So yesterday I posted my very blog with who I think should be the NSW halves pairing, Pearce and Soward. Today I back it up with who I would have in the rest of the team. I'll try not to go into too much detail, just a summary as to why i have picked them. Obviously it won't be to everyone's liking, but it's just my opinion.
Front Row
Aiden Tolman & Kade Snowden
Tolman is one of the few former Melbourne players to continue good form since leaving. Actually I believe he has gone from good to great. Most props this year have averaged 500-700 metres so far. Tolman has run for over 900 metres at an average of just under 8 p/g. He also averages 35 tackles a game. More than most other props. He's a no-nonsense forward just like Snowden. Snowden made his debut in game 3 last year. He knows the pressure and can handle it. He was solid last year, and has been very impressive with the Sharks this year. Ricky Stuart rates him so this will work in his favour.
Hooker
Michael Ennis
Ennis v Farah. It's a battle that has gone on for the past few years, and will continue for at least a few more. They are 2 different players that play 2 different games. The reason I have gone for Ennis has nothing to do with Skill, Form or Toughness. I am not saying Ennis is better than Farah. It's the fact that Ennis is a better player at adapting to the style of play needed in SOO. I believe that any players you put around Ennis, he can play to their style. Also the fact that Farah is playing injured at the moment, puts him out of contention for me.
2nd Row & Lock
Beau Scott, Greg Bird & Paul Gallen(c)
I've decided to nickname these guys as the "Terrorising Triplets" (expansion of the "Bruise Brothers"). Paul Gallen is a given so I don't need any explanation apart from I have placed him as captain as I believe he is the best player suited for the job. He is respected by his peers, and his great club form and leadership in an under-performing team, has him take the reins for me. Almost the same for Greg Bird. Hasn't been in the greatest form this year, but knows what it takes in SOO.
Beau Scott is an 80min player. He hits the line hard and is great in defence. When he was in the centres for games 2 & 3 last year, he stifled Inglis's attack. Also since I have Soward as my 5/8th, and Gasnier in the centres, this creates a premiership winning combo down the right side. Scott is not fazed by the "hype" and showed he is up to challenge from last year.
Fullback
Josh Dugan
I've gone for Dugan as I think he is more talented than Jarryd Hayne. To me Hayne is lazy, and acts like a 6 year old when his favourite toy is taken off him, when things don't go his way, which affects the players around him. Dugan reminds me of Billy Slater. He catches the ball on the run, and heads back to the line with force. Hayne doesn't. Hayne takes his time running back trying to step and be too classy. Dugan will run the ball back, try and get a quick play the ball to put the opposition on the back foot, and get better field position. Hayne doesn't seem to do this, and it is an integral part in SOO. Mistakes don't seem to worry Dugan. He doesn't get fazed by them, or pressure either. Hayne is too hot and cold and for me is the safe option. The future, and better option to stop a 6th series win for QLD is Dugan.
Wings
Brett Morris & Michael Gordon
I don't believe either player has done anything wrong to lose their spots from last year. Uate has also been in outstanding form and could be included by I don't see either of these guys getting dropped and don't really have a reason to do so. If Morris switched to the right wing, he would add to
the Combo of Soward, Scott and Gasnier. The Dragons are not the best defensive team in the comp for nothing. Gordon has been great for the Panthers this year, especially at fullback, so i don't see him having any problems this year.
Centres
Mark Gasnier & Jamal Idris
After Gasnier played all over Inglis in round 6, he's back!!! He is also in the mix for a Test recall, so I don't see why he shouldn't be in the NSW lineup. Again he fits in well with my right side, and also has been there and done it all before.
With Idris there is a question on his defence. With Bird inside of him, he won't have to worry too much. He is a devastating ball runner. Can break tackles, offload and snatch tries from the great kicks Soward will provide for him. He is one of the players of the future. We need him there now, and could be a player you build a team around. And since no-one else seems to have put their hand up yet, he is my choice for left centre.
