Cody Walker’s form has mirrored that of his club, South Sydney, so far this season – but that shouldn’t be a reason to put a line through his name when Michael Maguire sits down to pick his NSW side for the State of Origin opener.
In fact, I’m picking him.
Sometimes, going into an Origin camp can help players escape the troubles weighing them down at their club. I think that can be the case for Walker, who was man of the match in last year’s series finale.
It might be a contentious call, but it’s one Maguire has got to make.
He has a pre-existing relationship with Walker, and I’m sure the Souths star will benefit from playing behind a forward pack that is taking him into the contest.
For the halfback spot, it has to be Nicho Hynes. He’s been arguably the form player in the NRL this season, and with no Nathan Cleary or Mitchell Moses, his time is now.
Blues playmaker Cody Walker was named man of the match in last year’s series finale.Credit: Getty
I would have had Hynes and Moses in the halves together if the Eels star was fit, but given he hasn’t played a game for two months, it’s impossible for Maguire to pick him.
Accor Stadium can be very slippery in the middle of a Sydney winter which is why I’ve gone with a defence-oriented side for game one.
So much of the contest will be decided by kick reception and dummy-half running, which is why my other controversial selection is rugby union-bound Roosters star Joseph Suaalii.
I wouldn’t care if he’d signed to play for Siberia next year – if he’s good enough right now, he’s in my Blues side.
Joey’s NSW State of Origin team
- James Tedesco (Roosters)
- Brian To’o (Panthers)
- Stephen Crichton (Bulldogs)
- Jesse Ramien (Sharks)
- Joseph Suaalii (Roosters)
- Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
- Nicho Hynes (Sharks)
- Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
- Reece Robson (Cowboys)
- Payne Haas (Broncos)
- Liam Martin (Panthers)
- Angus Crichton (Roosters)
- Isaah Yeo (Panthers)
- Cameron McInnes (Sharks)
- Hudson Young (Raiders)
- Haumole Olakau’atu (Sea Eagles)
- Stefano Utoikamanu (Tigers)
He could form a potent combination with Brian To’o carrying the ball out of NSW’s end, so crucial in any Origin game. Suaalii should make his NSW debut.
Of the other contentious spots, now that Bradman Best and Kotoni Staggs have joined Tom Trbojevic as injured centres, I’ve gone with Sharks star Jesse Ramien for the vacant position alongside Stephen Crichton.
Crichton is crucial to this team. He is the best defensive centre in the game and expect him to lock down one side of the field. He’s a big-game player, and the Blues need him to have his best Origin series to have a chance of winning.
I’ve gone with Reece Robson at hooker, to be backed up by Cameron McInnes off the bench. He’s capable of giving Robson a 10- or 20-minute break at dummy half if needed.
Raiders forward Hudson Young.Credit: Getty
Given the conditions we generally get in Sydney, I’ve gone for four forwards on the bench with Hudson Young, Haumole Olakau’atu and Stefano Utoikamanu joining McInnes on the pine.
Young reminds me so much of Anthony Watmough in his prime, which is why I would consider using the Canberra forward through the middle when he comes onto the field.
You don’t want slugs in the middle of the park, Origin demands players who have got speed to match strength, especially when the game is opening up. Young has got that.
Olakau’atu is such a damaging player to have on the bench, and he would play exclusively on an edge when he comes onto the field in place of either Liam Martin or Angus Crichton.
By starting on the bench, he can get a feel for the game. Many players get so swept up by Origin that when it gets to the Tuesday before the match, the thought is, “Shit, I’ve got to play tomorrow night”. Easing him into the contest might be a blessing.
I expect Maguire to put a huge emphasis on his side’s defence when the players get into camp in the Blue Mountains. I reckon it will be a 60-40 split in favour of defence when the coaches sit down to plan out sessions.
With so many superstars unavailable due to injury, it might come down to a battle of wills. And being able to keep your line intact will go a long way to ensuring NSW win game one.
Manly speedster Tolu Koula.Credit: Getty
Manly can storm back into form
Manly have been a bit flat for the past three weeks, but I don’t think they’ve been going that badly.
The problem is losing close games – like they have to the Raiders, Dolphins and Broncos – can have a massive effect on your season. Those types of matches can be the difference between a good year and an average one.
Having said that, I don’t think they’ll have a better chance to beat the Storm in the Battle of Brookvale than they will on Friday night.
There’s no Cameron Munster and no Ryan Papenhuyzen for Melbourne, and Jahrome Hughes still has to get to the start line after a calf complaint. And don’t forget the man who would have filled any vacancy in the halves, Jonah Pezet, is out for the season.
It goes to show what a wonderful system Craig Bellamy has cultivated down there that they can be missing such star power and hardly miss a beat.
The Sea Eagles still seem like they’re trying to adjust to a new style without Trbojevic, but Tolu Koula looks like a long-term fullback option because of his speed.
I think they can win and win well. I reckon they’re specials against the Storm.
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