As we move closer to State of Origin Game 3 in Queensland, at the home of Rugby League ‘Suncorp Stadium’ – don’t let anyone tell you this game is a dead rubber.
The Queensland Maroons will want the perfect end to the series by enforcing the clean sweep and NSW Blues Selectors have hinted they will use the best available talent rather than using the game as a ‘testing ground’ for younger players.
NSW Blues selectors are reported to be deciding between Greg Bird and Jarrod Mullen at five eight, with Bird said to have a slight edge after his gutsy performance for the Sharks on the weekend. Bird proved he is not only a mongrel type of player, but has plenty of stamina and took one hell of a beating as the match with South Sydney got spiteful in the back end. This is the stuff the Blues need for the final State of Origin match.
The Maroons have selections issues of their own, with Brent Tate walking the injury tight rope and selectors knocking on Gold Coast Titans doors to get to Mat Rogers. The Queensland Maroons selectors have even gone as far as asking Steve Price and Petero Civoniceva to make themselves available next year for selection, due to their faultless displays in 2007 State of Origin.
If NSW Origin selectors are serious about winning this one, they need to get some grunt into the forward pack. Now this time, lets not ‘talk’ grunt. Lets actually select guys that will enforce. A few names that spring to mind are: Lance Thompson, Anthony Watmough and Paul Gallen. All these guys can go the distance and can handle themselves when needed.
And what about the refereeing; do we want a referee trying to do a Bill Harrigan impersonation where only 3 penalties the whole match are blown? Or do we want a tad more discipline to keep the sides apart enough so some attacking League is played?
Let us know who’d you pick for NSW or QLD for State of Origin Game 3. Email: NRLfeedback@gmail.com