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.....