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kwigibo
18-03-08, 09:22 PM
We've had a round of football to see what's what. On early form, what are your picks?

For me:

QLD (a lot of ifs)

Hunt

Folau
Hodges
Rogers
Inglis

Lockyer
Thurston

Price (if fit)
Smith
Civoniceva
Crocker (if fit)
Myles
Johnson

Parker (if fit)
Thaiday
Bowen
Harrison (to get another Titan in)

NSW

Burt (If McKinnon were fit, automatic selection)

Merrit
Gasnier
Lawrence
Turner

Hornby
Orford

Bailey
Farah
White
Laffranchi
Gallen
Tongue

Mason
Cashmere
Hindmarsh
Hoffman



A few speculators in there, especially NSW. But the blues haven't been winning with the usual suspects, and as much as I'd like them to make that a habit long into the future, I picked a side I think would do well. Hornby might be a stretch, but he's the only starting 5/8th this week that hasn't been tried to a fault and that I am sure isn't a Kiwi.

C-Whiz
22-03-08, 10:39 AM
I'll get back to you in a couple of months.......

Capital_Shark
22-03-08, 10:56 AM
Bloody hell champ, let the tingling from season 2008 kick off wear off a little before chucking Origin at me.

Just quickly though:


On early form

Crocker (if fit)

Liked the way he patrolled the dressing sheds in the opening round?

kwigibo
22-03-08, 12:15 PM
Bloody hell champ, let the tingling from season 2008 kick off wear off a little before chucking Origin at me.

Just quickly though:




Liked the way he patrolled the dressing sheds in the opening round?

He's an incumbent as far as I'm concerned, always performs in origin.

hully gully
22-03-08, 12:31 PM
This must be early i tried last week to place bets atTAB on player selection to try and get good prices they wouldn't entertain it , all they could say is nearer the time ?I was under the impression the further out a better price would be gained....

Teegy
03-05-08, 08:25 AM
I think its getting to the time where we can make fairly accurate tips for the origin sides.
my QLD team would be
1. K Hunt
2. B Slater
3. J Hodges
4. G Inglis
5. I Falou
6. D Lockyer (c)
7. S Prince
8. P Civoniceva
9. C Smith
10. S Price (If Fit) not sure when is back if not B Hannett
11. M Crocker
12. S Thaiday
13. D Johnson
14. J Thurston
15. A Kafusi
16. C Webb
17. N Myles

also could be include on bench Micheal Luck, Jacob Lilyman, Nathan Friend, Neville Costigan and David Stagg.

i couldnt have the team w/o prince or Thurston (both such good players) so id bring thurston on around the 25-30 min mark at lock if our forwards are on top

Titanium_BD1103
03-05-08, 08:40 AM
Ok after City vs Country, here is a side I'd like to see for NSW for SOO1... but even this side isn't a sure thing... there are several options for several positions and everyone of the 34 players from last night showed they can do the sky blue proud.

Here however is the side.. :)

POSSIBLE 2008 NSW TEAM

01. Brett Stewart
02. Anthony Quinn
03. Mark Gasnier
04. Matt Cooper
05. Jarryd Hayne
06. Braith Anasta
07. Kurt Gidley/Brett Finch
08. Brett White
09. Danny Buderus (c)
10. Willie Mason
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Paul Gallen
13. Greg Bird

14. Anthony Tupou
15. Ben Cross
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Robbie Farah/Kurt Gidley

Teegy
03-05-08, 08:45 AM
Ok after City vs Country, here is a side I'd like to see for NSW for SOO1... but even this side isn't a sure thing... there are several options for several positions and everyone of the 34 players from last night showed they can do the sky blue proud.

Here however is the side.. :)

POSSIBLE 2008 NSW TEAM

01. Brett Stewart
02. Anthony Quinn
03. Mark Gasnier
04. Matt Cooper
05. Jarryd Hayne
06. Braith Anasta
07. Kurt Gidley/Brett Finch
08. Brett White
09. Danny Buderus (c)
10. Willie Mason
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Paul Gallen
13. Greg Bird

14. Anthony Tupou
15. Ben Cross
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Robbie Farah/Kurt Gidley
very good side but only change id make is by my personal idea that Todd Carney is the future great half and needs a chance to wear the blue jesey. i think the way he plays would suit NSW and provide a good running half

chop76
03-05-08, 01:21 PM
I'd really like to see NSW make some major changes. I think about 8 or 9 will be picked from this team but I like it.

1. Brett Hodgson (awesome game last night)
2. Matt Petersen
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Dean Collis
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Braith Anasta
7. Kurt Gidley
8. Willie Mason
9. Danny Buderus (if Robbie Farah were fit he would be my first selection)
10. Luke Bailey (c)
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Anthony Tupou
13. Michael Ennis

14. Todd Payton
15. Mark Minichiello
16. Greg Bird
17. Paul Gallen


Qld won't change too much from last year. Hope Slater gets to start at fullback.

kwigibo
03-05-08, 01:53 PM
I'd really like to see NSW make some major changes. I think about 8 or 9 will be picked from this team but I like it.

1. Brett Hodgson (awesome game last night)
2. Matt Petersen
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Dean Collis
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Braith Anasta
7. Kurt Gidley
8. Willie Mason
9. Danny Buderus (if Robbie Farah were fit he would be my first selection)
10. Luke Bailey (c)
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Anthony Tupou
13. Michael Ennis

14. Todd Payton
15. Mark Minichiello
16. Greg Bird
17. Paul Gallen


Qld won't change too much from last year. Hope Slater gets to start at fullback.

