PDA

View Full Version : Game 1 09: Queensland vs New South Wales



DIEHARD
25-05-09, 07:33 AM
Queensland Maroons vs New South Wales Blues

Wednesday June 3 2009 - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne


http://www.nrl.com/Portals/0/images/repgames/Origin_Promo_320.jpg

Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au

MAROONS

Billy Slater (Storm) 26, 8 Origins
Israel Folau (Broncos) 20, 3 Origins
Greg Inglis (Storm) 22, 7 Origins
Justin Hodges (Broncos) 27, 7 Origins
Darius Boyd (Dragons) 21, 2 Origins
Darren Lockyer (Broncos) 32, 27 Origins
Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys), 26, 12 Origins
Steve Price (Warriors) 35, 25 Origins
Cameron Smith (Storm) 26, 16 Origins
Petero Civoniceva (Panthers) 33, 23 Origins
Sam Thaiday (Broncos) 23, 6 Origins
Ashley Harrison (Titans) 28, 3 Origins
Dallas Johnson (Storm) 26, 9 Origins

Interchange:
Karmichael Hunt (Broncos) 22, 7 Origins
Michael Crocker (Rabbitohs) 28, 10 Origins
Ben Hannant (Bulldogs) 24, 3 Origins
Nate Myles (Roosters) 24, 9 Origins

BLUES

1 Kurt Gidley, captain (Newcastle Knights)
2 Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
3 Jamie Lyon (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
4 Michael Jennings (Penrith Panthers)
5 James McManus (Newcastle Knights)
6 Terry Campese (Canberra Raiders)
7 Peter Wallace (Brisbane Broncos)
8 Luke Bailey (Gold Coast Titans)
9 Robbie Farah (Wests Tigers)
10 Brent Kite (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
11 Ben Creagh (St George Illawarra Dragons)
12 Luke O'Donnell (North Queensland Cowboys)
13 Paul Gallen (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks)

Subs:
14 Craig Wing (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
15 Justin Poore (St George Illawarra Dragons)
16 Glenn Stewart (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
17 Michael Weyman (St George Illawarra Dragons)

18th Man: Luke Lewis (Penrith Panthers)

Coach: Craig Bellamy (Melbourne Storm)

DIEHARD
25-05-09, 07:37 AM
This is it! Let's do this Q L D! 4 in a row!

kwigibo
25-05-09, 01:40 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/bmavi.gif

kwigibo
25-05-09, 03:21 PM
Walker's on!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/cw2avi.gif

kwigibo
25-05-09, 04:56 PM
According to another forum by way of ch 10 i guess, Bailey is the only Titan in the Blues, Laffranchi left out. Not that I mind, one less chance at injury.

karnage
25-05-09, 07:09 PM
Have a look at this team. You would not want to be a Blue this year, QLD will have to be 3's on against this outfit. You were right about Bailey being the only Titan named, Laffranchi misses out but might be in line to replace Gallen who is under an injury cloud.

. Kurt Gidley (c)
2. Jarryd Hayne
3. Jamie Lyon
4. Michael Jennings
5. James McManus
6. Terry Campese
7. Peter Wallace
8. Brent Kite
9. Robbie Farah
10. Luke Bailey
11. Ben Creagh
12. Luke O'Donnell
13. Paul Gallen

Interchange

14. Craig Wing
15. Justin Poore
16. Glenn Stewart
17. Michael Weyman

If Jennings and Hayne defend on the same side of the field QLD could score 30 points down their corridor alone.

The biggest danger to Mal's men is complacency.

Steve
25-05-09, 10:36 PM
Wallace is a bit of a joke. Look for his trademark kick out on the full.
Wing hasn't done anything for about 10 years, but you gotta pick the players who've done it before, right? Unfortunately the only thing Wing's been involved in the past few years is losing. Lewis would have been a far better utility.

Still, there's a few good forwards there, Bailey included. (Didn't realise Kite was still playing in the NRL)

Looking to see Jennings running off a rampaging Campese. Unsure about Lyon, I'd rather someone who wants to play.

Karnage is right. If the toads are as ****y as their fans, they'll be torn apart.

Having the selectors do their best to hand a win to the toads will just make the win so much sweeter. :D

DIEHARD
25-05-09, 11:32 PM
Sad to see Laffranchi left out, especially considering he is a Kangaroo. But the upside is he will be dedicated to the Titans.

No major surprises I picked most of that team, at least the backline and most of the forwards.

Did Gidley get injured in the Cowboys v Knights game?

Pretty weak how the team was leaked before the announcement.

Looking forward to seeing the Maroons named so we can enter camp Maroon and get down to business.

DIEHARD
25-05-09, 11:37 PM
McManus, Jennings, Campese, Farah, Stewart, Creagh, Poore and Weyman will all make their Origin debuts.

Greg81
26-05-09, 06:24 AM
I'll be there in M-town to witness us win Game 1 :)

lonegull
26-05-09, 06:25 AM
what a terrible team selection in leaving laffranchi out and also watmough from manly, how can you get picked for australia and miss SOO, laffranchi and watmough both have SOO experience and had great games on the weekend, still in shock over both of these players omission, terrible terrible QLD by 30 and 3 nil

psmitty
26-05-09, 07:42 AM
My prediction for the Qld team is bellow:

Slater
Boyd
Inglis
Hodges
Folou
Lockyer (c)
Thurston
Smith
Civoniceva
Thaiday
Harrison
Johnston

Bench:
Hunt
Hannant
Myles
Crocker

If im wrong ill run on to skilled park naked. lol

Ryan
26-05-09, 07:53 AM
Jennings will leak more points than he scores, NSW backline will get exposed big time. Surprised to see Laffranci left out, their loss........

psmitty
26-05-09, 08:18 AM
Woops forgot to put Price in my team also.

I can guarantee that this will be right. Im happy to put my money where my mouth is for anyone who wants a bet?????

Tamwelg
26-05-09, 09:12 AM
what a terrible team selection in leaving laffranchi out and also watmough from manly, how can you get picked for australia and miss SOO, laffranchi and watmough both have SOO experience and had great games on the weekend, still in shock over both of these players omission, terrible terrible QLD by 30 and 3 nil

I disagree I think the NSW selector have selected the most in form team possible. As A QLD supporter I am actually slightly worried about this team. Laffranchi has not been playing well enough for selection this year and Watmough's defence has been terrible, he's missed way too many lackles. Mini would have been closer to a call up if he didn't injury himself.

I'm hoping the Laffranch omission shakes him into a bit of form.