Bench
Jarrod Mullen, Luke Lewis, Michael Weyman & Luke Douglas
Some players that i have left out are White, TLL, Watmough, Mannah & Waterhouse. They just haven't stood out this year. Neither really have Lewis and Weyman, but they fit better in my more youthful approach I have going.
Another big absentee is Kurt Gidley. I'm just not a fan. As I said yesterday he is a great utility, but I just don't see him in my team. For me the better option is Mullen. I could see him filling in at hooker or any of the halves should something happen there and is in great form.
Douglas has been outstanding and I think he is ready for the next step into SOO. They picked him for Country in 2007 (didn't play due to injury), and has only improved since then.
Michael Weyman hasn't played a lot this year, but I don't what he has done wrong since last year when he was picked in the Test squad, and only lost his spot in SOO due to suspension. He was great at the end of last year, and in the finals.
Luke Lewis is solid (Sorry solid is my word of the week). He could fill in anywhere in the forwards or centre if needed. I believe he is a better option off the bench than, Waterhouse, Watmough or TLL. He's a senior player that the players listen to, and has the experience as well.
Anyway this is my team along with my Halves pairing. This may not be the team to win every game of the 2011 series, but is a team of the future and one we could stick with for the next few years.
Thanks guys for reading and hopefully this have been an interesting and insightful read, and I hope I can back it up with more soon.
Cheers.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
NSW Halves Dilemma
Ok so this is my first blog, so some constructive criticism is appreciated.
I've decided to base my first blog on the subject of the dilemma of who should be the NSW halves.
I will also state that I do support the St George-Illawarra Dragons, and you may think my support of Soward is biased, it may well be, but I will also try and use statistics to back my claim up.
Panthers: Luke Walsh (7)
Wests Tigers: Tim Moltzen (7)
Broncos: Peter Wallace (7)
Sharks: Wade Graham (7) & Albert Kelly (6)
Dogs: Trent Hodkinson (7) & Kris Keating (6)
Rabbitohs: John Sutton (6)
Raiders: Josh McCrone (7) & Sam Williams (6) - also Matt Orford (7)
Knights: Jarrod Mullen (7) & Kurt Gidley (6)
Eels: Jeff Robson (7) & Daniel Mortimer (6)
Roosters: Mitchell Pearce (7) & Braith Anasta (6) & Todd Carney (6)
Dragons: Jamie Soward (6)
Warriors: James Maloney (7)
Titans: Greg Bird (6)
I have just listed all the available players for the NSW halves positions. Most of these can be thrown out of contention, but players i want to discuss are Mullen, Gidley, Pearce, Carney, Soward and Bird.
Jarrod Mullen
When Jarrod Mullen made his SOO Debut in 2007 at age 20, he had played just 9 games at half-back and around 30 in total. That was too soon. Fast forward 4 years, he has moved into 5/8th, has a great kicking game, and when he runs to the line and uses his devastating right foot step, he can be deadly and hard to stop. I would like to see Mullen played off the bench in a role similar to what Cronk/Prince have done in the past for QLD. I also could see him being used at hooker either starting or off the bench. It has worked before (Johns, Gidley etc.)
Kurt Gidley
Gidley is a "Jack of all trades, Master of none". He has never really put his hand up in any position, to say "This is mine". He is a great utility and athlete, but not a specialist player in any position. I don't find him creative, he doesn't have a great kicking game, and I have a feeling the QLDer's love hearing him called out on the team sheet. When he fills in at HB/FE for Newcastle, they seem to score points when he is shifted to Hooker, or dropped back to Fullback. I can't pick him in my halves, I hope the selectors feel the same, and the best he could do is make the #14 jersey.
Mitchell Pearce
Ok so Pearce is my pick for the NSW #7. When he made his SOO debut at 19 in 2008, he was very solid. His other 2 appearances last year were again solid, but not outstanding in any aspect. His partner last year was Barrett who was nowhere near his best. Barrett doesn't have a great kicking game, which put more pressure on Pearce. With the Roosters, Pearce has Carney with him and they both play similar styles which doesn't put so much pressure on Pearce. NSW have shown faith in him, and I hope they stick with him. With a good young Pivot by his side, Pearce can play his natural game, pick his spots and we will see great things from Junior, Junior Pearce.