I think Petersen is ineligible, being a WA boy and playing for USA.

kwigibo
03-05-08, 02:26 PM
Hmmm. My teams have changed a little.

Qld

Slater
Folau
Inglis
Hodges
A. Graham/Bani/Hunt/Boyd/Bowen...*
Lockyer
Thurston
Price/Hannant if Price isn't back
Smith
Civinoceva
Crocker
Thaiday
Johnson

Myles
Webb
Kaufusi
Prince/Friend/Cronk/Harrison/Marsh**

*(trouble with this one, do you pick the best players out of position, or the specialist wingers who aren't as good)

**Is there an obvious utility option?


NSW

Stewart
Hayne
Gasnier
Cooper
Quinn
Anasta
Wallace? (did anyone really play themselves in last night?)
White
Farah
Bailey
Mason
Laffranchi
Bird

Minichiello
Tupou
Cashmere
Gidley

Robbie_Dee
03-05-08, 02:38 PM
for QLD I'd like to see.

1. Billy Slater
2. Israel Folau
3. Ashley Graham
4. Justin Hodges
5. Greg Inglis
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Petero Civinoceva
9. Cam Smith
10. Carl Webb
11. Same Thaiday
12. Tonie Carroll
13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange:
14. Aaron Payne
15. Michael Crocker
16. Ben Hannant
17. Nate Myles


and for NSW, no idea, but I'll go with

1. Brett Stewert
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Brett Finch
8. Willie Mason
9. Danny Buderus
10. Brett White
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Anthony Tupou
13. Greg Bird

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Ryan Hoffman
16. Paul Gallen
17. Brent Kite
:ugh:

Luke Bailey for a starting prop if fit? When is he due back?

kwigibo
03-05-08, 03:16 PM
for QLD I'd like to see.

1. Billy Slater
2. Israel Folau
3. Ashley Graham
4. Justin Hodges
5. Greg Inglis
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Petero Civinoceva
9. Cam Smith
10. Carl Webb
11. Same Thaiday
12. Tonie Carroll
13. Dallas Johnson

Interchange:
14. Aaron Payne
15. Michael Crocker
16. Ben Hannant
17. Nate Myles


and for NSW, no idea, but I'll go with

1. Brett Stewert
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Chris Lawrence
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Tim Smith
8. Willie Mason
9. Danny Buderus
10. Brett White
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Anthony Tupou
13. Greg Bird

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Ryan Hoffman
16. Paul Gallen
17. Brent Kite
:ugh:

Luke Bailey for a starting prop if fit? When is he due back?

Bailey reckons he'll play the bulldogs.

Carroll is rep retired.

Capital_Shark
03-05-08, 03:48 PM
And not only is Tim Smith not playing footy, he's a Queenslander.

kwigibo
03-05-08, 03:59 PM
And not only is Tim Smith not playing footy, he's a Queenslander.

Crap, I didn't even see that. Not only is he a queenslander, he's a gold coaster.

Robbie_Dee
03-05-08, 05:03 PM
And not only is Tim Smith not playing footy, he's a Queenslander.:doh: wtf was I thinking, I was meaning Brett Finch..but wrote Tim Smith for some reason.... LOL :laugh:

and didn't realise Carroll was retired from rep, it's a shame he's in great form.

Hoppy2007Dragons
03-05-08, 07:12 PM
NSW(if All fit)

1. Brett Stewart
2. Anthony Quinn (impressed me in the country/city game)
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Jared Hayne
6. Todd Carney (impressed me in the county/city game, very good 2nd phase runner, future permant rep player)
7. Brett Finch
8. Jason Ryles(Bailey if fit would be here, and ryles on bench, ryles is the statistically best prop going atm)
9. Danny Buderus (Farah if fit would be here)
10. Brett White
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Willie Mason
13. Greg Bird

14. Paul Gallen
15. Ben Cross (impressed in the country/city game and titans/knights game)
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Kurt Gidley
18. Anthony Tupou

Queensland

1. Billy Slater
2. Greg Inglis
3. Israel Falou
4. Justin Hodges
5. Brent Tate (playing good footy at warriors, Bowen would be here, but i don't think he will be fit)
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Johnathon Thurston
8. Petro Civoncievia (sp)
9. Cameron Smith
10. Ben Hannat
11. Carl Webb
12. Nate Myles
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Sam Thaiday
15. Michael Crocker
16. Jacob Lilleyman
17. Anthony Kafusia
18. Ashley Harrison

kwigibo
03-05-08, 07:25 PM
I've changed my mind, I like Sammut for NSW halfback. If Pearce is in the mix, why not? Pearce's team has won a few more games, but he's got a lot more back up.

TITANS007
03-05-08, 08:50 PM
I just wish they'd stop picking Lockyer on his name and start picking Prince on his form. I'd love to see Prince - 7 and Thurston - 6 and Slater - 1. I think they would kill it in that combination. Lockyer is not match fit, proved by his inept performance in his last game. He needs to stand down cos he is gonna go out fizzling not firing.

