2017 State of Origin

I'm gonna assume you're not as stupid as that post suggests, Wilson.

 

Daley saying he wants to find a position for all three of Hayne, Moylan and Tedesco. I mean I know we've talked about Hayne coming straight back in but as the coach I don't think he should be making public statements like that. It's very previous imo even with the caveats he gave. I don't think having all three of them is a particularly good idea in the first place. Yeah they're all very good players but you could end up with Tedesco at 1 even though he's not the best option. Moylan at 6 even though he's not the best option. And Hayne on the wing even though he's not the best option.

I think the more likely outcome will be Moylan on the bench with Pearce/Maloney in the halves.

 

On top of that you've got Dugan saying he will be a ball-playing fullback next year at St. George, and he'll probably be picked at right centre again.

 

I think he's mistaking ball-playing for being able to throw a decent pass and/or actually choosing to pass.

 

I wouldn't go as far as to say it's a hindrance even though yeah a lot of them are nowhere near good enough to play Origin and probably never will be. But I think it's an inversion of what you'd expect; by that I mean given NSW's larger player pool you'd generally expect them to have the larger squad. I simply cannot fathom how they've only picked one half, especially given how dire their options have been over the last decade.

As a side note: I know it's customary if you've been in the emerging squad for several years to then make room for younger blokes without it necessarily being an indication of your chances having declined ala Jake Friend. He's no longer in the QLD squad though he's clearly QLD's next hooker. But that's not remotely true of Blake Austin. Last year was his first time, and now he's out of it again. That makes absolutely no sense to me, even if Daley doesn't rate the guy any more.

 

A lot of reports have McGuire playing lock for Brisbane next year. I don't really think that changes much for QLD but we all know the way player's numbers seem to influence many people's thinking. I don't really care if he's at lock or front row. As long as it's not Thaiday I'll be happy.

I think this is the most uncertain we've been for a long time about the make-up of the QLD side. Slater could be there which may force a reshuffle of the back line.
And the forward pack, as mentioned, needs to be retooled after Parker's retirement.

Given the options, I don't really see how we can not use Papalii in the middle again, which is a bit of a shame. Scott, McGuire, Papalii and Napa should all be pencilled in and that's a good foundation to start with. After that we're struggling. Lillyman would be next in line. Myles will have to produce a pretty special start to the season to remain. We really need another young bloke to breakout in 2017.

 

We're in deep shit this year with no Scott, Parker and Inglis. Fortunately Napa and Thurston will be fine.

 

Walters won't pick Hess. He's already assured Myles and Guerra they will be there which is just fucked.

McGuire, Napa, Gillett, Thaiday, Papalii, Lillyman, Myles and Guerra are the 8 forwards he'll pick.

Papalii will be wasted on the bench and up front despite being the second best edge player regularly playing there in the NRL.

 

Daley loves Pearce. He and Maloney will be there.

 

Even before the return last year. He's been the best halfback in NSW for some time. Unfortunately it just doesn't translate into Origin. That could change this year but I doubt it. Still, he's a far better option than Reynolds.