Todd Carney
This "man" needs to get his life in order before we even think he should play for NSW. Rewind 12 months. Carney is in career best form. He is considered for NSW, on his way to the Dally M award and an Australian jersey in the Four Nations. A few schooners later, the bloke is in court for Drink-Driving, attending AA, breaking club protocol, and even lying to his club to get on the piss. Don't get me wrong, Carney is one of the most talented players going around. His skills are unbelievable sometimes. He would be a great pick in the NSW squad. But do we throw him in an environment that is renowned for its drinking culture? Its shown that when he is on the piss, he can't handle it and goes off the rails. When he is sober and has a full year of football with no incidents, then he will come back into the frame.
Jamie Soward
Speed bump. Milkman. Rock Star. All these have been words to describe Jamie Soward. I'll give you another one. Ready!!!! Why?......Why not? Since 2009, NSW have used Jamie Lyon, Trent Barrett and Terry Campese as the 5/8th. In 2009 Jamie Soward has been voted 5/8 of the year, and finished 3rd in overall votes at the Dally M's. Since 2009 NSW has won 1 out 6 games, while Soward has led the Dragons to 2 minor Premierships, 1 Major Premiership and a WCC Win. In the 2009 finals they said Soward went missing. In 2010, he proved them wrong. His kicking, timing, passing, stepping and running of the ball are as good as any one's. His defence has improved out of sight (Just ask Greg Bird from round 1). He is no longer a Speed bump, a Milkman or Rock Star. He is the future of NSW.....
Greg Bird
When discussing the halves, everyone seems to forget the Birdman. In 2007 he was chosen as the Australian 5/8th and earned Players Player. also in 2007 he was chosen in game 3 of the SOO, again as 5/8th and won the Man of the Match. Exactly the same scenario in Game 1 of the 2008 series. In 3 appearances in the NSW #6, twice it has been a man of the match performance. There have been some off field dramas, but that has all been cleared up and in the past. Personally I would rather see Bird in the backrow with Beau Scott and Paul Gallen and call them the "Terrorising Triplets". But his stats at 5/8th can't be ignored and needs to be in contention.
In summary, I would like to see Pearce and Soward as the halves, with Mullen off the bench. With both being able to kick right and left footed accurately, our kicking game is organised. Both are able to set up opportunities on both the right and left side of the field. Both speedy, skillful, good in defence and have all the talent in the world. Put them together with a youthful forward pack, and some class in the backline and we have the future of NSW right there.....
I've decided to base my first blog on the subject of the dilemma of who should be the NSW halves.
I will also state that I do support the St George-Illawarra Dragons, and you may think my support of Soward is biased, it may well be, but I will also try and use statistics to back my claim up.
Panthers: Luke Walsh (7)
Wests Tigers: Tim Moltzen (7)
Broncos: Peter Wallace (7)
Sharks: Wade Graham (7) & Albert Kelly (6)
Dogs: Trent Hodkinson (7) & Kris Keating (6)
Rabbitohs: John Sutton (6)
Raiders: Josh McCrone (7) & Sam Williams (6) - also Matt Orford (7)
Knights: Jarrod Mullen (7) & Kurt Gidley (6)
Eels: Jeff Robson (7) & Daniel Mortimer (6)
Roosters: Mitchell Pearce (7) & Braith Anasta (6) & Todd Carney (6)
Dragons: Jamie Soward (6)
Warriors: James Maloney (7)
Titans: Greg Bird (6)
I have just listed all the available players for the NSW halves positions. Most of these can be thrown out of contention, but players i want to discuss are Mullen, Gidley, Pearce, Carney, Soward and Bird.