Flanker/5-8
03-05-08, 10:38 PM
Queensland

1. Slater
6. Thurston
7. Prince
12. Thaiday

NSW

6. Todd Carney
11. Laffranchi
12. Hindmarsh

Dummy Half
04-05-08, 01:31 PM
I just wish they'd stop picking Lockyer on his name and start picking Prince on his form. I'd love to see Prince - 7 and Thurston - 6 and Slater - 1. I think they would kill it in that combination. Lockyer is not match fit, proved by his inept performance in his last game. He needs to stand down cos he is gonna go out fizzling not firing.

ouch

I don't know if Mal Meninga agrees with that.
Or Ricky Stuart for that matter.
They both seem to believe Lockyer is the best man for the job.
Each to their own i guess.
-

Titanium_BD1103
05-05-08, 09:18 PM
Ok well with the fact that Greg Bird is playing 6 on Friday, this could be a very feasible side for NSW in 2008, not saying I want this side, but it could be very feasible.

01. Brett Hodgson
02. Anthony Quinn
03. Mark Gasnier
04. Jamie Lyon
05. Jarryd Hayne
06. Greg Bird
07. Kurt Gidley
08. Willie Mason
09. Danny Buderus (c)
10. Brett White
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Anthony Tupou
13. Paul Gallen

14. Brent Kite
15. Ryan Hoffman
16. Ben Cross
17. Braith Anasta



NB: Anasta would be used as a utility, Stewart is considered injured.

Supergoose
10-05-08, 08:27 PM
I'm not sure how Queensland will approach the Hunt V Slater issue but something tells me they'll both be there. Slater may get the bench utility spot or Hunt may be pushed to the wing instead of Tate. This is how I think the Qld team might line-up.

1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Israel Folau
3. Justin Hodges
4. Greg Inglis
5. Brent Tate
6. Darren Lockyer (Scott Prince if Lockyer ruled out)
7. Jonathan Thurston
8. Nate Myles
9. Cameron Smith
10. Petero Civoniceva
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Michael Crocker
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Ben Hannant
15. Carl Webb
16. Corey Parker (if not fit than Lillyman/Stagg)
17. Billy Slater

Chaos
10-05-08, 08:41 PM
Choosing Slater or Hunt for fullback is one of the hardest decisions when picking the QLD team but so far I honestly believe Slater deserves the fullback spot.
From there...more thought needs to go into whether Hunt can find a spot elsewhere.

Supergoose
10-05-08, 08:53 PM
I think the NSW selectors will pick Gidley as the half - personally I'd be picking Mullen or Wallace as they are the two legitimate, consistent young halves from NSW. I think Gidley should be picked as the fullback as his form is better than Stewart's at this point in the season. My team then looks like this

1. Kurt Gidley
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Jamie Lyon
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Jarrod Mullen
8. Brent Kite
9. Danny Buderus (Farah's not fit)
10. Jason Ryles
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Greg Bird

14. Paul Gallen
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Willie Mason
17. Luke O'Donnell (Luke Lewis or Ben Harris if O'Donnell is not fit)

Lewis or Harris would be useful if there were any injuries in the backline but Bird, Hoffman could also be shifted into the backline somewhere - Wing would be the worst position to suffer an injury with no utility although Gasnier has prowess as a winger.

Supergoose
10-05-08, 08:56 PM
Choosing Slater or Hunt for fullback is one of the hardest decisions when picking the QLD team but so far I honestly believe Slater deserves the fullback spot.
From there...more thought needs to go into whether Hunt can find a spot elsewhere.

I tend to agree with you but I'm not sure the selectors will. In my team Hunt would either fill the bench utility spot or take Tate's spot on the wing and Slater should have the fullback spot.

TITAN PETE
11-05-08, 10:04 PM
After this weekends round a couple of players may have pushed their way into the side

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Jamie Lyon
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Kurt Gidley
8. Brent Kite
9. Danny Buderus
10. Ben Cross
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Paul Gallen
13. Greg Bird

14. Ryan Hoffman
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Willie Mason
17. Peter Wallace
18. Chris Lawrence

I think Lawrence will probably need to wait another year but the young guy has Superstar written all over him:thumbsup:

I also think Wallace will be picked as another "Gidley" with his versitality from the bench ;)

Jaye001
12-05-08, 12:17 PM
After this weekends round a couple of players may have pushed their way into the side

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Jamie Lyon
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Kurt Gidley
8. Brent Kite
9. Danny Buderus
10. Ben Cross
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Paul Gallen
13. Greg Bird

14. Ryan Hoffman
15. Anthony Tupou
16. Willie Mason
17. Peter Wallace
18. Chris Lawrence

I think Lawrence will probably need to wait another year but the young guy has Superstar written all over him:thumbsup:

I also think Wallace will be picked as another "Gidley" with his versitality from the bench ;)

I think your pretty much spot on with those selections :thumbsup:

eelectrica
12-05-08, 04:44 PM
1. Slater
2. Hunt
3. Folau
4. Hodges
5. Inglis
6. Thurston
7. Prince
8. Civoniceva
9. Smith
10. Hannant
11. Crocker
12. Thaiday
13. Johnson

14. Webb
15. Myles
16. Meyers - Been impressed with his recent efforts
17. Cronk - Utility value

Cowboy Titan
12-05-08, 05:32 PM
Push on for Prince to replace Lockyer

http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200803/r236397_951991.jpg (http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200803/r236397_951998.jpg)
Scott Prince... on fire for the Titans this season. (Getty Images: Bradley Kanaris)

Brisbane Broncos forward Sam Thaiday has backed Gold Coast Titans co-captain Scott Prince to play five-eighth for Queensland in the State of Origin series.

Queensland selectors met with coach Mal Meninga today to discuss the make-up of the Maroons line-up with the full-back, five-eighth and second row positions attracting the most discussion.

Regular five-eighth and captain Darren Lockyer has had knee surgery and will miss the opening clash next Wednesday.

