PRE-GAME Game 2 - QLD vs NSW

[Super Freak]

If the judiciary has any credibility, Graham misses out. Accidental or not, clear contact with the head by way of a careless tackle.
Big loss for the Blues in my opinion.

Graham is a genuine threat on an edge with a high work rate, hard running and physical defence. I'd rate him above Cordner due to his ball playing ability.

In many ways he reminds me of Watmough in his prime, good metres after contact, footwork at the line, physical in attack and defence. Add in his ball playing and a pretty deft grubber and he could cause some real headaches if they used him right.

I'm surprised he hasn't been picked earlier to be honest. More dynamic than Jackson or Beau Scott, who might be reliable but don't offer much in the way of attack which his been a shortcoming of NSW for some time.

I don't think Graham should miss the game. Not for a Grade One that wouldn't even amount to a suspension by itself.

If a QLD player did it and missed out on an Origin or if a Broncos player did it and missed out on a Grand Final, I would be pretty filthy.

Just like I would have been filthy if Petero missed the 2006 GF for his hit on SBW which was very similar.

 

[Big Pete]

Just like I would have been filthy if Petero missed the 2006 GF for his hit on SBW which was very similar.

Which is why it earned the same charge: Grade 1 Careless.

The difference is that Petero didn't have any priors on his record. On the other hand, Graham was charged for a Grade 2 Careless against the Cowboys in the 2015 Semi Final, so really it isn't just this one separate incident.

This is the tackle that should rub him out of Origin: 2015 NRL Semi Finals Cowboys vs Sharks Finals Week 2 Highlights - YouTube

 

[Super Freak]

Feldt has been brought into camp as cover for Gagai.

 

[Rally Towel]

Feldt has been brought into camp as cover for Gagai.

Hmm. Not a big issue in my opinion.

Gagai has safer hands but Feldt is probably the harder runner of the two. Should still make plenty of metres like we need him to. Also has that familiarity with JT and Morgan.

Neither is particularly solid in defence though I'd probably prefer Gagai slightly, given he's proven himself in this arena. Not like NSW has thrown much at him though.

All up I'd say I'd prefer Gagai by a slim margin but I can't see the change having any great impact on the game.

 

[Sproj]

Gagai has been phenomenal in his first two origins, he has really stepped up. I do rate Feldt but he has shown he can be susceptible under pressure.

 

[1910]

Under 18's v Origin session. Under 18's have been told exactly what they need to do.

Opposed sessions are great to watch.

 

[Super Freak]

Another virus going through camp.

Seems to be one every series.

Maybe they should re-think where they stay..

 

[Tera]

Josh Morris is serious doubt for Origin 2 apparently..

What would you do if you were Laurie?

Walker to to centre and replace his bench spot with Cartwright or bring in Leilua/Roberts/Bird
to slot straight in?

 

[Big Pete]

Drop Morris
Drop Walker while nobody is looking

Bring Bird into right centre and play Cartwright off the bench.

Once NSW realises they should be building a team and picking the best talent available, they maybe able to jag some series together.

 

[Porthoz]

Leilua being seriously looked at as a possible replacement... yes please!

 

[Broncoman]

Leilua being seriously looked at as a possible replacement... yes please!

Bullshit really?

 

[Foordy]

Leilua being seriously looked at as a possible replacement... yes please!

then Ricky won't be able to whinge about of a lack rep players ... win/win :laugh:

 

[Dexter]

So Walker starting and Jack Bird onto the bench.

 

[Unbreakable]

Gagai cleared to play

 

[1910]

Really slick hit out against Souths today.

 

[Super Freak]

Better hope this rain dies down by Wednesday.

 

[Rally Towel]

Better hope this rain dies down by Wednesday.

Was just thinking the same. Hammering down here.

Forecast shows it clearing up Monday through Tuesday so I think we'll be right.

 

[Harry Sack]

Really slick hit out against Souths today.

Read that as sick first time and was wondering wtf was going on. They were talking about it on the radio today and apparently they threw a few NSW plays at Souths. Resulted in an O'neil try I believe?

Really hoping this weather blows through by the end of tonight and ***** right off for the rest of the week.