My 2 cents:
HALVES:
- Anasta has played better since Fittler took over: stronger and more confident. Good enough to earn another Blue Jersey @ 6.
- Finch is also having a better year (for him), and the fact that he has a handful of origin games + grand finals under his belt will probably help him play again @ 7. Selectors seem to like him.
- Carney’s still too green, another year of good consistent footy, and next year maybe. He needs to force the selectors to pick him as opposed to just being pretty good.
- Mullen looked like a stunned Mullen (I mean Mullet) in last years Origin, but that’s OK he’s young………….He had a great game on the weekend, but still not quite ready.
Next year we’ll have a clearer choice for Number 7 because these young guys (Mullen, Carney, Wallace, Pearce) can prove themselves over the next 12 months and the better of the 4 can play.
FULLBACK:
- Gidley has pushed his career to the next level as a full-back, and should play as starting fullback or on the bench as a utility. As a utility he can play a bit of #7 if needed, otherwise he just prowl around the ruck.
- Brett Stewart has been OK this year, not strong enough to earn an Australian jumper. But might be given another chance for NSW, if it’s based on form he should miss out in my opinion.
- Brett Kearney has been in good form and could do well if Gidley starts as fullback. Kearney then plays off the bench in the utility role. Doubt it will happen though.
WINGERS:
- Hayne played himself back into the side in the City vs Country game…………….. But I still remember last year!
- The other wing is a bit weaker this year – Rooney had a good game last week, but has not been consistent. Quinn has been strong and should probably deserve a start.
CENTRES:
- Gasnier will be there – he’s not playing great dominant football, but good enough to get a look.
- Cooper’s form is like Gasnier’s, I’d like to see Chris Lawrence get a run in the centres, so we don’t have two veteran centres in just OK form on the park.
FORWARDS:
- Cross or White in at # 8. Both will give similar service.
- Laffranchi on the bench.
- Either Mason or Kite to start, probably Mason to start then use Kite when Willie tires. Either way, whoever is in better form on the night will get more minutes.
- Luke Bailey’s coming off injury and not fit enough, although good form prior to being injured, but give him a rest I think. See how he is in a month’s time.
- Buderus, no worries, he’ll be solid and a good captain on the field.
- Tupou on the bench – he’s been good this year.
- Then Gallen, Bird and Hoffman.