Tamwelg
26-05-09, 11:53 AM
THE QLD TEAM

Billy Slater (Storm) 26, 8 Origins

Israel Folau (Broncos) 20, 3 Origins

Greg Inglis (Storm) 22, 7 Origins

Justin Hodges (Broncos) 27, 7 Origins

Darius Boyd (Dragons) 21, 2 Origins

Darren Lockyer (Broncos) 32, 27 Origins

Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys), 26, 12 Origins

Steve Price (Warriors) 35, 25 Origins

Cameron Smith (Storm) 26, 16 Origins

Petero Civoniceva (Panthers) 33, 23 Origins

Sam Thaiday (Broncos) 23, 6 Origins

Ashley Harrison (Titans) 28, 3 Origins

Dallas Johnson (Storm) 26, 9 Origins

Interchange:

Karmichael Hunt (Broncos) 22, 7 Origins

Michael Crocker (Rabbitohs) 28, 10 Origins

Ben Hannant (Bulldogs) 24, 3 Origins

Nate Myles (Roosters) 24, 9 Origins

Coaster
26-05-09, 12:00 PM
wow Harrison, not sure if his form has been that great, but it is great news for him, and the club, as he will no doubt find his best form in this game.

Far to strong of a side for NSW.

Hodges Inglis and Falou licking there lips at NSW backline without Cooper

Tamwelg
26-05-09, 12:12 PM
wow Harrison, not sure if his form has been that great, but it is great news for him, and the club, as he will no doubt find his best form in this game.

Far to strong of a side for NSW.

Hodges Inglis and Falou licking there lips at NSW backline without Cooper

Coaster you must be watching a different Titans team to me, because Harrison has been in better form this year than last IMO and has been playing much better the Laffranchi.

Coaster
26-05-09, 12:22 PM
To be honest i haven't been overly impressed with Harrison this year, the amount of times he takes the ball up on the forth tackle and gets dominated annoys the hell out of.

Add to that his defense against the Panthers, and it had me thinking quietly that a week off may be in order.

I am glad he got in, don't get me wrong, but i personally don't think he or Lanfrancri have had such an outstanding season, compared to say Stagg

Steelers
26-05-09, 01:14 PM
The Bulldogs are on top of the ladder, have been the best team this year by a long way, and have one player playing Origin this year from both sides. Surprising to be perfectly honest. They should continue on their winning ways with their side still intact. Good to see a few Dragons in there. I think we are lucky we still have some of our backs though. Their lack of selection for Origin will help us through the next few weeks. NSW have a terrible side IMO. McManus? Andrew Johns gets on his soapbox about a player and suddenly he is Origin material? Also, what is the NSW selectors obsession with Newcastle captains? Andrew Johns, replaced by Danny Buderus, replaced by Kurt Gidley... would he even have been in the starting side if Stewart was available? Queensland to win 3-0, very easily.

Hoppy2007Dragons
26-05-09, 01:54 PM
A good looking nsw side, i would have had lewis over wing and ennis over farah, but other than that i'm pretty happy.

I think nsw's idea is to outscore queensland, a big ask but i think you will find that jennings, hayne, mcmanus and lyon will play out of their skins and give qld a real run for their money

kwigibo
26-05-09, 02:28 PM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/dlavi.gif

And we think the video refs are bad now...

Capital_Shark
26-05-09, 03:05 PM
The Bulldogs are on top of the ladder, have been the best team this year by a long way, and have one player playing Origin this year from both sides. Surprising to be perfectly honest. They should continue on their winning ways with their side still intact. Good to see a few Dragons in there. I think we are lucky we still have some of our backs though. Their lack of selection for Origin will help us through the next few weeks. NSW have a terrible side IMO. McManus? Andrew Johns gets on his soapbox about a player and suddenly he is Origin material? Also, what is the NSW selectors obsession with Newcastle captains? Andrew Johns, replaced by Danny Buderus, replaced by Kurt Gidley... would he even have been in the starting side if Stewart was available? Queensland to win 3-0, very easily.

Stagg & Ennis would be the only Bulldog really in contention if you ask me. Apart from Hannant and Stagg they're all either past Origin (Kimmorley, Ryan, Patten, El Masri), not elidgible for selection (Roberts, Eastwood, Millard) or not being looked at yet (Idris, Goodwin, Armit, Warburton).

There is nothing wrong with McManus, he's as good as any other winger they could of picked. Johns, Buderus and Gidley were the obvious choices, I don't think its a Newcastle thing. I can't say how things would of played out if Stewart was available, but Gidley has been awesome.


A good looking nsw side, i would have had lewis over wing and ennis over farah, but other than that i'm pretty happy.

I think nsw's idea is to outscore queensland, a big ask but i think you will find that jennings, hayne, mcmanus and lyon will play out of their skins and give qld a real run for their money

Wing and Lewis offer a lot of the same thing, I just think from an interchange perspective we know Wing comes off the bench well. I'm sure Lewis would do the job, but Wing is a super-sub and always has been. Rabbits never looked better than when Wing come off the bench - they were leading the comp and putting teams away. Since Wing has started, they either scrape in or lose. I was not impressed with Wing in the halves on the weekend.

A lot of potential points in that NSW backline, both scoring and conceding. There is plenty of points in the Queensland backline, but they can keep a side out too. Lyon is the only strong defender there. Jennings and Hayne aren't gonna have a nice time in defense on Wednesday night.

amaline
26-05-09, 05:08 PM
I'm really suprised Crocker was named. I thought we would have a few better options than him, players who have played more than 2 games this year. Myers, Costigan, Luck, Kafusi, Shillington, Stagg or Parker??

Capital_Shark
26-05-09, 05:28 PM
I'm really suprised Crocker was named. I thought we would have a few better options than him, players who have played more than 2 games this year. Myers, Costigan, Luck, Kafusi, Shillington, Stagg or Parker??

It doesn't matter how many games the bloke has played, you know exactly what you're gonna get from Mick every time he laces a boot. For mine, he was the best option.

DIEHARD
26-05-09, 05:28 PM
Great QLD team, it is sure pleasing to be able to put together such an amazing side when more often than not we have struggled with key positions.

I'm delighted to see Crocker back! He is a real warrior and it was great to see Bellamy say he didn't want to see us pick him.

Im surprised to see Myles there. Some may deride Wing but he has been playing well and has a great utility value. Surely Lewis missed out cause Wing is the utility. I would have had Lewis over Wing though but at least maybe some Souths fans might attend Origin now.

NSW v QLD, not just two states going head to head. But two different philosophies of team composition. It's going to be a fantastic series.

Steve
26-05-09, 05:29 PM
Coaster you must be watching a different Titans team to me, because Harrison has been in better form this year than last IMO and has been playing much better the Laffranchi.

I'm pretty sure I am watching a different Titans to you.
Laffranchi is the top metre getting second rower, not just in the team but the NRL. Third for tackles, fifth for offloads. He's not breaking the line like last year but that could be a lot of things. Prince really hasn't hit his straps, different game plan, etc.

I don't think Ash is at his best either, that said when both those players were doing more on the field they were playing 80min.

DIEHARD
26-05-09, 05:34 PM
Boof's omission is glaring. Not only a Kangaroo but one of the best backrowers in the competition. There loss and there is still 2 other games in the series. Surely after the Maroons destroy the Blues in Game 1, they will be searching for solutions.

Capital_Shark
26-05-09, 05:54 PM
I reckon Laffranchi has been playing pretty ordinary by his own lofty standards. Certainly not the player he was last year that got Blues and Roos jerseys. Could be the kick start he needs.

As DIEHARD says, there is still 2 games in the series and if history is anything to go by NSW will got another 2 teams to pick yet.

