THE NSW State of Origin preliminary 40-man squad has been outlined prior to the first game of State of Origin 2009.
Interesting to note the following glaring omissions, Brett Kimmorley who has been in sparkling form and has plenty of experience, the same for Trent Barrett. Braith Anasta didn’t get a look in and neither did Nathan Hindmarsh.
The other shocker was the ommission of Wade McKinnon, with Brett Stewart injured the NZ Warriors fullback allows Gidley to play from the bench – McKinnon would be hard pressed to do much more, the guy scores tries from anywhere, is rock solid tough and reads the game defensively well.
The NRL News Grubber adds his comments to the selections below –
Game 1 takes place on Wednesday, June, 3 in Melbourne.
The NSW preliminary squad is:
Luke Bailey (Titans), was always going to get a look in, few props are in his league.
Colin Best (Rabbitohs), form forced him to be picked, can score tries but defence might be a worry.
Terry Campese (Raiders), has been consistently good for a long time now, strong and skillful, should be ready.
Matt Cooper (Dragons), best centre NSW has to offer. Shoe in.
Ben Creagh (Dragons), been knocking on the door for a while, hard worker and very tough. Would go OK.
Ben Cross (Knights), form hasn’t been great at the Knights, might find it tough to get into the final squad.
Michael Ennis (Bulldogs), must be picked. Playing top shelf and made for Origin.
Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers), playing well, Tigers need to keep winning to help his chances.
Paul Gallen (Sharks), another played made for Origin. If fit, he needs to be there. Tough customer.
Keith Galloway (Wests Tigers), his form has screamed out to selectors for a long time. Give him a shot.
Kurt Gidley (Knights). must be used as a utility, don’t play him at pivot. Can add more from the bench.
Jarryd Hayne (Eels), probably lucky to get a shot in this squad. Has the talent, needs more focus.
Ryan Hoffman (Storm), not in his best form, playing a little frustrated. Might miss out.
Michael Jennings (Panthers), the boom rookie is a try scoring machine. Needs a place, he will pour on points.
Brent Kite (Sea Eagles), another forward out of sorts, probably not ideally suited to Origin. Might miss out.
Anthony Laffranchi (Titans), hard worker who can score a try, facing tougher competition this year.
Chris Lawrence (Wests Tigers), form is running hot and his defence has been high quality. Could push for a spot.
Luke Lewis (Panthers), won’t get a chance this year. Playing out of position and probably past his peak.
Jamie Lyon (Sea Eagles), don’t pick him. Shows no pride in the NSW jersey, so don’t let him near it.
James McManus (Knights), a roughie, but don’t discount him. Very tough and rarely makes an error.
Mark Minichiello (Titans), another long shot, but has a good firey mould that would suit Origin.
Joel Monaghan (Raiders), should be short odds to get a wing or centre spot.
Josh Morris (Bulldogs), injury has cruelled his chances of a bolter spot. Playing top footy.
Jarrod Mullen (Knights). faces plenty of competition, needs to keep winning.
Luke O’Donnell (Cowboys), another guy made for Origin. Fire him up and get him on the field.
Mitchell Pearce (Roosters), Roosters are struggling and this will hurt his chances.
Josh Perry (Sea Eagles), could be a bolter, has a tough nature and won’t shy from tough stuff.
Justin Poore (Dragons), rising star, but probably a year too early for the big man.
Anthony Quinn (Storm), will be in the mix for flank spots, Bellamy likes him and this will help.
Michael Robertson (Sea Eagles). can score tries, but probably a concern in defence.
Brett Stewart (Sea Eagles), injury looks to have ruined his chance.
Glenn Stewart (Sea Eagles), success last year has help him grow. Tough, hard worker – in with a shot.
John Sutton (Rabbitohs), recent poor form by the Bunnies is hurting Sutton. Might be overawed by things.
Alan Tongue (Raiders), hard worker and defensively sound. Probably too much competition to get a shot.