Karmichael Hunt could be an option in the number six jumper given Billy Slater's outstanding form at full-back, but Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has urged Maroons selectors not to play Hunt out of position.

"I don't think Queensland would be that silly, really. What are you going to do with Scott Prince?" Bennett said yesterday.

There has been some suggestion that a halves pairing featuring two dominant players in Prince and Johnathan Thurston would not suit team dynamics, but Bennett laughed that off.

"What do you think Darren Lockyer is?" he said.

"Scott Prince is a wonderful, wonderful player. If he's not the form player in the NRL at the moment, I don't know who is.

"His other great strength is that he is a wonderful team person.

"I don't think he will have a problem with Thurston being dominant."
Thaiday agrees Prince is the best option to fill in for Lockyer.

"I think Wayne likes Princey because he was at the club," Thaiday said.
"But I think that Princey would make a great five-eighth for the Queensland side.

"I hope he does make it because you know he's been playing absolutely great footy and it'd be a great reward for him."

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/12/2242397.htm?section=sport

Chaos
12-05-08, 05:48 PM
I'd have Prince in the 7 to organise position play and put Thurston at 5/8 to run with more space.

I've always thought Thurston would be a better 5/8 if a great half back was inside him.

Chaos
12-05-08, 06:07 PM
The Origin side will be chosen tomorrow night and look at the below headline posted on the NRL website.
The headlines not just deceiving...it degrades the NRL website.


Hunt over as Carmichael replaces Lockyer
By Wayne Heming
AAP
Karmichael Hunt is set to be thrown the toughest challenge of his brief rugby league career on Tuesday as champion Darren Lockyer's Origin replacement.

The No.6 maroon jumper Lockyer has worn for 11 successive Origins as captain since the second game of 2004 has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks.

Melbourne's Greg Inglis and Titans halfback Scott Prince, who's been in career best form, were the front-runners until a big push arrived for Hunt at the weekend.

Brisbane's former Origin coach Wayne Bennett has come out publicly in favour of Prince partnering Johnathan Thurston in the halves, warning Queensland selectors they'd look "silly" picking Hunt ahead of him.

Hunt said after Sunday's 30-12 loss to Manly he expected Prince to get the nod.

But coach Mal Meninga, a surprise visitor at Brisbane training last week, is believed to be keen on having Hunt take over Lockyer's play making role against the Blues as he shoots for a third straight series win.

The positional shift would clear the decks to name Test No.1 Billy Slater, to play his sixth Origin and his first since 2005, at fullback.

Hunt's style of ripping kick returns back fearlessly into the defence is perfectly suited to Origin where every centimetre counts.

While Slater takes a less direct path, he's improved key areas of his game that were a concern at Origin to a point where he now has legitimate claims to play fullback.

Unless Prince is named as Queensland's interchange utility, he's heading for another selection backhander, not because of his form, which has been outstanding, but because of the way Queensland want to play.

Queensland selectors, Des Morris, Origin original Allan Smith and Gene Miles, met with coach Meninga on Monday and will announce their 17-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.

The forward pack is unlikely to contain any surprises with Brisbane's Ben Hannant poised to be handed his Origin debut.

Nate Myles, Jacob Lillyman and Michael Crocker will be rewarded for past deeds while in-form Broncos forward Sam Thaiday should be recalled after the disappointment of missing last year's series through injury.

The biggest headache will be finding a player capable of doing the exceptional job utility Shaun Berrigan has performed in the past few years.

Brisbane work horse David Stagg's name was tossed up at the weekend as a player who could play Berrigan's role.

But it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to see selectors pull a surprise by naming either Storm halfback Cooper Cronk or Cowboy utility Aaron Payne.

Both would be capable of giving hooker Cameron Smith - in line to add the Queensland captaincy to his list of achievements - a spell and they would also be insurance should the halves experiment with Hunt not work out.

Former NSW prop Luke Bailey, set to return from a wrist injury against the Bulldogs on Friday night, said he didn't think Prince was getting his Origin hopes up too high after being overlooked for last week's Test against New Zealand.

"I don't think he's really fussed about it. He's not going to get himself all hyped up for a setback," Bailey told AAP.

"If he makes it he'll be stoked, if he doesn't he'll be looking forward to getting back on the winner's track on Friday night."

Titans chief executive Michael Searle said he couldn't fathom how some people thought Prince would be a liability alongside Thurston, saying he would simply create more doubt in the opposition's mind.

"I think there'll be a lot of New South Welshman who would be more than happy if Princey wasn't picked," said Searle.

Likely Queensland squad: Billy Slater, Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Karmichael Hunt, Johnathan Thurston, Peter Civoniceva, Cameron Smith (c), Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Carl Webb, Michael Crocker, Jacob Lillyman.

Posted:Mon, 12 May 2008 18:04:10

Darren Lockyer
12-05-08, 06:17 PM
The Origin side will be chosen tomorrow night and look at the below headline posted on the NRL website.
The headlines not just deceiving...it degrades the NRL website.


Hunt over as Carmichael replaces Lockyer
By Wayne Heming
AAP
Karmichael Hunt is set to be thrown the toughest challenge of his brief rugby league career on Tuesday as champion Darren Lockyer's Origin replacement.

The No.6 maroon jumper Lockyer has worn for 11 successive Origins as captain since the second game of 2004 has been the subject of intense speculation in recent weeks.

Melbourne's Greg Inglis and Titans halfback Scott Prince, who's been in career best form, were the front-runners until a big push arrived for Hunt at the weekend.