Anyone calling for Watmough must be a closet Queenslander. His defense gets found out at Club level, he'll be tortured in Origin. Good runner of the ball but I can't see Queensland affording him the time and space he gets in Club games.

Whats the odds O'Donnell gets sin binned?

Chaos
26-05-09, 06:27 PM
I think the NSW selectors have chosen well...especially in the halves.
The last few seasons they have chosen a forward at 5/8 or put the pressure on a rookie half back.

They have gone for an attacking backline and I think Jennings suits the players either side of him.
People have been bagging Jennings' defense since Gould highlighted it but his defense against the Titans won Panthers the game.

The obvious difference between the two sides is the Props...I'm a fan Of Bailey but I still believe he make a great back rower.

I would have opted for Winterstien over Boyd on the wing but otherwise a predictable QLD side.

I saying all that...the only two NSW players that could make the QLD side, if available, would be O'donnell and Creagh.

DIEHARD
26-05-09, 06:31 PM
Winterstien is a Kiwi.

I'd love to see Laffranchi return to last year's form and break the line like he used to. But the Blues loss is certainly the Titans gain. Although I'm all for player representative duty.

I'm glad to see Campese named at 5/8th

Chaos
26-05-09, 06:37 PM
Winterstien is a Kiwi.

I'd love to see Laffranchi return to last year's form and break the line like he used to. But the Blues loss is certainly the Titans gain. Although I'm all for player representative duty.

I'm glad to see Campese named at 5/8th

Has Winterstien play for the Kiwis?
I wish he was a QLDer

What about Gorden...is he a QLDer?

kwigibo
26-05-09, 07:04 PM
What about Gorden...is he a QLDer?

Kevin is a blue. The sad thing is a lot of our juniors are from across the border or the Tasman, I had hoped the Titans would have been a better breeding ground for Maroons of the future.

kwigibo
26-05-09, 07:05 PM
I'm really suprised Crocker was named. I thought we would have a few better options than him, players who have played more than 2 games this year. Myers, Costigan, Luck, Kafusi, Shillington, Stagg or Parker??

If Kaufusi had been playing all season like he did last night he would have strolled into the side.

DIEHARD
26-05-09, 07:26 PM
Has Winterstien play for the Kiwis?
I wish he was a QLDer

Nah not yet, but he was born in NZ and Im pretty sure he recently declared for NZ publicly.

Tamwelg
26-05-09, 10:01 PM
I'm pretty sure I am watching a different Titans to you.
Laffranchi is the top metre getting second rower, not just in the team but the NRL. Third for tackles, fifth for offloads. He's not breaking the line like last year but that could be a lot of things. Prince really hasn't hit his straps, different game plan, etc.

I don't think Ash is at his best either, that said when both those players were doing more on the field they were playing 80min.

Laffranchi's work rate hasn't change, just the quality of the work and Laffranchi is one of my favourite players.

TITAN PETE
26-05-09, 10:04 PM
It's nice to see a Blues side picked mostly on form & a few of us were talking after Sunday's match & we all agreed that we thought Boof had played himself out of the team but we also thought Kite was no chance & big Tom Learoyd-Lahrs from Canberra should've been the Bolter to make the side in his place :mad: , Stewart should get a week off & Lewis will make the 17 as he should've done when the team was named !

In regards to Mcmanus his selection is awesome as he is 1 White Man that can Jump ;)

The game should be fantastic with Qld's backline looking unbeatable on Paper :D

DIEHARD
26-05-09, 10:13 PM
One thing the Blues certainly don't lack is 2nd rowers. I think Stewart will get suspended but who knows if Boof will come in.

SMH readers voted Laffranchi the hardest done by in missing selection.

But on Queensland, it is refreshing not to be frustrated and pissed off about the Maroons selections. I was in agony last season when we put Hunt at 5/8th! And it ultimately gave the game to the Blues. No freebies this year!

Cowboy Titan
27-05-09, 07:17 AM
But on Queensland, it is refreshing not to be frustrated and pissed off about the Maroons selections. It's probably the only time in the past 10 years that I haven't been disgusted by one or two of the selections. I'm happy that we've only got 2 Cowboys in Origin so we might finally be able to have a good run through the next 8 weeks.

Steve
27-05-09, 07:31 AM
It's nice to see a Blues side picked mostly on form & a few of us were talking after Sunday's match & we all agreed that we thought Boof had played himself out of the team but we also thought Kite was no chance & big Tom Learoyd-Lahrs from Canberra should've been the Bolter to make the side in his place :mad: , Stewart should get a week off & Lewis will make the 17 as he should've done when the team was named !



You can bet Lewis will stay 18th man and they'll bring in another specialist second rower. I'm a big fan of Lewis, but Boof, Heigheighnton(however his damn name is spelt) or probably another handful of players would be ready to go. Like DIEHARD said, not lacking in second rowers!

Steelers
27-05-09, 02:29 PM
You can bet Lewis will stay 18th man and they'll bring in another specialist second rower. I'm a big fan of Lewis, but Boof, Heigheighnton(however his damn name is spelt) or probably another handful of players would be ready to go. Like DIEHARD said, not lacking in second rowers!

Then what is the point of an 18th man? He misses out on playing for Penrith this weekend, and when an opening finally appears, he doesn't get the nod. I agree, there are better options in the second row department, but what is the point of an 18th man?

Steve
28-05-09, 06:37 AM
Then what is the point of an 18th man? He misses out on playing for Penrith this weekend, and when an opening finally appears, he doesn't get the nod. I agree, there are better options in the second row department, but what is the point of an 18th man?

No idea, but I'm pretty sure it's what they did last year too.

TITAN PETE
28-05-09, 07:49 AM
Lewis is now in the 17 but if he wasn't he was allowed to play for Penrith this weekend

Steve
28-05-09, 10:11 AM
Okay guys, have you all seen Snuggies?

Those wearable blanket things?
Well they come in two colours, and are perfect for origin. I think anyone going to the games should buy snuggies in their states colours and wear them to the game!

You'll look like a deranged cult member AND support your state all in one go.

http://www.snuggie.com.au

DIEHARD
28-05-09, 11:25 AM
Okay guys, have you all seen Snuggies?

Those wearable blanket things?
Well they come in two colours, and are perfect for origin. I think anyone going to the games should buy snuggies in their states colours and wear them to the game!

You'll look like a deranged cult member AND support your state all in one go.

http://www.snuggie.com.au

Look like a druid monk. Weird. Insanely weird.

DIEHARD
28-05-09, 01:48 PM
Do Snuggies come with black Nike runners?

Tickets are selling great for the game next week, only a couple thousand left!

Tickets for Origin 2 are surprisingly tracking very strongly. Well at least until the Maroons put 50 on the Blues next Wednesday.

DIEHARD
28-05-09, 01:49 PM
Justin Hodges over hamstring strain, certain starter in Origin opener

MAROONS centre Justin Hodges has overcome a hamstring strain and declared he's a certain starter in the State of Origin series opener in Melbourne.