Anthony Tupou (Sharks), has had chances before, but never really shined. Toup’s won’t make it.
Peter Wallace (Broncos), played very well when given the chance. Right in the mix, ahead of Mullen but Noddy growing.
Trent Waterhouse (Panthers), the former star is a little inconsistent these days. Won’t make the final cut.
Anthony Watmough (Sea Eagles), diamonds or stones this guy. Probably too inconsistent to be given a shot.
Michael Weyman (Dragons), a must pick. Built for Origin and will really dominate in the forwards. Physical giant.
David Williams (Sea Eagles). had a bad run with injury that will kill off his chances in 2009.
yeh! i am a die hard QLD Maroons supporter QLD will not give the game awayand for sure 2009 is for the Maroonssssssssss
Go,go, gooooooooooooo migthy Maroons
hindmarsh should be considered as he is solid tireless performer in all areas defence and attack also mateo if he was considered he should also be in the mix
my squad
1 gidley
2 Hayne
3 Monaghan
4 cooper
5 Jennings
6 campsey
7 wallace
8 bailey
9 ennis
10 Weyman
11 hindmarsh
12 Laffranchi
13 gallen
14 pearce
15 Tupou
16 Creagh
17 grothe
18 kite
19 Farah
20 tongue
21 Hoffman
tupou should be in 4 sure……..the only player playing well for the sharks at the moment….watmough in 4 all money……and robbie farrah!!!!the only 3 i think should be picked for nsw with out a doubt……and the rest is pretty 50/50….
Iam very sorry for the NSW, they will realy loose, even if they come up with their strongest line up they will never win.. Just think of the QLD, we got Folau, Slater, Locker, Tasten and manny more.. I would say The NSW are trying to play against the Australian Kangaroos… HA HA ! SAFT TRIP AND GOOD LUCK NSW … al the way from Papua New Guinea.
why doesnt any1 put mullen in their side. he is one of the best players in the game, very consistent. this would be my side
1. Kurt Gidley (c)- Best player in the game. has to be there for the full 80min
2. Joel Monaghan- A test player needs to be in there
3. Matt Cooper- Done it before can dom it again
4. Michael Jennings- A match winner, can turn a game like that
5. Chris Lawrence- To good to be left out. Strong, fast what more could you want
6. Terry Campese- Best pivot in the game and is also a test player
7. Jarrod Mullen- Has been there before and has matured since being there
8. Luke Bailey- Deserves a spot
9. Robbie Farah- Very skillfull, the man to get the better of smith
10. Michael Weyman- made for origin
11. Anthony Laffranchi- Did well last year in the jumper and is also a test player
12. Ben Creagh- This guy is unbelivable, best backrower in the game, best forward in the game and one of the best plaayers in the game
13. Glenn Stewart- brilliant player and can take pressure of the halves, also a test player
14. Anthony Watmough- made for origin and will get in the canetoads faces, also a test player
15. Josh Perry- aggresive, big, hard running what we need
16. Keith Gallowy- Has been superb for the tigers and is a brilliant player
17. Michael Ennis- not as skilled as fara but just as a good of player. Will do good of the bench and if fara is playing like a girl in a totoo then put this man on and let him rip into the marrons
18. Nathan Hindmarsh- Good defender but his team is letting him down so not in the 17
hindmarsh anasta kimmorley should of least made 40 man squad pearce shouldnt be there ennis ova farrah definatly mason should be coming off the bench we need that size factor really nsw is stumped on who 2 pick qld will smash em
my team:
1. Gidley
2. Best
3 Lyonn
4.Cooper
5. Lawrence
6. Mullen
7. Walace
8. Bailey
9. Dean Young/Ennis
10. Weyman
11. Creigh
12. Laffranchi
13. Gallen
14. Kite
15. Farrah
16. Minichiello
17. Watmough
18. Hoffman
robbie farah must get a spot. his kicking game out of dummy half will take pressure off our halfs
My Team.
