New South Wales Blues vs Queensland Maroons – Wednesday night – ANZ Stadium
New South Wales Blues
- Matt Moylan (Penrith Panthers)
- Blake Ferguson (Sydney Roosters)
- Michael Jennings (Parramatta Eels)
- Josh Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Josh Mansour (Penrith Panthers)
- James Maloney (Cronulla Sharks)
- Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers)
- Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
- Paul Gallen (Cronulla Sharks)
- Boyd Cordner (Sydney Roosters)
- Josh Jackson (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Greg Bird (Gold Coast Titans)
- Dylan Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- James Tamou (North Queensland Cowboys)
- David Klemmer (Canterbury Bulldogs)
- Andrew Fifita (Cronulla Sharks)
Coach - Laurie Daley
Queensland Maroons
- Darius Boyd (Brisbane Broncos)
- Corey Oates (Brisbane Broncos)
- Greg Inglis (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Justin O'Neill (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Dane Gagai (Newcastle Knights)
- Jonathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Cooper Cronk (Melbourne Storm)
- Matt Scott (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Cameron Smith (Melbourne Storm)
- Nate Myles (Manly Sea Eagles)
- Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos)
- Sam Thaiday (Brisbane Broncos)
- Corey Parker (Brisbane Broncos)
- Michael Morgan (North Queensland Cowboys)
- Josh McGuire (Brisbane Broncos)
- Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters)
- Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
Coach - Kevin Walters
* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.
The ANZAC Test was not so long ago, and the starting thirteen for Australia included ten Queenslanders. The three players that weren't Queenslanders were:
- a winger not eligible to play for NSW (Radradra);
- a centre who has pulled out injured (Dugan); and
- a prop forward (Gallen - whose record as Origin captain speaks for itself).
The biggest change for Queensland, and potentially the biggest issue, relates to changes off the field. Queensland have a first-time coach this year, and he wasn't exactly the most wanted person for the role. Critics of Mal Meninga as a coach will, at the very least, accept this - the man has a presence. Whether Kevin Walters can lift his troops remains to be seen.
I was hoping to know sooner if Cooper Cronk were playing or not. Strange this may sound to some, but I think Queensland are a better chance of winning without him. Thurston and Morgan are quite the combination for the Cowboys, and that Cronk/Thurston combination at Origin level hasn't always clicked. If Cronk withdraws, there is some risk Thurston can't make it through the game either. How Queensland manage that scenario is anyone's guess. Thurston will be targeted, but Beau Scott isn't there this time. Watch for Gallen, Klemmer, Bird and Farah to put their hands up for the role of hurt merchant. They'll be hitting his hips all night.
The weather, wet it may be, keeps the game closer but I'm not convinced it changes the result. I accept that Maloney and Reynolds have very good kicking games in general play, but we haven't seen that from either of them at this level. Quite frankly, I'll take those experienced old heads in maroon to handle a wet, slower game of football anyway.
Whether Robbie Farah has 80 minutes of football in him at this level on a wet track is another question mark for me, and Aaron Woods has only recently returned from injury. Plenty spoke of his tremendous performance for the Tigers against the Knights...but that's against the Knights.
The referees are generally reluctant to get the whistle out of their pockets in game one of an Origin series. If that happens again, and it probably will, the play-the-ball area will be in super slo-mo all night. I'll bank on the guile of Cameron Smith and his very experienced troops to prevail under such circumstances.
This is likely to be the final Origin series for NSW captain Paul Gallen. Watching him trudge off the field with his head bowed is an image that will bring me considerable delight.
Verdict – Queensland 14 : New South Wales 10
First try scorer - Blake Ferguson
Man of the Match - Cameron Smith (or Michael Morgan if Cronk withdraws)
Comments
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Still Thinkering huh? Interesting.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Thanks Coach.....glad you like it.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Hi Guys
I'm not Thinkering. For me it's QLD all the way.
QLD 14 NSW 8
Submitted by a on
Here is my predictions
QLD 17 tires Dane Gagai Matt Gillett Johnathan Thurston goals Cameron Smith 2/3 NSW field goal Cooper Cronk sin bin Darius Boyd NSW 10 tires Josh Mansour Matt Moylan goals Adam Reynolds 1/2
Man of the Match Johnathan Thurston
Submitted by mark ashford on
"a" I admire your support for JT and he well may be MOM but why have you put poor Cooper in the bin?