Hodges has been troubled by the hamstring complaint for the past month and not played a game since Australia's Test match win on May 8.

He was close to making a comeback for Brisbane in the past few weeks however wet weather in Queensland made it too risky for him to fully test his dodgy hamstring.

But the Test star says he has resumed full training with the Maroons side in country Victoria and is in no doubt for the clash at Etihad Stadium.

He was put through a tough session with renowned fitness trainer Billy Johnstone on Wednesday but pulled through feeling good.

"The hammy is good. I had a good hit out yesterday and I'll have another one today and so far it's pulled up good," Hodges said.

"There is no soreness or stiffness so it should be good."

The Maroons will have one final training session on the local Australian Rules field on Thursday before relocating camp to Melbourne on Friday.

Source: http://www.thecouriermail.com.au

DIEHARD
29-05-09, 07:16 AM
Maroons star Johnathan Thurston targets rookie Blues halves Peter Wallace, Terry Campese

MAROONS halfback Johnathan Thurston questioned the ability of Blues' first-time halves combination of Peter Wallace and Terry Campese to handle the pressure of an intense Origin opener.

The star No. 7 is unconvinced the raw NSW playmakers can jell smoothly together after a hurried one-week preparation.

While Wallace and Campese will be asked to carry the Blues' hopes on the basis of a busily patched together slap-and-dash understanding, Thurston will team with champion skipper Darren Lockyer for the 10th time in Queensland's star-studded halves.

"They're both pretty much rookies," Thurston said. "They are great players in their own right but it's their first game together so hopefully we can put them under a bit of pressure.

"Their key positions are all new, it's the first time they will all be playing together, if we can put them under a little bit of pressure we will see how they match up to it.

"It's Campese's first game and I remember my first game, I was under the pump a bit. That's what Origin is all about."All the latest on State of OriginThurston and Lockyer played nine straight Origin games together from 2005-07 before Lockyer's forced absence last year. But the seasoned duo have since dusted off their polished scrumbase routine in four Test matches for Australia.

They have played 10 Tests together, nine as the Kangaroos' starting halves, and boast 14 wins from their 19 games as representative teammates.

"It's a huge bonus playing back with Locky, especially at Origin, we're on the verge of history," Thurston said. "We've been pretty successful over the last couple of years and the longer we have together, the better we'll get.

"We're getting pretty good at reading each other's games and the style we play, that all comes with time and experience."

While they face a daunting assignment against the Maroons' magicians, the Blues' playmakers can draw confidence from Wallace's promising two-game unveiling last year and the presence in NSW camp of Halfback of the Century Andrew Johns.

The teaching task of both Johns and NSW coach Craig Bellamy is however a prickly one with the Blues' four "key position" players - also including Tigers hooker Robbie Farah and Knights fullback Kurt Gidley - all hailing from different clubs.

There has been speculation Bellamy unsuccessfully petitioned NSW selectors for Knights duo Jarrod Mullen (pivot) and Isaac De Gois (hooker) given their established club combination with fullback and skipper Kurt Gidley.

There was a major scare at Camp Maroon yesterday when star hooker Cameron Smith suffered a fresh knock to his left knee following a heavy training collision with Storm teammate Billy Slater.

After a nervous minute in which Queensland's victorious 2008 captain lay on the ground, Smith recovered to complete training.

Source: http://www.news.com.au

DIEHARD
29-05-09, 12:37 PM
Queensland v New South Wales
Etihad Stadium Wednesday 8pm

Queensland gets their chance to lay a concrete foundation on their bid for a record-making fourth straight series victory in Melbourne, with team selections on both sides of the border and Queensland?s tilt at Origin immortality generating more interest in Game One than any other game over the past decade.

No question this match-up has a bit of ?ying? and ?yang? about it.

In the Maroon corner lurks Mal Meninga?s all-Australian backline which, if you believe the press, is guaranteed unstoppable. It?s certainly taken some ?heat? off their ageing ? although it must be admitted still punchy ? forward pack headed by 35-year-old Steven Price and 32-year-old Petero Civoniceva, a pack NSW will be desperate to get on top of from the kick-off.

In the Blues? corner selectors have finally bitten the bullet and totally overhauled their squad with seven newcomers (it was eight originally before back-rower Glenn Stewart failed to beat his dangerous tackle charge at the judiciary). That includes Dragons? props Michael Weyman and Justin Poore and their team-mate Ben Creagh, plus Wests Tigers hooker Roobie Farah in the engine room, while five-eighth Terry Campese, centre Michael Jennings and winger James McManus make their debuts in the backline.

Queensland (with no players on debut) will field an unrivalled set of backs, plenty are suggesting the Blues have the firepower in the engine room to even things out.

Coach watch: Mal Meninga has an impressive 66 per cent winning record from his nine games at the helm for Queensland. But this game looms as defining for NSW mentor Craig Bellamy who enters with a 1-2 record.

Watch out Queensland: Our tip is the opening 20 minutes will be as fierce as any opening stanza in the history of Origin, with NSW in particular looking to dominate the early exchanges in an effort to gain control of the ruck.

The key for the Blues will be to force their opponents backwards when defending and slow down the play-the-balls; this will limit the opportunities for playmakers Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston, who thrive when given good time to organise their troops while opposition defences are struggling to re-align. But when flustered? Like anyone, they can be forced into errors.

In attack NSW will look to gain a mountain of territory and give themselves good field position ? and they have the ?pig? prop rotation to do it. To date Luke Bailey is making 142 metres a game, Michael Weyman 128, Justin Poore 116 and Brent Kite 104. Not to mention back-rowers Luke O?Donnell 125 metres, Ben Creagh 118 and Paul Gallen 141.

Watch out NSW: While the brilliant and creative Queensland backline threatens danger all around the park there are a few key areas the Blues can monitor.

The first is to watch out for Lockyer heading down the blindside, or switching the point of the attack down the short side. He?ll look to catch out Jennings in particular, who has a question mark over his defence; the youngster missed four tackles against the Sharks a fortnight ago.

Justin Hodges will use his strength and a big right-foot step to beat his man, so defenders on the inside will need to be attentive to ?shut the gate? and pick up any trailers looking for an offload.

The same applies for Inglis, although he likes to exploit blindsides with strength before offloading to the flanks.

Next, Billy Slater will run behind decoys in the Blues? 30-metres zone, injecting himself as the second man to either take on the line or else suck in defenders and offload wide for wingers Folau and Boyd.

And Folau will be a go-to man in the air, so the Blues? outside defenders need to swarm in numbers and legally shield their ball receivers as Folau chases. They also need to watch for his damaging runs from dummy-half ? he?s made 75 so far this season to top the NRL.

Where it will be won: The forwards first. Then the backs. And the tactical kicking games of both sides ? and not just those used in attack ? will go a long way to determining a winner.

Whoever wins the battle up front will get good opportunities to post points ? it then falls to the attacks to play their part.

Expect Robbie Farah (leading dummy-half line break exponent with six) and Cameron Smith (second behind Farah with three) to make plenty of inroads late in each half.

