I had said I wouldn’t post on state of origin this year but here I am. The main reason is that there is a chance, a small one perhaps but a chance, that the blokes in maroon will be holding up five fingers this year. I wouldn’t want to miss that history-making event!
Queensland’s team was easier to pick, but the Blues are always more than competitive. Each team has players who can turn a match. Much will depend on how Matt Ballin goes at hooker for the Maroons replacing the injured Cam Smith. For the Blues much will depend on whether they tie themselves up in knots by selecting centre Jamal Idris on the bench. The strategy seems to be to use Kurt Gidley up forward and put Jaryyd Hayne back to fullback. They will need to get their back line defence right, however, as the Maroons have players who can take advantage.
Queensland actually have more big guys over 100kg. Inglis and Folau come into that category, as does Idris at a giant 115kg. Dave Taylor, the “coal train” from Central Queensland, is the biggest at 118kg.
In addition to Cam Smith, Qld are missing Steve Price, Ben Hannant and Justin Hodges through injury and tackling machine Dallas Johnson through transfer overseas. NSW have home pitch advantage and quite possibly after four frustrating years, greater desperation. So I’m thinking they’ll win. Margins these days are impossible to pick.
Here is the Queensland team and here’s NSW.
On the ABC and in the Courier Mail there has been interest in selecting the most memorable incidents in State of origin history. For Warren Ryan it was ‘that try’ in 1994 Game One. For 75 minutes NSW had the better of play. Then with the score 12-4 in favour of NSW Willie Carne scored and Meninga converted. Then with 60 seconds on the clock Mark Coyne played the ball 60 metres out. In the CM version the ball went from Meninga to Langer, then to Kevin Walters, Willie Carne, Steve Renouf, Hancock,, Darren Smith, Langer again, Meninga again and finally Mark Coyne to score. The Wikipedia version is slightly different. But NSW had a magnificent team that year and went on to take the series quite comfortably.
The Courier Mail had that incident as third, the second being 2001, Game Three, when Alan Langer was recalled from great Britain. He scored a try by placing the ball over his head while on his back and Qld won comfortably.
The CM’s favourite was 1989 Game Two when Qld finished the game with 12 men to take the series. That game included a 40 metre try by Wally Lewis, who took the ball from dummy half an ran straight and hard with amazing acceleration to go over near the corner in Gary Jack’s tackle. During the match Alan Langer broke a leg, Meninga suffered an eye socket injury and Bob Lindner played 20 minutes with broken bone in his ankle before surrendering. Paul Vautin and Michael Hancock also came off injured. That was also Artie Beetson’s favourite. He was coach that series which Qld won 3-0.
Believe it or not in the top 20 memorable moments chosen by the Courier Mail there were quite a few featuring NSW.
Anyway I’ve put this up early so that people can discuss selection issues, their own memorable moments or anything else that takes their fancy.
I’ve made a personal rule this year that I’m not going to comment on refereeing decisions. Experience shows that there is little to be gained in going down that track.
Wikipedia has a comprehensive State of Origin results and statistics and a useful general SOO site.
While I like watching the SoO, I’m afraid it’s just gong to annoy me this year. I have a funeral to attend this afternoon, then I have to drive practically past the stadium to my son’s music class, and past it again to go home. I am not sure if I’m going to be up to cheering on the Blues with the kind of weather (it’s bucketing) and traffic I’m anticipating today!
My prediction: the more sure-footed team will win. Expect lots of mud.
While I like watching the SoO, I’m afraid it’s just gong to annoy me this year. I have a funeral to attend this afternoon, then I have to drive practically past the stadium to my son’s music class, and past it again to go home. I am not sure if I’m going to be up to cheering on the Blues with the kind of weather (it’s bucketing) and traffic I’m anticipating today!
My prediction: the more sure-footed team will win. Expect lots of mud.
Chookie, it’s a brilliant clear day here and I’d forgotten the weather prediction there for a moment. I’d much prefer a dry track so that you can get an open, fast game.
Chookie, it’s a brilliant clear day here and I’d forgotten the weather prediction there for a moment. I’d much prefer a dry track so that you can get an open, fast game.