Brisbane's former Origin coach Wayne Bennett has come out publicly in favour of Prince partnering Johnathan Thurston in the halves, warning Queensland selectors they'd look "silly" picking Hunt ahead of him.

Hunt said after Sunday's 30-12 loss to Manly he expected Prince to get the nod.

But coach Mal Meninga, a surprise visitor at Brisbane training last week, is believed to be keen on having Hunt take over Lockyer's play making role against the Blues as he shoots for a third straight series win.

The positional shift would clear the decks to name Test No.1 Billy Slater, to play his sixth Origin and his first since 2005, at fullback.

Hunt's style of ripping kick returns back fearlessly into the defence is perfectly suited to Origin where every centimetre counts.

While Slater takes a less direct path, he's improved key areas of his game that were a concern at Origin to a point where he now has legitimate claims to play fullback.

Unless Prince is named as Queensland's interchange utility, he's heading for another selection backhander, not because of his form, which has been outstanding, but because of the way Queensland want to play.

Queensland selectors, Des Morris, Origin original Allan Smith and Gene Miles, met with coach Meninga on Monday and will announce their 17-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.

The forward pack is unlikely to contain any surprises with Brisbane's Ben Hannant poised to be handed his Origin debut.

Nate Myles, Jacob Lillyman and Michael Crocker will be rewarded for past deeds while in-form Broncos forward Sam Thaiday should be recalled after the disappointment of missing last year's series through injury.

The biggest headache will be finding a player capable of doing the exceptional job utility Shaun Berrigan has performed in the past few years.

Brisbane work horse David Stagg's name was tossed up at the weekend as a player who could play Berrigan's role.

But it would not be beyond the realms of possibility to see selectors pull a surprise by naming either Storm halfback Cooper Cronk or Cowboy utility Aaron Payne.

Both would be capable of giving hooker Cameron Smith - in line to add the Queensland captaincy to his list of achievements - a spell and they would also be insurance should the halves experiment with Hunt not work out.

Former NSW prop Luke Bailey, set to return from a wrist injury against the Bulldogs on Friday night, said he didn't think Prince was getting his Origin hopes up too high after being overlooked for last week's Test against New Zealand.

"I don't think he's really fussed about it. He's not going to get himself all hyped up for a setback," Bailey told AAP.

"If he makes it he'll be stoked, if he doesn't he'll be looking forward to getting back on the winner's track on Friday night."

Titans chief executive Michael Searle said he couldn't fathom how some people thought Prince would be a liability alongside Thurston, saying he would simply create more doubt in the opposition's mind.

"I think there'll be a lot of New South Welshman who would be more than happy if Princey wasn't picked," said Searle.

Likely Queensland squad: Billy Slater, Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Israel Folau, Greg Inglis, Karmichael Hunt, Johnathan Thurston, Peter Civoniceva, Cameron Smith (c), Ben Hannant, Sam Thaiday, Nate Myles, Dallas Johnson. Interchange: Cooper Cronk, Carl Webb, Michael Crocker, Jacob Lillyman.

Posted:Mon, 12 May 2008 18:04:10

I like that side.

Chaos
12-05-08, 06:35 PM
I like that side.

Darrren,
You don't have to quote the whole paragraph...you can delete want part you don't want before submitting.

eelectrica
12-05-08, 09:24 PM
Karmichael Hunt is set to be thrown the toughest challenge of his brief rugby league career on Tuesday as champion Darren Lockyer's Origin replacement.

How ******ed would the QLD selectors have to be to throw Hunt untested in at 5/8 in the grandest stage of them all - Origin football.
If they do we're begging to get our butts handed to us.

kwigibo
12-05-08, 10:17 PM
So Hunt's biggest value to the origin side is his kick returns, and they're going to pick him on that basis at 5/8th?

That'd be like picking Peter Civoniceva on the wing.

Ryan
13-05-08, 05:35 AM
That'd be like picking Peter Civoniceva on the wing.

Don't give them any ideas mate :nope:

DIEHARD
13-05-08, 06:19 AM
My Queensland side...

1. Billy Slater
2. Brent Tate
3. Justin Hodges
4. Greg Inglis
5. Israel Folau
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Scott Prince
8. Peter Civoniceva
9. Cam Smith
10. Ben Hannant
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Nate Myles
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Karmichael Hunt (Utility)
15. Michael Crocker
16. Jacob Lillyman
17. Carl Webb

We all have tremendously fine players in Queensland who will all do a fantastic job, I'm just hoping for Slater #1 and Prince #7 or #6.

Chaos
14-05-08, 06:05 PM
My Queensland side...

1. Billy Slater
2. Brent Tate
3. Justin Hodges
4. Greg Inglis
5. Israel Folau
6. Johnathan Thurston
7. Scott Prince
8. Peter Civoniceva
9. Cam Smith
10. Ben Hannant
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Nate Myles
13. Dallas Johnson

14. Karmichael Hunt (Utility)
15. Michael Crocker
16. Jacob Lillyman
17. Carl Webb

We all have tremendously fine players in Queensland who will all do a fantastic job, I'm just hoping for Slater #1 and Prince #7 or #6.

Good side Diehard...maybe you should be a QLD selector.

Hoppy2007Dragons
27-05-08, 04:57 PM
Thought i would get in early for my second origin team bar, i would pick the same team except i would have ryles cover for crosses injury.