Both sides have superb kick returners. The Blues? Kurt Gidley has made more overall runs than any other player in the NRL to date (210 times for a competition-high 1806 metres or 164 a game), while the Maroons? Billie Slater (648 metres) and Darius Boyd (644 metres) are the best in the comp running the ball back from kicks.

Both camps need to make sure their kicks are mostly to space, to allow their defences time to group in the one line ? or the dazzling array of talent on both sides of the park will let loose.

Also, look for the NSW kickers to go high on occasion to Billy Slater in general play ? if the Melbourne custodian does have a weakness it?s his reliability under the high ball. Plus a good hang time will allow the kick-chasers the time to ensure they collar their man early.

The History: Played 84 (since 1980); NSW 40, Queensland 42, drawn 2. The Blues hold a 3-2 advantage over the Maroons in the five games played in Melbourne. Also, NSW have been victorious in Game I of a series on 15 occasions to Queensland?s 12.

Conclusion: It will be a fast, bruising and furious encounter. The match-ups across the park are stunning and it?s shaping as a game for the ages.

What?s certain is that both sides have players with specific strengths they will be looking to tap into.

Having selected new players like Creagh and Jennings, they?ll be looking for them to bring their unique skills to the party. For Creagh that means taking the ball one-off the ruck near the Maroons? 10-metre line and carrying defenders as he takes giant strides for the line. For Jennings and Jarryd Hayne it means drawing on the explosive speed that has helped them each to a competition-high 12 line breaks.

Meanwhile Dallas Johnson will be called upon for the resolve that?s seen him notch more tackles than anyone else (515), Thurston will be a go-to man for line-break assists (11, tops in the NRL) and try assists (12, tops again).

We could go on, and we?ve missed plenty. But you get the picture.
Who will win? While Queensland deserve favouritism the Blues are in it up to their eyeballs. It doesn?t matter who you cheer for, we just know you?ll have plenty to cheer about.

Match officials: Referees ? Tony Archer & Shayne Hayne; Sideline Officials ? Steve Chiddy & Jeff Younis; Video Refs ? Bill Harrigan and Tim Mander.

Televised: Channel Nine ? Live from 7.30pm.

* Statistics: NRL Stats

Source: http://www.nrl.com

Steve
31-05-09, 09:38 AM
Just noticed the Cineplex people are showing origin on the cinema screens.

http://www.cineplex.com.au/movie/810

DIEHARD
31-05-09, 09:49 AM
Just noticed the Cineplex people are showing origin on the cinema screens.

http://www.cineplex.com.au/movie/810

OMG! That is genius! Free admission as well. I love Cineplex!

Steve
31-05-09, 10:06 AM
WHEN you have spent your whole life growing up in the rough-and-tumble streets of Mt Druitt's housing commission estate, being scared just isn't an option.
Not when your mates are running away from the cops, not when you're playing footy in the local park, and not when you're apprehending someone trying to steal your old man's car at 5am.

Take a stroll around the weatherboard and fibro homes around Blackett, where working-class families tread the breadline daily, and you understand why fear won't be an issue for NSW debutant Michael Jennings.

One of six kids who grew up in a three-bedroom Government-owned residence, nothing has ever come easy for the lightning bolt Blues centre.

For starters, dad Antonio and mum Vialata both worked two jobs. Family holidays were trips to football carnivals and by the time they were up to child number six, two of the youngsters had to make do sleeping on the loungeroom floor.

It might have been tough, but you won't catch any of the Jennings clan complaining.

So when Queensland centre Justin Hodges cranked up the mind games by suggesting the Blues rookie will be "scared'' in the furnace of OriginI in Melbourne on Wednesday night, his family just flashed those bright smiles.

Maybe someone should take Hodges on a tour of the Wests City Tigers' home ground in Mt Druitt - Jennings' first junior club - where legend has it that parents had to clear the field of broken glass before the kids could kick off.

"Growing up in Mt Druitt, everyone was shocked we were bringing our kids up there,'' Vialata explains.

"Everyone would say it was scary, how there was a shooting or a robbery. But we were just comfortable. We always left our door open with the screen locked. We never had much trouble.''

There was one time when Dad, 'Nio', made a citizen's arrest on a would-be car thief. And Michael and his siblings waited in hiding for his accomplice.

"They picked the wrong house then. When they saw Nio coming out they took off. That's Mt Druitt, but we always felt safe.''

Nio adds: "The main thing is to put the kids in sport and get them training ... then they don't have time to muck up.''

The secret behind Jennings' acceleration lies in his extensive family tree, which includes a mix of bloodlines from Tonga, Fiji and as far away as England.

Jennings' great grandfather was an Englishman named George Napier Jennings, who was born at sea and settled in the Pacific Islands, marrying a half-Tongan, half-Fijian wife named Mau.

But the pace comes from mum and dad. Mum Via was a champion athlete, selected to play netball for Tonga, while dad Nio was a sprinter and gun rugby union centre and winger.

His half-brother, Arthur Jennings, represented the All Blacks on the 1967 tour of Great Britain and France.

So the footballing magic touch is in the Jennings genes. True to form, Via and Nio have never missed a single game.

"They're stalkers,'' daughter Lola jokes.

They don't like flying, so the pair pack up the family van or 4WD, with younger sons George, 16, and Robert, 13, and drive to the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Wagga Wagga, Brisbane or even Temora. Wherever Michael is playing.

They will drive the 712km to Melbourne on Tuesday to watch their son's State of Origin debut the next night.

Via still fondly remembers the day her third son strolled into the rented family home in Blackett and slapped a piece of paper in front of her.

"He just said, `I bought you a present Mum','' Via recalls. "We used to always be leaving things until pay day. But now with most of the kids working and Michael we are very fortunate. Thank God.''

The present was the title deeds to a brand new $400,000 five-bedroom home in Quakers Hill. "I said, 'Can you afford this?''' Nio explained. "But, for him, he knew how we struggled. We were renting for years. He's been a big help. It was the first thing in his mind.''

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,25561457-5006066,00.html

DIEHARD
01-06-09, 07:10 AM
OMG! That is genius! Free admission as well. I love Cineplex!

I got 3 ticket to this session, should be interesting. Let me know if you want to go Steve. Goatus also has one but reckons he is still deciding whether to go or not.

Me... I'm interested in seeing origin on a cinema screen.

DIEHARD
01-06-09, 07:16 AM
Luke Bailey and Brent Kite singled out for mongrel mauling ahead of Origin I

Former NSW firebrands Mark Carroll and David Gillespie have demanded Blues front-rowers Luke Bailey and Brent Kite "aim up and show some mongrel" if Craig Bellamy's men are to break Queensland's three-series stranglehold on the State of Origin.

With the Maroons recalling Michael Crocker to reprise the hardman's role after just two games for South Sydney, Carroll and Gillespie warn NSW are in danger of another mauling.

With Queensland's Test backline, the Blues pack holds the key to an upset. But the former Origin enforcers insist the edge will be eroded by the injury loss of Cronulla captain Paul Gallen, unless NSW attack the Queensland forwards.

Carroll insists Kite and Bailey, in particular, must ratchet up the aggression and feels the starting props should be rotated with Dragons benchmen Justin Poore and Michael Weyman in 20-minute bursts.