I know I come from NSW, but er – that photo? Brian, what’s with the purple towel?
I know I come from NSW, but er – that photo? Brian, what’s with the purple towel?
I don’t want to derail your SOO thread, but it is sobering to realise that
Jonah Lomu is 2cm taller than Idris and was 1kg heavier than Dave Taylor. Pretty quick too. All big boys though …
I don’t want to derail your SOO thread, but it is sobering to realise that
Jonah Lomu is 2cm taller than Idris and was 1kg heavier than Dave Taylor. Pretty quick too. All big boys though …
I’ve always thought the halves matter more in the wet. So Qld will win this one.
I’ve always thought the halves matter more in the wet. So Qld will win this one.
The only reason Inglis (Kempsey) and Folau (Campbelltown) are considered to be Queenslanders is that they played briefly for the Storm feeder club – in Brisbane. They are NSW, pure and simple, and to suggest otherwise is fantasy. They were pointed towards Q at a time, a few years ago, when they were considered relatively weak and it would be a boost to the concept, which has been slowly but surely ebbing away. There is a distinct lack of enthusiasm for club coaches to send healthy (and hugely expensive) players away and have them come back in casts. Tonights game has the potential for bad leg injuries as it has been raining heavily for about eight hours. Not a good prospect for traction, particularly for those above 100Kg (about 75% of them).
The only reason Inglis (Kempsey) and Folau (Campbelltown) are considered to be Queenslanders is that they played briefly for the Storm feeder club – in Brisbane. They are NSW, pure and simple, and to suggest otherwise is fantasy. They were pointed towards Q at a time, a few years ago, when they were considered relatively weak and it would be a boost to the concept, which has been slowly but surely ebbing away. There is a distinct lack of enthusiasm for club coaches to send healthy (and hugely expensive) players away and have them come back in casts. Tonights game has the potential for bad leg injuries as it has been raining heavily for about eight hours. Not a good prospect for traction, particularly for those above 100Kg (about 75% of them).
Paul, I have no idea about the towel.
Roy, I’ve never heard that Inglis and Folau were “pointed towards Q”. I’m still inclined to believe it just happened that way because of Melbourne’s recruiting, feeder clubs and the rules. I think we are lucky to have Inglis, but Folau is rightfully ours. His parents moved to Qld, as people do and he went to Marsden High School as did Cam Smith, Antonio Winterstein ad a couple of others.
Should we have claimed Peter Sterling who was born in Toowoomba?
I haven’t noticed that the concept is ebbing away this side of the border. But it is disruptive to the season.
Paul, I have no idea about the towel.
Roy, I’ve never heard that Inglis and Folau were “pointed towards Q”. I’m still inclined to believe it just happened that way because of Melbourne’s recruiting, feeder clubs and the rules. I think we are lucky to have Inglis, but Folau is rightfully ours. His parents moved to Qld, as people do and he went to Marsden High School as did Cam Smith, Antonio Winterstein ad a couple of others.
Should we have claimed Peter Sterling who was born in Toowoomba?
I haven’t noticed that the concept is ebbing away this side of the border. But it is disruptive to the season.
Qld more threatening with the ball, NSW better at yardage game.
Warren Ryan says the score should be 12-6.
Qld sometimes kicking on the 3rd tackle. Thurston and Slater everywhere. Where has Inglis been most of the time?
Qld more threatening with the ball, NSW better at yardage game.
Warren Ryan says the score should be 12-6.
Qld sometimes kicking on the 3rd tackle. Thurston and Slater everywhere. Where has Inglis been most of the time?
NSW has had 7 attacking kicks to Qld’s 3.
NSW has had 7 attacking kicks to Qld’s 3.
Where’s Taylor? Saved for an onslaught in the next half? Thank the deity for Petereo who’s been a tower of strength. The ref has only made one clear error and therefore hasn’t done a bad job.
Where’s Taylor? Saved for an onslaught in the next half? Thank the deity for Petereo who’s been a tower of strength. The ref has only made one clear error and therefore hasn’t done a bad job.