However i will do a queensland team i think that could smash nsw, but i doubt the selectors will pick it

1. Hunt
2. Boyd
3. Hodges
4. Inglis
5. Falou
6. Lockyer (if still injured Thurston)
7. Prince
8. Petro
9. Smith
10. Price ( if not match fit, Hannat)
11. Myles
12. Crocker
13. Johnson

14. Webb
15. Thaiday
16. David Stagg
17. Harrison

jenwood
27-05-08, 05:05 PM
Thought i would get in early for my second origin team bar, i would pick the same team except i would have ryles cover for crosses injury.

However i will do a queensland team i think that could smash nsw, but i doubt the selectors will pick it

1. Hunt
2. Boyd
3. Hodges
4. Inglis
5. Falou
6. Lockyer (if still injured Thurston)
7. Prince
8. Petro
9. Smith
10. Price ( if not match fit, Hannat)
11. Myles
12. Crocker
13. Johnson

14. Webb
15. Thaiday
16. David Stagg
17. Harrison

Nice one! Glad to see you booted Tate and gave an in-form Boyd a go! He is a star of the future (IMO)

daveyk
27-05-08, 06:10 PM
Nice one! Glad to see you booted Tate and gave an in-form Boyd a go! He is a star of the future (IMO)

if they pick tate again for game 2, i think i will have to neck myself...
he was a joke in game 1, and more important should never have been there in the first place

jenwood
27-05-08, 09:03 PM
if they pick tate again for game 2, i think i will have to neck myself...
he was a joke in game 1, and more important should never have been there in the first place

Glad you agree! If they get rid of Tate- put hunt at f/b, billy on the wing,thurston to 5/8 and prince at no 7 where he should be! Add inglis, hodges and folau and what a team you have!:thumbsup:
Now the selectors have to come to the party!:mad: :mad: :mad:

Steel Dragon
29-05-08, 09:34 AM
Couldn't give a toss who Queensland pick, as long as they're dumb enough to leave Prince out again. :p

For the Mighty Blues, pretty much the first game team with Bailey in for Cross, and Farah for Hornby on the bench (since Hornby was used as a replacement hooker anyway). Peter Wallace should be marked "permanent halfback" so we can stop chopping and changing every year.

Jason

Hoppy2007Dragons
29-05-08, 03:06 PM
With Gasnier likely to be out who is everyones replacement centre, selectors will probably pick jaimie lyon but id have a younger playe like Phil Graham or Monagahn from the raiders.

Grimmace
29-05-08, 06:08 PM
With Gasnier likely to be out who is everyones replacement centre, selectors will probably pick jaimie lyon but id have a younger playe like Phil Graham or Monagahn from the raiders.

Jamie Lyon shouldnt be picked in the side at all, he is nothing like he used to be. Perhaps Luke Lewis comes into contention, Delaney theres quite a few out there.

TITAN PETE
29-05-08, 06:53 PM
If he's out pick someone who's in Awesome form in Delaney ;)

Steel Dragon
29-05-08, 09:50 PM
Hayne into the centres, Monaghan onto the wing. The other option would be Chris Lawrence.

Jason

jenwood
30-05-08, 05:52 AM
If he's out pick someone who's in Awesome form in Delaney ;)

Delaney played city/country and his form is good so he would be the obvious choice wouldnt he? But this is origin and anything can happen!:surprise:

curly_11
30-05-08, 07:23 AM
I agree i think that Delaney should get picked he is in some good form :D. Not that i really should be encouraging NSW to pick decent players as IM A QUEENSLANDER!!!

There is some possibile good news for QLD as either Lockyer or Prince could be called in to the team for game two with the selectors admitting Thurston isnt in form at the moment. IMO Prince should get picked based on his amazing form over the last two seasons where as Lockyer has been injured and wont be match fit, but we'll see how he plays this weekend.

Heres the article of the NRL site:

No Gaz for Blues, Prince chances rising
By Steve Jancetic, Wayne Heming and David Beniuk
AAP
NSW are contemplating State of Origin II without Mark Gasnier, while Queensland selectors have admitted star halfback Johnathan Thurston's form is down and Scott Prince has come into their calculations.

The Blues are on the lookout for a new centre after game one hero Gasnier was virtually ruled out of Origin II on June 11 with a hamstring injury.

The St George Illawarra skipper went down at training on Thursday, with scans confirming he would be out for 2-3 weeks due to a slight tear in his left hamstring.

The Suncorp Stadium return clash is less than two weeks away, meaning Gasnier is next to no chance of taking his place in a NSW side looking to wrap up its first series win since 2005.

Gasnier would have been an automatic selection in the centres alongside club team-mate Matt Cooper for game two after tearing the Maroons to shreds in NSW's 18-10 series-opening win at ANZ Stadium.

"It's a massive blow if he is out - he's the best centre in the world," NSW selector Bob McCarthy said.

"We'll just wait until Monday (when we get a medical report), there's no use speculating over who could come in."

Gasnier's unavailability opens the door for an Origin recall for out-of-favour Manly centre Jamie Lyon, while winger Jarryd Hayne could also move to the centres.

Meanwhile, Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris has refused to rule Prince out of the Origin picture, admitting Thurston's form was down in Origin I and that the Cowboys' captain could be struggling for confidence.

The competition's leading point-scorer and chief line-breaker, Prince was overlooked for game one in Sydney to give Thurston total control.

Selectors will probably stick with Thurston at No.7 because of his past deeds and decide if his partner will be Darren Lockyer or Prince after watching Lockyer's return from a knee injury on Friday night.