The acid on the front-rowers comes after former NSW hardman Steve Roach questioned Bailey's selection, arguing the Gold Coast Titans captain had been "manhandled" by the Maroons in his last Origin appearance in 2007.

"Kite and Bailey have got to roll the sleeves up and rip in," Carroll said.

"They might be lacking a bit of mongrel, but Bailey has had a go at Blocker and Blocker has had a go back at him. Now he has got to aim up.

"He has got another second chance, so don't miss the opportunity is all I can say."

Fellow Test prop Kite is also under pressure after being overlooked for last year's Origin series, with even some of his closest supporters willing to concede the church-going Sea Eagles prop can be hard to 'fire up".

"They have to be leaders," Carroll added.

Source: http://www.foxsports.com.au

DIEHARD
01-06-09, 07:19 AM
Beware, it's the curse of game one

LOST among the talk of dynasties and domination is the fact that Queensland have limped - and twice lost - in the first Origin match of their three successive series wins.

But it hasn't been lost among the Maroons themselves, who yesterday revealed the focus of their camp so far has been the need to quash first-night nerves.

"We've put a pretty big emphasis on this match," Queensland hooker Cam Smith said yesterday. "There's been a lot of talk about four series straight, but you've got to win this first one to get a shot at it. We know our past hasn't been so good in each of the first matches ? this has been the best first week of any series I've been involved in."

The Maroons' only game-one victory through their run of three consecutive series victories came in 2007, when they came from behind to beat the Blues on home soil. Even further back too, the Maroons have struggled in game one, winning just three since 1999.

"That's something that we've spoken about as a group, that over the last few years we haven't been able to get off to a good start," prop Petero Civoniceva said.

"That's been a real focus for us. I know all the talk has been how well we've been going the last few years, and we're looking at four series wins in a row, but that's definitely been the last thing on our minds."

There is even more need for the Maroons to win game one, on Wednesday night at Etihad Stadium, given that Queensland have given up their home-ground advantage. If victorious, the Blues would then get the chance to win the series at Telstra Stadium before they have to play at hostile Suncorp Stadium.

"It's a bit of an advantage for NSW, if they were to win, they get to go up to their home ground and try and seal the series," said Smith, even though training at Olympic Park yesterday, the base of his club side Melbourne, made him and three teammates feel at home. "If we can get this one, we're a foot in the door."

While the Maroons are favourites, there has been constant talk among them about the danger of going up against a team with seven rookies. That's because many of them were playing, and some were rookies themselves, in 2006 when the Maroons fielded seven debutants - winning the first series of their dominant run that year.

"We knew what it felt like to be in their position three years ago, and you're going to do anything to try and get a win," Smith said.

"Mal [Meninga] introduced some youth into the side, and some guys that people probably thought shouldn't have been in Origin, and we came away with a series win. It's something that we need to be careful of. We can't underestimate these blokes. They've got the easy job.

"No one expects them to win. They don't have to worry about any outside factors. There's no expectation on them, so they can just go out there and play their own game."

The Maroons are also wary of the adversity the Blues have suffered in camp, losing Glenn Stewart to suspension and Paul Gallen to injury, while earning the wrath of Melbourne for turning up late to a clinic involving school-age victims of the February bushfires in Victoria.

"Sometimes a bit of adversity builds a team and brings them closer together," Civoniceva said. "We know that that's a situation that may make them stronger."

And possibly wilder. Desperate stakes call for desperate measures, and the Penrith prop even admitted there was a chance that the seemingly long-gone early stink could be revived for the occasion.

"I suppose the thought's there, but that's State of Origin," Civoniceva said. "As a pack, we've been together for quite some time now, and we're aware of some of the situations that might occur, but we're ready for it."

Source: http://www.leaguehq.com.au

GCT_89
01-06-09, 04:45 PM
it would be great to see Bailey "Fire Up"....i love him as a player, and as a captain of our team, but ive always been annoyed at how he willingly became carl webbs ***** during origin a few years ago....
we'll see how he goes.....no need to be stupid and shave a big N on the side of your head and run around like a hungry neanderthal.....

DIEHARD
02-06-09, 08:27 AM
Origin battle of back rows
Luke Turgeon

A TITANIC showdown is set to ignite between Gold Coast teammates Ashley Harrison and Anthony Laffranchi tomorrow night when State of Origin roars to life in Melbourne.

Carrying on the proud tradition of Mate v Mate, State v State, the Titans pack partners are on a collision course, with Harrison hunting payback for an incident from the 2008 series decider.

Queenslander Harrison yesterday revealed it was a tackle from good friend and Blues opposite Laffranchi that left him with busted rib cartilage last year.

Now he wants revenge.

"For sure," said Harrison when asked if he would have a loaded shoulder prepared should Laffranchi come his way. "He got me last year and put me out for a couple of games. He has been reminding me about it too over the past few months.

"That is Origin footy, when we have different jerseys we become opponents."

The gutsy Maroons backrower famously battled on to finish the match and help Queensland secure their third-straight series win.

But it came at a cost to the Gold Coast, with Harrison sidelined for the next two NRL club matches.

In an intriguing twist, Titans boss Michael Searle yesterday gave the pair his blessing to again bash each other into submission.

"I wouldn't expect them to go out and be soft on each other. I would be disappointed if they did," said Searle. "That is part of the Origin. It is no holds barred.

"I would be more worried if they tried not to damage each other."

Speaking to The Bulletin from Camp Maroon in Melbourne, Harrison said he would be putting his friendship with Laffranchi aside as Queensland chases an unprecedented fourth-straight series victory.

"I heard he was coming into the side and it is great recognition for him," said Harrison.

"I won't be trying to do too much different to what I do at club level ... just do my job and do my job well."

While Harrison has Laffranchi in his sights, the 28-year-old played down talk of an 'old-fashioned Origin stink' amid claims that the rookie NSW pack was planning to ambush their more experienced Maroon rivals.

"If anyone has got any energy to put a stink on, they must be going all right," said Harrison.

While Laffranchi was rushed into the Blues side at the weekend after NSW enforcer Paul Gallen was ruled out through injury, Harrison has enjoyed a drama-free build-up.

He said the pressure of being overwhelming favourites had not affected the Maroons during their low-key preparation at Nagambie Lakes, an hour and a half outside the Victorian capital.

"The first couple of days were pretty laidback, then it has started to ramp up," said Harrison.

The State of Origin period has marked the beginning of the end for the Titans in their first two NRL campaigns and while injuries to Harrison, Laffranchi or Luke Bailey could spell disaster for the Coast, Searle said it was against the spirit of the game to hold back.

"That slogan Mate v Mate, State v State is so true," said Searle.

"I can't think of another code in the world that would gleefully accept that their players are going to go hard on each other.

"But it is such an important part of our game."

and makes it so different to any other sport."

"By the same token it is the next eight weeks for our club that will determine how we go in our goal of getting a home semi final.

