City v CountryThe annual City v Country match in Orange was a classy clash in front of an excited local crowd, with the City boys getting the win 40-18, turning on some impressive play late in the piece.

Country had all the ball early and looked dangerous, but probably should have piled on more points. They were continually turned away by the City defence and once the City side got some ball, their attack looked uptempo and instantly effective.

It’s the big Origin trial for the NSW hopefuls, with the shoot-out between players the big part of this match;

City played so well, they could enjoy a strong makeup of the NSW open Origin spots –

John Sutton was an early casualty to injury, a setback that will frustrate him and his coach. Sutton apparently breaking a finger.

The battle of the halfbacks looked to go Peter Wallaces’ way; the Brisbane no.7 having more chances than opposite Jarrod Mullen. Wallace took all the right options, running on the right plays, shifting short and inside passes beautifully and kicking to perfection.

Mullen had some impressive moments, but with his side being dominating it did make it hard for him.

The same could be said in the hooking duel.

Ennis was his usually active, firey-self. The livewire rake chasing his opposite down several times early and forcing Farah to kick out on the full – but Farah began to score browny points as his team rose to the occasion.

Farah started to get into his Wests Tigers groove, showing off his trade-mark show and go and firing up his dangerous short kicking game.

In the centres, Michael Jennings continued his rise to fame. Jennings turned on his jaw-dropping speed and swerve to setup a Wolfman try from 80m out.

Jamie Lyon turned in a good solid performance and looks to be the partner for Jennings in Origin.

On the wings, Joel Monaghan was the standout flanker in the match. His experience and height will get him a position no doubt.

Of the remaining wingers, Wolfman while scoring a handy try – looks shaky under the high ball and isn’t in his best form.

It was very hard to split Jarryd Hayne and James McMannus, both secure in defence and dangerous when getting the chance. The experience of Hayne at Origin level could see him get the nod.

In the forwards, Justin Poore continued his strong recent form, getting good thrust through the line and the grit of Michael Weyman was evident even in a losing side.

Keith Galloway remains the stand-out forward and hardman Luke O’Donnell did his chances no harm, he simply needs to be there in the Origin arena.

The remaining piece of the puzzle, seems the NSW five-eight position. With Sutton injured early, Terry Campese was given centre stage to put his hand up. While impressive, he may still be a touch too green at the top level.

Campese does have a great kicking game, he combined well to setup Alan Tongue for a nice try but there must remain a Braith Anasta line of thinking in the selectors minds.

Anasta has his detractors, but he remains in great form for the Roosters despite their bad year.

Which players stood out in your mind? Who can make the NSW side after tonights performance? Please comment below.

By ricky

3 thoughts on “City blow Country away late 40-18”
  1. I would say Hayne, Wallace, Farah and Monaghan. They were fantastic for sure! They have to get the nod!

  2. Jamie Soward has been in an outstanding form this season. should be considered in the five-eight role. Try someone new rather looking for experieces which didn’t workout in past series.

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