Jarrod Mullen
When Jarrod Mullen made his SOO Debut in 2007 at age 20, he had played just 9 games at half-back and around 30 in total. That was too soon. Fast forward 4 years, he has moved into 5/8th, has a great kicking game, and when he runs to the line and uses his devastating right foot step, he can be deadly and hard to stop. I would like to see Mullen played off the bench in a role similar to what Cronk/Prince have done in the past for QLD. I also could see him being used at hooker either starting or off the bench. It has worked before (Johns, Gidley etc.)
Kurt Gidley
Gidley is a "Jack of all trades, Master of none". He has never really put his hand up in any position, to say "This is mine". He is a great utility and athlete, but not a specialist player in any position. I don't find him creative, he doesn't have a great kicking game, and I have a feeling the QLDer's love hearing him called out on the team sheet. When he fills in at HB/FE for Newcastle, they seem to score points when he is shifted to Hooker, or dropped back to Fullback. I can't pick him in my halves, I hope the selectors feel the same, and the best he could do is make the #14 jersey.
Mitchell Pearce
Ok so Pearce is my pick for the NSW #7. When he made his SOO debut at 19 in 2008, he was very solid. His other 2 appearances last year were again solid, but not outstanding in any aspect. His partner last year was Barrett who was nowhere near his best. Barrett doesn't have a great kicking game, which put more pressure on Pearce. With the Roosters, Pearce has Carney with him and they both play similar styles which doesn't put so much pressure on Pearce. NSW have shown faith in him, and I hope they stick with him. With a good young Pivot by his side, Pearce can play his natural game, pick his spots and we will see great things from Junior, Junior Pearce.
Todd Carney
This "man" needs to get his life in order before we even think he should play for NSW. Rewind 12 months. Carney is in career best form. He is considered for NSW, on his way to the Dally M award and an Australian jersey in the Four Nations. A few schooners later, the bloke is in court for Drink-Driving, attending AA, breaking club protocol, and even lying to his club to get on the piss. Don't get me wrong, Carney is one of the most talented players going around. His skills are unbelievable sometimes. He would be a great pick in the NSW squad. But do we throw him in an environment that is renowned for its drinking culture? Its shown that when he is on the piss, he can't handle it and goes off the rails. When he is sober and has a full year of football with no incidents, then he will come back into the frame.
Jamie Soward
Speed bump. Milkman. Rock Star. All these have been words to describe Jamie Soward. I'll give you another one. Ready!!!! Why?......Why not? Since 2009, NSW have used Jamie Lyon, Trent Barrett and Terry Campese as the 5/8th. In 2009 Jamie Soward has been voted 5/8 of the year, and finished 3rd in overall votes at the Dally M's. Since 2009 NSW has won 1 out 6 games, while Soward has led the Dragons to 2 minor Premierships, 1 Major Premiership and a WCC Win. In the 2009 finals they said Soward went missing. In 2010, he proved them wrong. His kicking, timing, passing, stepping and running of the ball are as good as any one's. His defence has improved out of sight (Just ask Greg Bird from round 1). He is no longer a Speed bump, a Milkman or Rock Star. He is the future of NSW.....
Greg Bird
When discussing the halves, everyone seems to forget the Birdman. In 2007 he was chosen as the Australian 5/8th and earned Players Player. also in 2007 he was chosen in game 3 of the SOO, again as 5/8th and won the Man of the Match. Exactly the same scenario in Game 1 of the 2008 series. In 3 appearances in the NSW #6, twice it has been a man of the match performance. There have been some off field dramas, but that has all been cleared up and in the past. Personally I would rather see Bird in the backrow with Beau Scott and Paul Gallen and call them the "Terrorising Triplets". But his stats at 5/8th can't be ignored and needs to be in contention.
In summary, I would like to see Pearce and Soward as the halves, with Mullen off the bench. With both being able to kick right and left footed accurately, our kicking game is organised. Both are able to set up opportunities on both the right and left side of the field. Both speedy, skillful, good in defence and have all the talent in the world. Put them together with a youthful forward pack, and some class in the backline and we have the future of NSW right there.....
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