QLD will go on winning SOO until NSW gets rid of peaheart Bellamy and puts someone in charge who can deliver some passion to the Blues. QLD just want the game more and will all the little 1% plays; NSW look like just any good NRL team – QLD play like champions. Fuck Bellamy and cheating Melbourne Storm making him look a lot better coach than he really is.
QLD will go on winning SOO until NSW gets rid of peaheart Bellamy and puts someone in charge who can deliver some passion to the Blues. QLD just want the game more and will all the little 1% plays; NSW look like just any good NRL team – QLD play like champions. Fuck Bellamy and cheating Melbourne Storm making him look a lot better coach than he really is.
The NSW coach is certainly not the problem in much the same way that Meninga is not the reason for the QLD strength. Look below the ‘surface’ and see Locky, Thurston, Petereo, Slater et al.
It’s class across the park that’s the best explanation but that will end this year with retirements and the like.
The NSW coach is certainly not the problem in much the same way that Meninga is not the reason for the QLD strength. Look below the ‘surface’ and see Locky, Thurston, Petereo, Slater et al.
It’s class across the park that’s the best explanation but that will end this year with retirements and the like.
I think NSW tried hard enough, but wpd is right.
For the record, Qld won 28-24 in a scoreline that perhaps flattered the Blues.
Thurston deserved Man of the Match. Thaiday went for 80 minutes.
Match stats here.
Gidley made the most metres by a fair margin, followed by Whatmough, then Boyd, Civoniceva and Thaiday.
I think NSW tried hard enough, but wpd is right.
For the record, Qld won 28-24 in a scoreline that perhaps flattered the Blues.
Thurston deserved Man of the Match. Thaiday went for 80 minutes.
Match stats here.
Gidley made the most metres by a fair margin, followed by Whatmough, then Boyd, Civoniceva and Thaiday.
I disagree. What makes them LOOK like champions (apart from the obvious ones like Thurston) is they they win all those 1% plays which is directly a reflection of their desire and will to win. On the other hand, NSW spend time trotting up to the advantage line like it was a round 9 NRL game on a Saturday night against a less-favored opponent.
This is all down to the coaching staff – and also the fact that they completely waste Hayne on the wing and allow Lyon to play at 5/8th – a position he doesn’t play for his club, which is also down to the coach in the end. Also that gibbering nong Daley and his fellow selectors for picking such players out of position.
You wait, Pearce should be fit to play this weekend (Monday actually), or next at a pinch, they will rush him into the team next SOO and expect him to work a miracle. If they keep him out of this year’s series (i.e. not drop them into a bucket or miracle-worker shit next game), him and Carney are the long term halves pairing for NSW and with Hayne at the back they will be formidable, if they only put some FIRE into the bloody bellies of the team.
Meantime, I don’t see NSW winning the next game. Five series on a row, congratulations QLD, superb effort.
I disagree. What makes them LOOK like champions (apart from the obvious ones like Thurston) is they they win all those 1% plays which is directly a reflection of their desire and will to win. On the other hand, NSW spend time trotting up to the advantage line like it was a round 9 NRL game on a Saturday night against a less-favored opponent.
This is all down to the coaching staff – and also the fact that they completely waste Hayne on the wing and allow Lyon to play at 5/8th – a position he doesn’t play for his club, which is also down to the coach in the end. Also that gibbering nong Daley and his fellow selectors for picking such players out of position.
You wait, Pearce should be fit to play this weekend (Monday actually), or next at a pinch, they will rush him into the team next SOO and expect him to work a miracle. If they keep him out of this year’s series (i.e. not drop them into a bucket or miracle-worker shit next game), him and Carney are the long term halves pairing for NSW and with Hayne at the back they will be formidable, if they only put some FIRE into the bloody bellies of the team.
Meantime, I don’t see NSW winning the next game. Five series on a row, congratulations QLD, superb effort.
Certainly Bellamy in the paper this morning said his mob didn’t try hard enough at crucial stages.
Listening to Warren Ryan he always stresses positional play in defence in the backs. There seemed to be too many holes in it for the admittedly skilful Qld backs to exploit. I’d agree that there must be a better option than Lyons for no. 6. Ryan likes John Sutton of Souths, but I couldn’t comment on that.