Submitted by a on
Mark I think you read it wrong I said Cooper to get the field goal and Darius Boyd to be in the sin bin
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Hmmmm, not sure who's hallucinogenics, you northerners have been taking (maybe Alf's), but game 1 will be a win for the boys in blue. Not sure about several of the QLD'ers as even with the smokescreen around Cronk's ankle, there has to be a reason that it has come out. You only use the left hand to distract from what the right hand is up to. There might be several minor complaints that are trying to be buried, for example, G.I. Jim's knee. Remember that marketing is about selling something, and there needs to be something to sell.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I don't think the word Thinkering is interesting. I think it's interesting that you haven't made up your mind.
Maybe waiting to see what happens with Cronk?, but if you ask me it's just the same old smokescreen we've come to know from the team that puts winning in front of integrity. Think back to the Cherry-Evans moonboot saga. NSW had taken the first game and so in the box seat to win the series. This was clearly a Qld stunt which backfired. Cherry-Evans suddenly sheds the moonboot and runs onto the park, but the BLUES are focused and take the trophy.
After racking up 50+ in game III last year, I find it more than a bit curious that Qld put the smokescreen card back on the table. What it tells me is, like the last time in 2014, there's a sense of desperation. But why?? Didn't you just beat us by 3 1/2 laps??
Tells me a lot about where the Queenslander's heads are at. Stunt pulling = a team with doubts. Essentially they are paying compliment to an untried group of New South Welshmen, purely based on the skills they know these players possess and have shown week in week out for their clubs.
We all know that the fairytale about Cronk was actually to distract from the real doubtful starter which was Thurston - not Cronk. Keep blowin' that smoke Qld.
Submitted by The Thinker on
The decision on Cronk is an important one....I'm thinkering.
If he doesn't start I'm throwing my wallet at this game....responsibly.
Submitted by christine on
It's qld for me guys but on a different note to origin how long does anyone really think foran will remain with eels with the state there in , I want to see the odds on that one ...
Submitted by chooks on
I don't think it matters either way...Morgan will step up if Cronk out.
Im a born blues but how are QLD not firm favourite...they will win.
NSW could only dream to have a side that good and that experienced.
I hate to do it but my money is going on QLD again....
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Chooks you said it all blues side not up to it farrah and moloney poor selections
Submitted by The Thinker on
$2.05 for Queensland available. I'm tempted to take it, but I wonder what price they'll be if Cronk pulls out.
Might get $2.20. Goodness me.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Well done on the knights call coach i feel you got it right some how they just couldn't get the job done for you
Submitted by chooks on
spot on Ryan and Thinkers right. the only tough decision is when to back QLD and what price do you take...$2.05 is way overs and I could only dream of $2.20
Submitted by Tailspin on
Hey everyone, looking forward to this as usual, should be a cracker.
QLD to win 14 to NSW 10
First try scorer to Darius Boyd
Man of the match to Darius Boyd
Submitted by Tailspin on
Just hope he doesn't have to make a speech :)
Submitted by mark ashford on
Nothing to do with SOO but just heard Foran is out for the season with his shoulder.
Can it get any worse for the Eels...gotta feel for them Coach come on show some compassion.
Cronk twisted his ankle simple as that and has been going under constant physio to get right. You blues with your conspiracy nonsense make me laugh.
As Thinker said even if he doesn't play Morgan is a very capable replacement.
Supercaptain "peptides" Paul has said the biff will be on from the first minute. What a man!
Why doesn't he just play football and try and win the game?
What was it you said about integrity Coach?
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
CATTLEDOG!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Origin is about physical football. Playing it tough to the point of pushing the refs into a corner and giving some leeway when it comes to what's a foul and what's play on.
Unfortunately the current Bronco #6 who has made pretending an artform virtually guarantees that this series will be a fall-down-athon. How ironic that Milford won't be there to join in himself. Something he helped orchestrate. Both sides will compete for acting awards.
I hope I'm wrong. Origin deserves better.
What a sad indictment on the game it is, that the proclaimed greatest of all coaches, instructs his players to win penalties this way.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach you been smoking some bad shit mate?
At least Milford takes on the line and scores some tries not like your bloke Jamie Coward.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
PANTHERS 23 broncos 22
Submitted by Coach Potato on
It's been told Cronk and Smith will be rested against the weekends game v Penrith.