They could also consider Lockyer or Prince for a bench position.

"Thurston was down on form for him but for any other player it was probably a reasonable effort," Morris told AAP.

"The side he is playing for (Cowboys) aren't going well and all that compounds on him."

Morris said no player was protected from the Origin axe.

"Until you get into the class of the Lewis's and the Lockyers and that ilk, everyone's performance is reviewed," he said.

"Obviously with a guy like Thurston who's the current Australian halfback and a top player at that level for the last two or three years, you cut him a bit of slack.

"The problem is, we've got a player like Scott Prince who is in such tremendous form.

"It's one those things we'll all have to sit down and confer over."

In NRL news, the Bulldogs' horror injury run has worsened with the club ruling out four more first-graders, including superstar Sonny Bill Williams, until round 15.

Williams has a knee injury, while props Jarrad Hickey (hamstring) and Chris Armit (knee) and winger Matt Utai (ribs) have also been sidelined.

The Dogs now have 10 regular first-graders unavailable and five-eighth Daniel Holdsworth (leg) in doubt for Saturday's clash with Melbourne at Olympic Park.

Supergoose
30-05-08, 01:26 PM
Picking Delaney as the replacement centre would be just deserts for a fine season and he has the size and strength to handle the monster Qld centres. They'll pick Lyon - but that's good for Qld. I hope Qld don't throw Lockyer into the hot seat - he needs some games to blow the cobwebs out. He generally takes a few to get going in a season and his form (accept that his knee hasn't been all that good) isn't flash. Steve Price is another interesting one and I'll be watching him closely this weekend. Brad Meyers must be close.

Also interesting to see what NSW do with Gidley and their forward pack, O'Donnell is a good option but they really lack props. Maybe Laffranchi will get pushed into the front row and maybe they'll pick O'Meley.

Let's just hope the Qld selectors pick Hunt in his rightful position.

Hoppy2007Dragons
30-05-08, 04:07 PM
Also interesting to see what NSW do with Gidley and their forward pack, O'Donnell is a good option but they really lack props. Maybe Laffranchi will get pushed into the front row and maybe they'll pick O'Meley

Kite, Ryles, O'Meley, Gibbs anyone.

Supergoose
30-05-08, 08:20 PM
Exactly - and none of them were in the first NSW side.

New question - seeing as it is more than likely that Hodges will be out of origin - who will the selectors plump for? Likely Hunt to fullback, Slater to wing and Tate to the centres?

Hoppy2007Dragons
30-05-08, 09:16 PM
Exactly - and none of them were in the first NSW side.

Wern't needed because u had cross, white and fitzgibbon playing, but if one drops why move Laffranchi (who is in fine form at second row) when u can just pluck a expirenced prop from a number of nrl clubs.

So i would dare say NSW isnt short on props.

TITAN PETE
31-05-08, 12:29 AM
There is no way odonnell would or should get a look in ahead of Minnichello,Bailey,Cuthbertson,Mateo,Hindmarsh, Heighnington etc :nope:

Darren Lockyer just put The Prince out of Origin 2 unless they drop the very "Overrated" Thurston :dizzy:

Supergoose
31-05-08, 09:28 AM
O'Donnell is pure Origin. If he's fit and playing well, he should be in. He was one of NSW best players a couple of years ago before getting injured. He's a far better SOO player than any of the players Titan Pete has mentioned.

I wouldn't rate Fitzgibbon as a prop, even though he has played there. The point is that they have heaps of props, just none as good as the wealth of 2nd rowers that they have.

TITAN PETE
02-06-08, 05:35 PM
Gasnier has declared himself available for Origin but Hayne will need replacing for this game.

kwigibo
02-06-08, 05:39 PM
Evidently Prince will be picked on the bench to cover for Lockyer not playing 80. So the Titans lose him for 80 mins monday night to play maybe 20 on wednesday. The titans have become such a 1 man team I can still see them losing to 2nd string Storm without the general.

TITAN PETE
02-06-08, 06:06 PM
Evidently Prince will be picked on the bench to cover for Lockyer not playing 80. So the Titans lose him for 80 mins monday night to play maybe 20 on wednesday. The titans have become such a 1 man team I can still see them losing to 2nd string Storm without the general.

The "Late Mail" is he'll be picked at 7 with Thurston off the bench but i'm definatley with your thinking that we'll struggle to beat a B grade Storm side :( but i'll be out there to cheer my ass off for probably a Presto/Lewis halves pair :)

Paul
02-06-08, 06:20 PM
we won't have problems beating Melbournes "b" side at Robina,It'll just be a touch harder if Prince isn't there

Blunt_Beno
03-06-08, 01:22 PM
QLD.

1. billy slater
2. isreal folau
3. justin hodges
4. greg inglis
5. matty bowen/karmichael hunt
6. darren lockyer/jonathon thurston
7. scott prince
8. steve price
9. cameron smith
10. petero civinaciva
11. corey parker
12. mick crocker
13. ashley harrison

14. carl webb
15. sam thaiday
16. dallas johnson
17. karmichael hunt/matty bowen


NSW.