"While there is a lot of focus on representative football, I know that the coaching staff and the players are working really hard because they know we are going to be benchmarked on the success of our club performances over the next eight weeks."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

DIEHARD
02-06-09, 08:34 AM
OK I'm locked in to watch Origin on a cinema screen at Southbank in Brisbane. :thumbsup: I can't wait I am so pumped! I wish I was lucky enough to be in Melbourne for this game.

I had a dream last night and I can reveal that the half time score was 56-0 in favour of the Maroons.

I think the Maroons will have it all over the Blues, experience and patience wins Origin. Sure the Blues have heaps of debutants, but playing on enthusiasm will only get you so far. I think when the blow torch is applied, they will collapse and panic.

I am hoping for Inglis to fire, I have been missing his old form.

Titan2007
02-06-09, 10:01 AM
Origin battle of back rows
Luke Turgeon

A TITANIC showdown is set to ignite between Gold Coast teammates Ashley Harrison and Anthony Laffranchi tomorrow night when State of Origin roars to life in Melbourne.

Carrying on the proud tradition of Mate v Mate, State v State, the Titans pack partners are on a collision course, with Harrison hunting payback for an incident from the 2008 series decider.

Queenslander Harrison yesterday revealed it was a tackle from good friend and Blues opposite Laffranchi that left him with busted rib cartilage last year.

Now he wants revenge.

"For sure," said Harrison when asked if he would have a loaded shoulder prepared should Laffranchi come his way. "He got me last year and put me out for a couple of games. He has been reminding me about it too over the past few months.

"That is Origin footy, when we have different jerseys we become opponents."

The gutsy Maroons backrower famously battled on to finish the match and help Queensland secure their third-straight series win.

But it came at a cost to the Gold Coast, with Harrison sidelined for the next two NRL club matches.

In an intriguing twist, Titans boss Michael Searle yesterday gave the pair his blessing to again bash each other into submission.

"I wouldn't expect them to go out and be soft on each other. I would be disappointed if they did," said Searle. "That is part of the Origin. It is no holds barred.

"I would be more worried if they tried not to damage each other."

Speaking to The Bulletin from Camp Maroon in Melbourne, Harrison said he would be putting his friendship with Laffranchi aside as Queensland chases an unprecedented fourth-straight series victory.

"I heard he was coming into the side and it is great recognition for him," said Harrison.

"I won't be trying to do too much different to what I do at club level ... just do my job and do my job well."

While Harrison has Laffranchi in his sights, the 28-year-old played down talk of an 'old-fashioned Origin stink' amid claims that the rookie NSW pack was planning to ambush their more experienced Maroon rivals.

"If anyone has got any energy to put a stink on, they must be going all right," said Harrison.

While Laffranchi was rushed into the Blues side at the weekend after NSW enforcer Paul Gallen was ruled out through injury, Harrison has enjoyed a drama-free build-up.

He said the pressure of being overwhelming favourites had not affected the Maroons during their low-key preparation at Nagambie Lakes, an hour and a half outside the Victorian capital.

"The first couple of days were pretty laidback, then it has started to ramp up," said Harrison.

The State of Origin period has marked the beginning of the end for the Titans in their first two NRL campaigns and while injuries to Harrison, Laffranchi or Luke Bailey could spell disaster for the Coast, Searle said it was against the spirit of the game to hold back.

"That slogan Mate v Mate, State v State is so true," said Searle.

"I can't think of another code in the world that would gleefully accept that their players are going to go hard on each other.

"But it is such an important part of our game."

and makes it so different to any other sport."

"By the same token it is the next eight weeks for our club that will determine how we go in our goal of getting a home semi final.

"While there is a lot of focus on representative football, I know that the coaching staff and the players are working really hard because they know we are going to be benchmarked on the success of our club performances over the next eight weeks."

Source: http://www.goldcoast.com.au

ALL JUST PAPER TALK .. DON"T BELIEVE IT :D

GCT_89
02-06-09, 12:24 PM
I had a dream last night and I can reveal that the half time score was 56-0 in favour of the Maroons.


HAHAHAHAHA.....sweet dream brad.....i think it would be best if you focused on your dream and had a nap at the cinmema....coz you wont want to be witnessing the nightmare that will be on the big screen.....lol:p

DIEHARD
02-06-09, 12:51 PM
It would severely suck to be on the end of a thrashing and have to watch godzilla sized Blues trample us.

DIEHARD
02-06-09, 04:26 PM
Looks like it will rain tomorrow in Melbourne.

Luckily the dome has a roof!

GCT_89
03-06-09, 09:59 AM
NEW! SOUTH! WALES!

NEW! SOUTH! WALES!

NEW! SOUTH! WALES!


Its tonight boys and qldrs.....

Ill be at dougs place who else is there?
time to watch Qld get crushed!

Steve
03-06-09, 10:13 AM
NEW! SOUTH! WALES!

NEW! SOUTH! WALES!

NEW! SOUTH! WALES!


Its tonight boys and qldrs.....

Ill be at dougs place who else is there?
time to watch Qld get crushed!



Ditto! 'cept the Doug's part, too far on a weeknight.

kwigibo
03-06-09, 10:35 AM
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v175/kwigibo/fvavi.gif

kwigibo
03-06-09, 07:51 PM
Okay, that is ridiculous video ref technicality bull****.

kwigibo
03-06-09, 09:01 PM
Just to pre-empt you blues fans, the referees were the only thing that kept you in this game, a foot on the line is out, and Hayne only got away with his sideline quarterbacking because of a ridiculous lack of accountability on the officials part.

patskE
03-06-09, 09:03 PM
hayne no try was a try i rkn, his back heel was of the ground.
need mullen i think at 6, and sifnt chip for the flying jennings aye ahah
good game.

kwigibo
03-06-09, 09:30 PM
So who replaces Hodges? Dell? Walker? Tonga? Graham?

GCT_07
03-06-09, 10:07 PM
Just to pre-empt you blues fans, the referees were the only thing that kept you in this game, a foot on the line is out, and Hayne only got away with his sideline quarterbacking because of a ridiculous lack of accountability on the officials part.

Mate I disagree and i m not even talking about the tries regardless of wether they were allowed or not. Other than a few rough edges I m quite happy with the blues. Queensland were a superior team on the night but I m not about to biatch and complain, they played well. I think the blues fell apart a tad after that decision went against them and during that time QLD walked over them. BUT I can proudly say that the vast majority of them picked themselves back up and continued to fight instead of what you would normally expect a 'new' team to do which is give up.

So just to pre-empt any queensland insults................. I m quite proud of the Blues and the heart they showed and I would suggest the typical QLD Kockyness better watch themselves because if not this year then deffinately next year that new team of blues on the park tonight is going to wipe you out!

Steelers
03-06-09, 10:35 PM
NSW had nothing until Craig Wing came on and got them going through the middle. Queensland being a little bit fatigued probably helped that. Hayne try was a try IMO. It was a 50/50 call, but that is what the Benefit of the Doubt rule is for. Queensland were too good in the end, as expected.

daveyk
03-06-09, 10:53 PM
great game... GREAT WIN !!!!

hayne try, i do believe shouldve been given for benefit of the doubt. one angle showed he appeared to touch the line but the other looked like he didnt.. was cetainly a tough call and i dont think nsw really recovered from it.

can anyone say

QUEENSLANDER

kwigibo
03-06-09, 11:01 PM
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c335/Russell_W/Hayne1.jpg

Steve
04-06-09, 06:59 AM
As much as I'd like to blame the ref, in the end Queensland just had more composure.