Pretty arrogant attitude towards a team that have been in it til the end every game this year regardless of the opponents - namely Broncos, Cowboys, Sharks, Bulldogs, and Eels.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Has anyone ever noticed how little the footy on the QRL symbol looks like a footy, and how much it looks like a loaf of sourdough? Who would have known how fitting that is.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Coach have you had a look at your posting pic?
Jellybean, baked bean or overweight witchity grub ???
take your pick.
Submitted by Dragonsfan4ever on
Hello guys my tip is NSW- 14 Qld-10. It's going to be close and of course physical. Yes, us Blues could have a bit of a better side. But, in my eyes, we have a good side. A couple were unlucky not to make it due to injury. With Cronk out will have a big difference on the game plan of the Queenslanders. But that'll mean that Morgan will join JT in the halves. That'll be some halves pairing for the Maroons. Going to be a great game tomorrow night. I'm pumped and I know that everyone on the Thinker are too. GO THE BLUES. Bring on Origin. Cheers!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Coach Potato on
At least I'm not headless Ted !
Submitted by a on
Did anyone watch NRL Rookie and if you did what did you think
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Mark coach is doing the pregame jellybean Haka he and Tigerholic dreamed, up remember they have joined forces over origin, all we have to do is wait till he runs the ball up and smash him, tomorrow night somewhere around half time should suffice, what say you Dragonsfan4ever will your good side be better than their last start, coach look up your stats and tell me the score again.
Submitted by Coach Potato on
PANTHERS 23 broncos 22
Submitted by Coach Potato on
broncos 18 TIGERS 19
Submitted by Coach Potato on
Through all walks of life, before you can improve, you firstly need to challenge the status quo.
If things aren't going well, and you firmly decide to do nothing about it, then nothing' going to change.
If the back fence is sagging, but you think hopefully it will just sag back into place over time, it won't. One choice could be to reset the crooked fence posts back to their original position. The same old fence could last a little bit longer. Second choice is a new fence. One that's stronger, tougher, more resilient. One that looks good for years to come.
For a decade now, NSW selectors have chosen to do nothing about their sagging back fence. Choosing not to reset the posts that were causing the problem. Choosing not to get a new fence. Choosing not to challenge the status quo, and in doing so, choosing not to improve.
2016 rolled around and nothing much looked likely to change. The coach was adamant he was sticking true to his failing combinations. Sticking with the same fence. Sticking with the status quo. Then something magical happened. The fence post causing the most problem for several years now, got caught on video with a lapful of lapdog. Too much time out of the game meant this fence post had to be replaced. The post the fence had been built around needing replacing.
It took until just a few weeks ago, for NSW selectors to finally say, "Stuff it. We're getting a new fence. A new look team. Stronger. Tougher. More resilient. Will look good for years to come."
It's not a thank you Mitchell Pearce. It was a disgraceful shameful act. Some say much milder than the Joel Monaghan real life Poochy H-J. I say not. What an appaling message this sent out about attitudes to women and poochies alike. So not a thank you, but what a blessing in disguise for NSW.
At the same time, interesting to see the Qld mindset to keep the status quo. Very true, if the fence ain't broke, why fix it? If it's given you so many years of pleasure, why get a new one? Truth is, as good as the old Qld fence has stood up through the years, it's only a matter of time before it too starts to sag. Will it be this year? Who knows. One things for certain though, do nothing and the old one will eventually fall down.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Same old fence you say Coach. Here's your fence - NSW captain Paul Gallen...and what an extraordinary career it has been:
2006 - one Origin game....lost
2007 - famously faked a head injury to get a penalty for Cronulla against the Dragons...got up after the penalty was awarded and winked to his teammates. One origin game - a dead rubber as QLD had already won the series. NSW won game three, but QLD lost six players to injury during that game...and it was a dead rubber.
2008 - famously pulled apart the stitches of an opponent to put them in the blood bin. Also accused of squirrel gripping opponents in the same game. Played 3 Origin games. Series lost.
2009 - racially abused an opponent. Stripped of the captaincy at the Sharks....for a while. Played game two of Origin that year....lost. Received a criminal infringement notice for public urination when he took a wee on a team-mates head.
2010 - played in two Origin games....lost them both. Got put on report in game two for hitting Nate Myles in the head.
2011 - played all three Origin games - series lost. Won Man of the Match in game two for playing 80 minutes.
2012 - played all three Origin games -series lost.
2013 - played all three Origin games - series lost. Punched Nate Myles in the head.