1. Brett Stewart
2. Anthony Quinn
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Jarryd Hayne
6. Braith Anasta
7. peter wallace
8. Brett White
9. robbie farah
10. Willie Mason
11. Anthony Laffranchi
12. Paul Gallen
13. Greg Bird

14. Anthony Tupou
15. Ben Cross
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Kurt Gidley

i know a few of these are unable to play but these are the teams id pick if all where fit and not on suspension haha

Titanium_BD1103
12-06-08, 06:47 PM
Ok after last night, I think it's time for some changes, to sure things up a little more.. :)

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Peter Wallace
8. Brett White
9. Danny Buderus
10. Craig Fitzgibbon
11. Paul Gallen
12. Willie Mason
13. Greg Bird

14. Anthony Laffranchi
15. Luke Bailey
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Kurt Gidley

Hoppy2007Dragons
12-06-08, 09:25 PM
I dont like to jump on the whole we got smashed lets change the side, but there are some players that need to be dropped. Here is my team

1. Stewart
2. Hayne
3. Gasnier
4. Cooper
5. Quinn
6. Bird
7. Wallace
8. White
9. Bedsy
10. Ryles
11. Gallen
12. Mason
13. Tupou

14. Hornby
15. Hoffmann
16. Laffranchi
17. O' Meley

kwigibo
12-06-08, 09:55 PM
Stewart
Hayne
Delaney
Cooper
Quinn
Anasta
Orford
Bailey
Farah
Ryles
Laffranchi
Tupou
Fitzgibbon

Cashmere
Mateo?
Minichiello
Kite

Jaye001
13-06-08, 06:51 AM
I know it would never happen (Buderis especially) but i'd like to see these changes

1. Stewart
2. Hayne
3. Gaz
4. Cooper
5. Quinn
6. Anasta
7. Wallace
8. Bull
9. Farrah
10. Kite
11. Boof
12. Gallen
13. Bird

14. Ryles
15. Hornby
16. Heighington
17. Mason / Fitzgibbon

TITAN PETE
13-06-08, 07:50 AM
Ok after last night, I think it's time for some changes, to sure things up a little more.. :)

1. Brett Stewart
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Mark Gasnier
4. Matt Cooper
5. Anthony Quinn
6. Braith Anasta
7. Peter Wallace
8. Brett White
9. Danny Buderus
10. Craig Fitzgibbon
11. Paul Gallen
12. Willie Mason
13. Greg Bird

14. Anthony Laffranchi
15. Luke Bailey
16. Ryan Hoffman
17. Kurt Gidley

Fitzgibbon has never been a front rower & thats 1 of the reasons the Roosters were travelling so bad under Anderson.

Ryles or Omeley to replace Fitzy putting him back to 2nd row with Willy on the bench apart from that i'll agree with your side but maybe Farrah may get his 1st shot at Origin :surprise:

Blunt_Beno
13-06-08, 02:18 PM
Fitzgibbon has never been a front rower & thats 1 of the reasons the Roosters were travelling so bad under Anderson.

Ryles or Omeley to replace Fitzy putting him back to 2nd row with Willy on the bench apart from that i'll agree with your side but maybe Farrah may get his 1st shot at Origin :surprise:

farrah deserves to be there, he isnt far off deserving the australian number 9 also i reckon. he wont ever get a chance until either buderas leaves or the politics are taken out of the game.

Big J
17-06-08, 12:42 PM
farrah deserves to be there, he isnt far off deserving the australian number 9 also i reckon. he wont ever get a chance until either buderas leaves or the politics are taken out of the game.

:rolf: :rolf: :rolf: :rolf: :rolf:

Please tell me you are a one eyed Tigers fan? Cause otherwise you need to go clothes shopping. MAy I suggest starting with something that does up nice and tight at the back and comes with a free pass to a padded cell...

Farah is an exceptional dummy half and his time will certainly come but it sure as hell aint right now. If he plays origin 3 it will be with a big number 7 on his back.....

My changes would be: * the Turncoat out and Hayne back in
* White out and Kite in
* Anasta to 5/8, Bird to Lock, Gallen to back row, Simpson out.

Chaos
17-06-08, 09:16 PM
My changes would be: * the Turncoat out and Hayne back in
* White out and Kite in
* Anasta to 5/8, Bird to Lock, Gallen to back row, Simpson out.

Your probably close Big J but I think Bird and Gallon play similar roles at 5/8...Anasta certainly plays like a good lock should.
I'd move Bird in at lock, not to bring Anasta in but to strengthen the forwards.

I thought the NSW props were totally outplayed by Petro and Price...I expect change there.

The biggest question for NSW is the 5/8, half combination...especially if Wallace doesn't play.

Big J
18-06-08, 11:08 AM
Your probably close Big J but I think Bird and Gallon play similar roles at 5/8...Anasta certainly plays like a good lock should.
I'd move Bird in at lock, not to bring Anasta in but to strengthen the forwards.

I thought the NSW props were totally outplayed by Petro and Price...I expect change there.

The biggest question for NSW is the 5/8, half combination...especially if Wallace doesn't play.


Sorry Chaos do you mean that Bird and Anasta play similar roles at 5/8???

And you are 100% correct about Petero and Pricey carving us up. White was abysmal and for all of his outstanding efforts Fitzy is an out and out backrower.

Lets say Wallace is ruled out or overlooked as I expect he will be, what would you do??

Chaos
21-06-08, 02:25 PM
Sorry Chaos do you mean that Bird and Anasta play similar roles at 5/8???

Anasta's strength is his defense and strong runs down the blind, similar to Bird.


Lets say Wallace is ruled out or overlooked as I expect he will be, what would you do??

7 Kimmorley
6 Carney

It wont happen because NSW blame Kimmorley for losing a series through one pass and Gould doesn't rate Carney ahead of his pets.

Prince7
22-06-08, 05:45 PM
prince has to be in there...and didnt rogers retire from rep footy?