What could beat Qld in game two is complacency. On their home ground they might feel it’ll just come to them. Meanwhile if NSW keeps much the same team they’ll know their arses are on the line if they don’t win.
Certainly Bellamy in the paper this morning said his mob didn’t try hard enough at crucial stages.
Listening to Warren Ryan he always stresses positional play in defence in the backs. There seemed to be too many holes in it for the admittedly skilful Qld backs to exploit. I’d agree that there must be a better option than Lyons for no. 6. Ryan likes John Sutton of Souths, but I couldn’t comment on that.
What could beat Qld in game two is complacency. On their home ground they might feel it’ll just come to them. Meanwhile if NSW keeps much the same team they’ll know their arses are on the line if they don’t win.
It’s simple – NSW was beaten by better halves, just as my comment @5 predicted. The NSW forwards actually bettered their opposites for a lot of the match (look at the stats) but the Lockyer/Thurston combination was always going to be hard to handle in the wet.
I reckon there have been some matches in recent years where Qld won because they were hungrier, but I don’t reckon this was one of them. This time NSW simply faced a settled combination of class players where it mattered.
It’s simple – NSW was beaten by better halves, just as my comment @5 predicted. The NSW forwards actually bettered their opposites for a lot of the match (look at the stats) but the Lockyer/Thurston combination was always going to be hard to handle in the wet.
I reckon there have been some matches in recent years where Qld won because they were hungrier, but I don’t reckon this was one of them. This time NSW simply faced a settled combination of class players where it mattered.
I went to the Uki pub last night to watch the game.
I’ve been living in NSW for 15 years, and still don’t get as excited about this game as the cat does. In fact I’d say my excitement matches the NSW teams committment over the last 5 or 6 years. My friend is there saying this is as important as the Grand Final… and he was looking sick as a dog too, despite his excitement. Then he left in disgust with 20 minutes to go…
Poor fella.
Not being a league fan, but kind of following the sport anyway, I have a question.
WTF doesn’t NSW pick Nathan Hindmarsh? For anything? Not even City v Country?
I’m not a Parramatta fan or anything but he seems to be a State of Origin player, by definition. He seems to have a never say die attitude and he never stops.
Hayne on the wing seemed dumb too, my mate (who is a league and Parra fan and played rep for NSW as a kid) picked that Qld would score on Hayne’s wing and they did a couple of times (I think).
I dunno. iT seems to me that SOE is all about attitude and NSW just doesn’t have it.
AS Tyro mentioned, no FIRE in their bellies. No heart.
I know you wouldn’t expect one player to make that much difference, but when it comes to attitude all it takes sometimes is one player to infect a whole side.
I went to the Uki pub last night to watch the game.
I’ve been living in NSW for 15 years, and still don’t get as excited about this game as the cat does. In fact I’d say my excitement matches the NSW teams committment over the last 5 or 6 years. My friend is there saying this is as important as the Grand Final… and he was looking sick as a dog too, despite his excitement. Then he left in disgust with 20 minutes to go…
Poor fella.
Not being a league fan, but kind of following the sport anyway, I have a question.
WTF doesn’t NSW pick Nathan Hindmarsh? For anything? Not even City v Country?
I’m not a Parramatta fan or anything but he seems to be a State of Origin player, by definition. He seems to have a never say die attitude and he never stops.
Hayne on the wing seemed dumb too, my mate (who is a league and Parra fan and played rep for NSW as a kid) picked that Qld would score on Hayne’s wing and they did a couple of times (I think).
I dunno. iT seems to me that SOE is all about attitude and NSW just doesn’t have it.
AS Tyro mentioned, no FIRE in their bellies. No heart.
I know you wouldn’t expect one player to make that much difference, but when it comes to attitude all it takes sometimes is one player to infect a whole side.
As someone who couldn’t give a proverbial about football, I am pleased that Queensland won again. If NSW never again wins a State of Origin match, and better yet, if they are flogged, I will be well satisfied, and hopeful that the series will sooner or later be abandoned as uncommercial.
