarryd Hayne

Should've been there in game 1 and should have this spot tied up for seasons to come. Long way ahead of Brett Morris as a player who failed miserably in game 1.

Jamie Soward

Standard selection. Stuart was always going to persist with the halves and Jamie will remain in the no.6 NSW jersey until Todd Carney gets his act together or Terry Campese gets some game time.

Mitchell Pearce

Looks likely to have this position held down for many years to come. Good player.

Paul Gallen

Smart move putting Gallen into the front row. He'll have a great game.

Michael Ennis

Few errors in game 1, but a very classy player. Happy to see him retained.

Tim Mannah

Happy also to see Tim retained, strong in game 1 but needs a bigger performance if he's to combat the likes of Matt Scott and Petero Civenoceva.

Beau Scott

Was strong defensively, but opened the flood gates to allow QLD score the match winner in game 1. Needs a big game and needs to keep his head if he's to retain this spot in the team

Ben Creagh

Ineffective off the bench last game. Again, another player under the pump for game 2

Greg Bird

He's not a lock... He was our best backrower in game 1 and should've remained on the fringes. Having said that, origin is a funny game and he's built for it. Might move into the backrow when Luke Lewis or Anthony Watmough come on.

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Trent Merrin

Hopeless in game 1. Not built for Origin football. Soft and slow. Tom Leroyd-Lars please.

Kurt Gidley

Thankfully he replaces the hopeless Dean Young. Will add spark from the bench and is a good inclusion

Luke Lewis

Should've been there for game 1. Very, very good player. Hopefully he gets plenty of game time

Anthony Watmough

Another player who should've been included for game 1. Done it before for NSW and will do it again.

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I like what Ricky Stuart has done in bringing in Anthony Watmough and Luke Lewis. These players are built for Origin football. However again I think he's made a few mistakes and NSW may well pay for them. Whether the problems in the team selections are the difference, we'll have to wait and find out. One thing is for certain, NSW have the strike power to win this football game... but do they have the heart ?!?!

I'll be there, sitting in the Blues Supporters bay, screaming my lungs out and getting behind the boys. GO NSW!!

My tip - NSW by 10

Watch out for Jarryd Hayne..