1. Gidley (c): loves to be in the middle of everything. Would make a great nsw captain
2. Monaghan: Was strong, quick and effective on the flank for Australia. Great finisher.
3. Lyon: Although says he doesnt want to play, is a dynamic centre in good form at the moment
4. Cooper: Best centre NSW has to offer and the best defensive centre in the game. Definate pick.
5. Jennings: lighting fast. has earned a spot. will go well on the flank
6. Campese: Skillful, consistent and strong. Good second option playmaker , takes pressure off halfback.
7. Wallace: I didnt he did much wrong last year? Why drop him?
8. Bailey: Has earned his spot this year. Brings good experience to the pack.
9. Ennis: Skillful, good kicking game. Prefer him over farah as he gives a bit of grunt to the pack which i think is what nsw has been missing the past 3 years.
10. Perry: Consistent, big, strong and agressive. Has experience with the kangaroos
11. Laffranchi: Great hole runner. Very dangerous on the tryline
12. Creagh: Has been waiting a long time. I believe has shone more than enough
13. G. Stewart: Very skillful for a backrower as well as very strong
14. Sutton: Believe its his turn to have a go. Has lead from the front for the bunnies. can play in the halves and in the back row
15. Weyman: Form front rower in the NRL. No doubt deserved his spot. Like to see how he plays off the bench before jumping to the starting line- up
16. Watmough: Fast for a backrower. I reckon could be played in the centres if it was needed.
17. Tongue: Very consistent. Utility player that can play back row or can play at hooker.
Im die Maroons and so they are going to come out hard this year so NWS must work hard around the clock..just think about Falau, Hodges very outstanding out on field.
how can the selectors refuse to include hindmarsh in their 40 man squad ,whats the man to do.Dont know any other player with defence and full 80 min performance .why would you include jamie lyons ,he doesnt deserve it.Shame on you selectors,maybe we need new selectors.
I am in PNG but a diehard fan of the NSW Blues Team . I have been its staunch supporter since my high school days back in the early 1990s. Despite encountering consecutive loses in the last three seasons, I am pretty optimistic that my team will return in a big way this year.
The best NSW Blues team in my view is:
1. Bret Stewart
2. Anthony Quinn
3 Michael Jennings
4.Matt Cooper
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Brad Mullen
7. Peter Walace
8. Luke Bailey
9. Robie Farah
10. Brent Kite
11. Ben Creigh
12. Anthony Laffranchi
13. Paul Gallen
14. Kurt Gidley
15. Mark Minichiello
16. Anthony Watmough
17. Joel Monaghan
18. Ben Cross
19. Luke O’Donnell
If the NSW Blues selectors can pen down these stars then I don’t see any reason why my team should lose the season this year.
Over to the NSW Blues Selectors.
I am in PNG but a diehard fan of the NSW Blues Team. I have been a staunch supporter since my high school days back in the early 1990s. Despite encountering consecutive loses in the last three seasons, I am pretty optimistic that my team will return in a big way this year.
The best NSW Blues team in my view is:
1. Bret Stewart
2. Anthony Quinn
3. Michael Jennings
4. Matt Cooper
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Peter Wallace
8. Luke Bailey
9. Robbie Farah
10. Brent Kite
11. Ben Creagh
12. Anthony Laffranchi
13. Paul Gallen
14. Kurt Giddley
15. Mark Minichello
16. Anthony Watmough
17. Joel Monaghan
18. Ben Cross
19. Luke O’Donnell
If the NSW Blues Selectors can pen down these stars, I don’t see any reason why my team should lose the season this year.
Over to the NSW Blues Selectors.
