Way Too Early NSW Origin Team
Because who doesn't love making up fake teams?
With a bit of a slow week in Rugby League Land, no teams sacking their coach for an unproven Roosters assistant or anything, I struggled to find something to write about. So, why not put together the Blues team after five weeks of footy — there’s nothing more fun to write and there’s nothing better to read (and hate on)!
Fullback: James Tedesco
The best fullback in the game. There isn’t much else to say. Everyone knows who he is and what he does.
Wing: Daniel Tupou
One of our best players in last years series, tallying massive run metres and playing with an intensity that it is rare to see from him. You also get the benefit of reigniting the premiership-winning left edge combination of him and Latrell Mitchell. Even better.
Centre: Latrell Mitchell
Probably the premier player in the competition after five rounds. He looks fantastic and has to be in the team somewhere. Before moving position to be one of the best Fullbacks in the game, he was the games best centre and I expect him to regain that title in the three games that he wears Blue.
Centre: Tom Trbojevic
He returns this week and knock on wood he can stay healthy for the rest of the year. If he does, there's no doubt that he will earn his spot in the team. At his best, Tommy Turbo is one of the leagues best players and has the ability to break games wide open; as he did at centre in the 2019 series.
Wing: Josh Addo-Carr
The best winger in the competition. Was probably NSW best player last series, which isn’t easy on the wing. If nothing else, the game changing speed he possesses means he must be here.
Five-Eighth: Jack Wighton
Five-Eighth is the most difficult position to fill for The Blues. Not for lack of talent. Walker, Luai and Wighton all have their own reasons to put on the jersey. The fact is I have been calling for Wighton to wear the six since he was included in the team and we have better centre options this year. Wighton is perfectly built to play five-eighth in the Origin arena and while the Luai-Cleary combination is tempting, I can’t go past him.
Halfback: Nathan Cleary
Cleary should be our halfback for the next decade. He and the Panthers are in spectacular form and while he’s had his moments in the past, he’s always done his job. He has all the skill in the world, can kick goals from anywhere and has one of the best kicking games in the NRL. What cements his spot, however, is his defence.
Prop: Daniel Saifiti
The Knights might be struggling but I don’t prescribe to that having anything to do with the selection of individual players. He earned his spot with the way he played in the last series. Simple as that.
Hooker: Damian Cook
The only competition for this position is Apisai Koroisau and he hasn't played a game this season. Cook is a fantastic player and has the ability to create something out of nothing. Speed around the ruck is never more important than in an Origin match and cook uses his speed to cut through tiring defences better than anyone.
Prop: Junior Paulo
Behind James Fisher-Harris, Paulo has probably been the best prop in the competition through five games. Massive with great footwork and a fantastic offload, Paulo can do it all and adapt his style of play to any kind of scenario. He does the grunt work and has the x-factor you want in Origin.
Second Row: Angus Crichton
I haven’t always been a fan of Crichton’s, but he won me over with his play in last years series. When you’re facing up against Crichton as the opposition backrower and half, you know you’re going to have a tough night trying to keep him in check.
Second Row: Tyson Frizell
One of NSW most consistent players. A hard worker in both offence and defence, Friz will do his job to the best of his ability and is exactly the type of player that State of Origin is perfect for.
(I Love him).
Lock: Isaah Yeo
In a team that is full of standouts at the Penrith Panthers, Yeo stands taller than everyone else.
There is plenty of competition at lock, with Cameron Murray and Jake Trbojevic both having strong cases for selection. Yeo has been on fire lately and confidence is something you have to take advantage of as a selector. He will do all the dirty work and then find a way to break or step through the line and when no one else can.
14: Ryan Papenhuyzen
The Clive Churchill winner last season, Ryan Papenhuyzen has improved on what was a spectacular 2020 season. He is blisteringly quick and has been scoring and setting up tries across the park for his teammates.
Seeing him jog on around the 30th minute will be hell for the Queensland defence. He will do fine playing any backline position, in the halves or as a middle forward. He’s the perfect number fourteen.
15: Cameron Murray
It was hard to leave Cam Murray out of the starting spot.
Lock for one of the best teams through the first five rounds of the season, Cam Murray has been great for years. A stalwart in defence with quickness and ball-playing that stands out even in a generation of ball-playing middle forwards, Cam Murray is a forward that can fill in at a number of positions and excel.
16: Payne Haas
One of, if not the best meter eating forward in the game who can use his footwork to trick his way through the line when brute force isn’t getting the job done.
Whether he starts or comes off the bench, big Payne has to be in the team. Prediction?
17: Paul Vaughan
Big Vaughany has done the job in the past and is on fire at the moment. The Blues have plenty of forwards and props to choose from and can’t go wrong with who they choose. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, David Klemmer and Nathan Brown could all probably fill this spot but for me, Vaughan has earned it.
Just a bit of fun for today’s article. Creating fake teams is some of the best fun you can have and defending your decisions with those who read it is even better. Who do you think will be or should be in the Blues team? Let me know below or over on Twitter @maxbdelaney. Please share with the gals or your pals and subscribe so you can get my work straight to your inbox.