2014 - played all three Origin games and finally won an Origin series - his almighty Blues side scoring four whole tries in three whole games of football. Sadly for Gallen, he got busted for being a drug cheat that year, as did his club where he was captain. The peptides scandal was....you guessed it....in 2011 - the year he played 80 minutes of Origin football and won Man of the Match. Complained the NRL didn't do enough to support him - forgot to mention they coughed up $80,000 to cover his legal costs.
2015 - played all three games. Series lost.
That's your fencepost. Your pillar of strength. Spare me.
Two weeks ago Phil Gould wrote an excellent article stating that if NSW want to actually win anything they should name Trent Merrin as captain and build a team around him. He won't even be there.
Goodness me....look at the time.
Submitted by Steel Panther on
Well said Thinker. It's nice to be reminded about the other side of the fence..... and I agree with you Mark...why don't they just get on with playing the game and trying to win. This talk about smokescreens is laughable. Why would Q'land bother with that? They just do their talking on the field. History shows that. I don't support either team, just look forward to a great game of footy and may the best team win!!
Submitted by a on
Paul Gallen sucks
Submitted by Tailspin on
Holy hell Thinker, love your work, that's called sticking it to the man or should I say grub :)
Submitted by Coach Potato on
I think I will spare you Thinker. This site is so stained maroon by your position. I'm sure you're aware it's not the amount of points scored that wins, it's the fact the other team scored even less.
Gallen from what I know is part of the Shark's unit doing fairly well, and I don't believe he's been holding them back from doing much better.
He's in most people's super coach team for some reason.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Cronulla are certainly doing well - they're in the top four with the Storm, Broncos and Cowboys - and their best players represent the state of.....
Cronulla are actually playing football this year...and they're winning.
If only they tried it sooner.
And speaking of fences, let's hope the Blue Wall performs tonight - the last time we saw the Blue Wall it leaked eight tries.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Hey coach where is robin, your starting to look like the west tigers as in zero support from tigerholic, the thinker has scored three tries for queensland you need to shore up the defense plenty of talk from him earlier maybe cam smith has him bluffed.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Is the Thurston hip a liability? He was getting a hell of a lot of treatment on it and regardless who hits him, and I will bet my house on all the QLD fans here claiming late each time, will he be able to pick himself up and go again? The last game against the Broncos saw him tired in the first half than I have ever seen him.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
Dream on baggy
Submitted by mark ashford on
I truly detest late hits on playmakers no matter what team they play for.
For mine it's no better than a cowardly bully picking on a smaller guy in the school yard.
Put pressure on a kicker, sure but don't try and tell me these "athletes" can't pull out, or minimise a tackle once the ball has left the kicker.
I guess you blues would like to see late shots, high shots, eye gouging, shoulder charges, punching, jewel grapping, facials and anal investigations all made legal cos that's what you're good at.
Me, I just want to see two teams play rugby league and may the best team win.
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
If the cap fits
Submitted by Rocket Ryan on
QLD 34 NSW 12
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
That's my point, each side does it and after all the talk to taking the hard line to rule it out of the game it is still here. I hate seeing it, we are talking about the way these guys make a living. Unless the tackle is at the exact same time as the kick it should be a penalty every time. The precedent was set with James Graham last season. It needs to be done everywhere on the field, not just in goal range. Am going to watch this for the first time in 8 years and an expecting to be disappointed in both the game and the officiating.
Submitted by mark ashford on
Agree Baggy, Why can't the refs stamp illegal behaviour out.
"Oh it's SOO " you hear them cry "let it flow"
NO FOOLS it's Rugby League at it's highest level.
Lets see amazing ball skills, incredible trys, clever kicks, back line movements, forwards charging it up etc.
And the team that does it best wins.
If I want to watch grubs fighting I'll switch to the MMA.
Submitted by Baggy_Gee on
Anderson Silva, the Cameron Smith of the UFC
Submitted by a on
So QLD will win tonight
Submitted by mark ashford on
Baggy, I'm a bit ignorant of the UFC and who is Silva and what does it have to do with Cam?
And where is Coach (probably out buying a Maroons jersey just in case.
Submitted by The Thinker on
Evening folks
For those of you watching the game (everyone surely), I'll be online from time to time throughout the 80 minutes. No doubt my comments will be completely impartial throughout.
Let's do our best to be passionate but not personal, and I'll promise to be nice about Paul Gallen if he happens to have a good game. Nicer anyway.
All the best
The Thinker
Pages