Teams for Game II

[Anonymous person]

That's good news for us however Dugan is not much of a downgrade, he's still a top quality fullback. Maybe he'll do us a favour and bring the NSW camp a PR nightmare by drinking cruisers on a roof.

They'll pick their golden boy Brett Stewart before they pick Dugan IMO.

 

[Twiztid]

I don't know if Stewart will be fit for Origin 2. They said that he was taking longer to heal than expected. It might even open up the door for Michael Gordon, as we are really light in quality fullbacks at the moment. You would assume Dugan would be the first pick.

Kinda of stucks for us to possibly have no Farrah and Hayne at this point. We just can't catch a break with injuries around Origin time.

 

[ningnangnong]

Whomever they pick, it'll be a big downgrade from Hayne IMO.

When he turns up, he's a very damaging player. Strong runner, footwork, unpredictable - he's got it all.

 

[Kaz]

We just can't catch a break with injuries around Origin time.

I am trying, but no tears are forming in my eyes.

 

[Twiztid]

I am trying, but no tears are forming in my eyes.

Hopefully our replacements can somehow win in QLD and change that for you.

 

[rnabokov]

As a FB, I'll take Dugan over Hayne anytime. He's not doing much 'cos he's playing with Puff the Magic Dragon and the Dragonettes.

As for Qld, for mine, the only reason Cronk is there is because of his combination (totally absent in game one) with Slater and Smith. I think DCE is more effective than Cronk but he's no chance while Slater and Smith are there.

Bring in Papalli for McQueen, get the mongrel back in the entire pack, the Slater (and Inglis) + Cronk + Thurston + Smith show on the road and NSW are NO CHANCE

 

[Son Edo]

NSW can rest Farah and Hayne for game 3.

Not expecting to win in Brisbane even with our best team.

 

[QUEENSLANDER]

Agree with Son Edo. NSW are no chance up here, especially without hayne

 

[rnabokov]

NSW are a bloody good chance for Game 2 Hayne or no Hayne if Qld don't improve by 200%

 

[Broncoman]

If Hayne is out I would give Michael Gordon a recall. He played well in his Origin game (from memory) and has been in very good form. He is a great fullback, runs the ball back strongly, is a solid defender, safe under the high ball and is a great goal kicker. Hayne just said on Facebook he is confident he will be fit for game 2.

 

[LittleDavey]

Hope Hayne plays underdone and gets smashed in the first 10 minutes :laugh:

DCE will take over from Cronk in the coming years is my prediction - at both State and National level. I'd definitely have DCE over Pearce for the Kangaroos - which will give him even more chance to build up those combinations with Thursto / Smith / Slater. Maybe premature to shift Cronk for him at this stage, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happened next year. Nothing against Cronk, he's a solid player - but DCE is better IMO.

 

[Big Pete]

I can see McQueen retaining his spot under the pretense that it allows Mal to shift GI around.

That happened a bit in the second half but not to much avail.

With more possession and time to work on combinations though, it could have it's benefits. I thought GI's positioning at centre at times was abysmal. There were times he took himself out of the play and eliminated himself as an option.

 

[rnabokov]

I'd just take a chance and start with Papalli. He's just a few good Origin performances away from being the best edge back rower we have IMO.

Along with Gillett. :biggrin:

But then, does Mal really use edge running back rowers, other than via opportunism instead of set plays?

 

[Broncs1459]

Hopefully the selectors don't select only two props again.

 

[Broncoman]

Just read of the NRL website that Queensland will play the loyalty card and select a similar team.

 

[Old Mate]

Qld will now lose their first series in 7 years, unfortunate.

 

[Alec]

Even though it was the most ordinary team we've picked in a long time, I still think we'll win, as long as Thurston is on his game (and Inglis too, for that matter).

 

[Broncs1459]

Just read of the NRL website that Queensland will play the loyalty card and select a similar team.

Will be a big mistake. What has Gillet done to deserve loyalty anyway? Hannant and Lillyman have done more than him at Origin level and would offer more off the bench. I would also drop one of Harrison and McQueen for Papalii as well.