1. Mason
2. Mason
3. mason
4. mason
5. mason
6. mason
7. mason
8. mason
9. mason
10. mason
11. mason
12. mason
13. mason
THAT WOULD BE SMALL WILLIES TEAM . BUNCH OF NSW LOSERS HA HA
I hate Willie Mason !
what about luke patten at fullback gives his all every week and never has a shocker
put jamie soward in i know he he is alittle weak in defense but he kicking game is the best in the comp
1 gidley
2 monaghan
3 lyon
4 cooper
5 hayne
6 campese
7 mullen
8 kite(c)
9 farrah
10 bailey
11 watmough
12 stewart
13 gallen
14 perry
15 weyman
16 sutton
17 lewis
ok, ok guys nsw Need Jamie Soward maybe not this first game but the do need him at some point if nsw are loosing there kicking factor and willie masons time is up he has got nothing left sure he could be mentioned in the 40 man squad but not in the starting line up, with his size he should be breaking through the line not just doing girly runs up to the defence and getting raped
just my opinion GO NSW good luck this year boys and PLEASE TRY TO PICK A GOOD TEAM
1.gidly
2.hayne
3.monaghan
4.cooper
5.mcmanus
6.soward
7.mullen
8.bailey
9.farah
10.perry
11.hoffman
12.gallen
13.tounge
14.ennis- great utility in the backs
15.kite
16.minichello
17.Watmough
I would just like to know what defence NSW has against the best backline in the world……QLD. Slater, Hunt, Hodges, Folau, LOCKYER, Thurston/Prince. Not to mention our forward who will do all the hard work…. Civinoceva, Price, Johnston, Smith.
QLD to make history 4 IN A ROW!!!!
My 2009 Nsw Squad:
1.Kurt Gidley(c)
2.James Mcmanus
3.Michael Jennings
4.Chris Lawrence
5.Anthony Quinn
6.Terry Campese
7.Jarrod Mullen or Peter Wallace
8.Luke Bailey
9.Robbie Farah
10.Keith Galloway
11.Mark Minichello
12.Ryan Hoffman
13.John Sutton or Paul Gallen
1. Kurt Gidley (c)
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Michael Jennings
4. Matt Cooper
5. David Williams
6. Jarrod Mullen
7. Mitchell Pearce/Peter Wallace (tough decision)
8. Luke Bailey
9. Robbie Farrah
10. Josh Perry
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Glen Stewart
13. Paul Gallen
14. John Sutton
15. Brent Kite
16. Mark Minichiello
17. Ryan Hoffman
1.Brett stewart
2.Brett.Morris
3.Matt.cooper
4.Michael.Jennings
5.Jarred.Hayne
6.Jamie.Lyon
7.Peter.Wallace
8.Brent.Kite
9.Kurt.Gidley
10.Anthony.Laffranchi
11.Anthony.Watmough
12.Paul.Gallen
13.Glenn.Stewart
14.Luke.Bailey
15.Luke.O’Donnell
16.Craig.Wing
17.Joel.Mongahan
Reserves: Anthony.Tupou,Michael.Ennis,Robbie.Farrah,John.Sutton,Ben.Creagh,Willie.Mason,Andrew.Ryan,Terry.Campese,Braith.Anasta,Josh.Perry,Mark.Minichello,Allan.Tongue,Jarrod.Mullen,David.Williams,Michael.Robertson,Michael.Weyman,Trent.Waterhouse,Nathan.Hindmarsh,Chris.Lawrence,Brett.Kimmorley,Matt.Offord,Jamie.Soward,Collin.Best
My NSW Origin Team
1- Luke Patten
2- Jarryd Hayne
3- Josh Morris
4- Matt Cooper
5- Brett Morris
6- Jamie Soward
7- Trent Barrett (c)
8- Luke Bailey
9- Dean Young
10- Michael Weyman
11- Anthony Tupou
12- Ben Creagh
13- Paul Gallen
Interchange:
14- Kurt Gidley
15- Anthony Watmough
16- Justin Poore
17- Luke O’Donnell
18th Man:
18- Ben Hornby
Other Reserves:
Anthony Laffranchi, Andrew Ryan, Braith Anasta, Brett Kimmorley
NOTE: No Peter Wallace, Terry Campese, Jarrod Mullen, Michael Jennings, Robbie Farah.
This is the most credible team and has been chosen on current form