As someone who couldn’t give a proverbial about football, I am pleased that Queensland won again. If NSW never again wins a State of Origin match, and better yet, if they are flogged, I will be well satisfied, and hopeful that the series will sooner or later be abandoned as uncommercial.
jules, I think Idris might have been involved in letting one through also.
On Hindmarsh, Warren Ryan reckons he wouldn’t pick him because he has lost his potency in attack. He reckons NSW will never beat Qld by just defending.
Now in Thaiday Qld has found perhaps the equivalent of Hindmarsh at his best.
jules, I think Idris might have been involved in letting one through also.
On Hindmarsh, Warren Ryan reckons he wouldn’t pick him because he has lost his potency in attack. He reckons NSW will never beat Qld by just defending.
Now in Thaiday Qld has found perhaps the equivalent of Hindmarsh at his best.
dd, I agree about yardage, and the halves. I reckon make them catch the ball on the tryline and if they are at the 40 metre mark by tackle 5 having made 40m that’s about par. Qld consistenly was limited to 30m or so. NSW were often at the 40m line by tackle 2 and at our 40m or more by tackle 5. But Qld forwards did just enough (but only barely) to provide a platform for the halves to do something positive.
dd, I agree about yardage, and the halves. I reckon make them catch the ball on the tryline and if they are at the 40 metre mark by tackle 5 having made 40m that’s about par. Qld consistenly was limited to 30m or so. NSW were often at the 40m line by tackle 2 and at our 40m or more by tackle 5. But Qld forwards did just enough (but only barely) to provide a platform for the halves to do something positive.
Hindmarsh will make that tackle others are too tired to do or take that hit up that no-one wants. And still turns up doing the small 1 percent plays that other players rarely do which can win you games which as Tyro said was what QLD were doing. That is why you have him the side.
I agree that you will never beat Queensland by defending but the issues with attack are elsewhere. Just send Hindmarsh out to do what he does and you will have a strong foundation for attack.
NSW really need to start putting players in their right positions. Hayne was out of sorts in the wing. He needs to play fullback and when he did, NSW looked better in attack.
But full credit to Queensland. They were by far the better team.
Hindmarsh will make that tackle others are too tired to do or take that hit up that no-one wants. And still turns up doing the small 1 percent plays that other players rarely do which can win you games which as Tyro said was what QLD were doing. That is why you have him the side.
I agree that you will never beat Queensland by defending but the issues with attack are elsewhere. Just send Hindmarsh out to do what he does and you will have a strong foundation for attack.
NSW really need to start putting players in their right positions. Hayne was out of sorts in the wing. He needs to play fullback and when he did, NSW looked better in attack.
But full credit to Queensland. They were by far the better team.
Rick Stone for NSW coach!
Rick Stone for NSW coach!
Shaun, personally I tend to agree with you about Hindmarsh. But this year we are not in a tipping competition so I don’t tend to watch games unless a Qld team is playing. So I can’t make a judgement because there are players in the NSW team and in contention that I don’t know very well or hardly at all.
For us Boyd and Folau don’t currently play on the wing, but both have played there heaps in their careers.
Shaun, personally I tend to agree with you about Hindmarsh. But this year we are not in a tipping competition so I don’t tend to watch games unless a Qld team is playing. So I can’t make a judgement because there are players in the NSW team and in contention that I don’t know very well or hardly at all.
For us Boyd and Folau don’t currently play on the wing, but both have played there heaps in their careers.
The experience of Boyd and Folau in those positions is nice to have. Gives you the option. Trouble is NSW tends to put players in positions they really shouldn’t be playing.
The experience of Boyd and Folau in those positions is nice to have. Gives you the option. Trouble is NSW tends to put players in positions they really shouldn’t be playing.
Shaun, we did it in the first game in 2008, when Lockyer was out and we played Karmichael Hunt at five-eighth. We lost. In the second and third game we played Scott Prince at 7 and moved JT to 6. They got the job done.
Shaun, we did it in the first game in 2008, when Lockyer was out and we played Karmichael Hunt at five-eighth. We lost. In the second and third game we played Scott Prince at 7 and moved JT to 6. They got the job done.