I still think it was a try to Hayne. The view from behind looked like his heel never touched the line. The touch judge was right there watching like a hawk, and hell, even Wally Lewis said try. I thought they were going to bring out magazines and snacks for the players the decision took so long.
Even if it had been awarded, taking so long kills any sort of momentum a team has.

Then Hayne penalised for taking out Folau? What the? That was dodgy and again, lead to a try and really changed the tide of the game.

That said, NSW had their opportunties and really didn't capitalise on them, and that's why they lost.

The refereeing is of the standard we've come to expect in the NRL this year. ie, utter ****house. NSW got penalised for not getting off the tackled player early in the match (which really, I just couldn't see it, it was normal) and then after that both teams were allowed to lay all over the tackled player for an eternity. While the commentators droned on about how fast origin is, I think we were having the slowest origin game I've ever seen.

Looking at the team, Gidley had an absolute shocker, McManus... why the hell was he out there? Jennings and Hayne were probably among NSW's best. Always looking for the ball and always looking dangerous. Lyon was... well he was there. Campese was fairly quiet, and should only be our last resort kicker which brings us to one of Queensland's best.. Wallace. Please please please can we ditch him. He can't kick, can't pass, he was awful. Bring in Soward, Orford, drag Gower back from Italy, I don't care, throw a bloody jersey on Phil Gould and send him out in the 7.

In the forwards, Boof was decent but didn't seem to get a huge amount of ball. Bull... I have to say, he's gotta go. Along with Kite. Creagh was probably the best forward, had a cracker game. And I'll take back what I said about Wing, he really did add impact off the bench. I thought Lewis went alright too, one of the few NSW players to look hungry in the short stints he was on.

Bellamy... I think he was panicking more than the players. Farrar off, Wing on. Farrar on, Lewis off, someone else off, Lewis on. How many interchanges did he blow in a short period? I wonder if he also told the players to stop going up the middle when they were traveling the length of the field straight through the middle late in the second half? Can't think why they started trying to go wide.

So all said, I can't blame the refs. Congratulations to Queensland.

Hoppy2007Dragons
04-06-09, 08:18 AM
Just summed it up for me Steve, i think jennings needs to go for cooper. Other than that i would stick with the squad.

The only thing that upset me was haynes try took forever no benefit of doubt, greg inglis has three blues players, including wallace wraping the ball up, you couldn't see if he grounded it, but bang instant call from ref, try.

Outplayed and outgunned i suppose, i need someone to make me my avatar for the game one lose.

curly_11
04-06-09, 10:37 AM
I disagree! I think Jennings was one of your better performers least he tried to do something and got involved unlike Jamie Lyon....Secondly i think Kite is overated but Weyman had a good game!

The decision is a correct one with Jarrod Hayne its harsh but geniunely looks on the line therefore no benefit of the doubt. I do think you guys got a little screwed with the other penalty against hayne on falou and when crocker tackled Ben Creah late.

All in all a good game and QLD deserved to win!

GO QUEENSLAND!!!!

dee13
04-06-09, 03:47 PM
I would love to see Anthony Laffranchi get through a game without giving away a penalty for laying on the tackled player. He really needs to start thinking about his discipline.

Dragons
04-06-09, 06:17 PM
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c335/Russell_W/Hayne1.jpg

Here is another angle so it a fair try to me :mad:

kwigibo
04-06-09, 06:45 PM
Here is another angle so it a fair try to me :mad:

Yes, if two still frames from different cameras show something happening and something almost happening what can we conclude? That frame doesn't contradict anything, it's not like there's one magic CSI 3d camera out there providing those two frames and they contradict each other on the same millisecond, and even in that case we'd have to fear some Heisenbergian rip in space-time.

If one frame shows him touching the line, that's enough, I can show you 79 odd minutes of footage from the game where Hayne's feet aren't touching the touch line, but they only have to touch it for a fraction of a second, and if video footage from any angle shows that, the video ref is obliged to rule the way he did. That other angles are inconclusive is to be expected, as they are more often than not in video referrals. An inconclusive angle doesn't contradict a conclusive one.

Frankly, it looks as though it's brushing the line in that other angle anyway, which is a worse angle geometrically to judge.

GCT_89
04-06-09, 08:33 PM
^^I'll start off by saying, **** i hate that avatar up there. NSW FTW!^^


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c335/Russell_W/Hayne1.jpg


Here is another angle so it a fair try to me :mad:
http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/2088/soox.jpg (http://img36.imageshack.us/my.php?image=soox.jpg)


Thats a try full stop.....no opinion needed.....lol


Yes, if two still frames from different cameras show something happening and something almost happening what can we conclude? That frame doesn't contradict anything, it's not like there's one magic CSI 3d camera out there providing those two frames and they contradict each other on the same millisecond, and even in that case we'd have to fear some Heisenbergian rip in space-time.

If one frame shows him touching the line, that's enough, I can show you 79 odd minutes of footage from the game where Hayne's feet aren't touching the touch line, but they only have to touch it for a fraction of a second, and if video footage from any angle shows that, the video ref is obliged to rule the way he did. That other angles are inconclusive is to be expected, as they are more often than not in video referrals. An inconclusive angle doesn't contradict a conclusive one.

Frankly, it looks as though it's brushing the line in that other angle anyway, which is a worse angle geometrically to judge.

That is a stupid statement.....

but, going by your 'far superior intelligence', falou is touching that yellow thing from that angle too right?

we were the attacking team and the footage had to be viewed over 1/2 dozen times.....THAT IS BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT!!!!! two angles saying two different things.....Neither angle is completely conclusive.....

and then to be penalised down the other end leading to Qlds first try? "oh no izzy went up for the ball and didnt get it.....that cant be right...PENALTY!" :mad:

that game was frustrating to watch knowing how well we started and it would have blown any momentum the boys had initially....


(i was trying not to post over the next few weeks so i dont have to see the stupid Q next to my name.....but the arrogance and stupidity in your posts are too wrong to leave unanswered......)

Steve
04-06-09, 08:49 PM
Just summed it up for me Steve, i think jennings needs to go for cooper. Other than that i would stick with the squad.


Haha, I don't think you read my post if you think that.

Jennings was one of our best, and Wallace most definitely needs to go!

I'd be bringing in Soward so we actually have a kicking game.
I'd be cutting Bull and Kite too.

TITAN PETE
04-06-09, 09:09 PM
I'd be cutting Bull and Kite too.

Did u watch the 2nd half ?????? When Bailey came back on in the 2nd half he was the Best Forward on the Park , Kite,Campese & Wallace are the changes to be made for the next match ;)

kwigibo
04-06-09, 09:25 PM
^^I'll start off by saying, **** i hate that avatar up there. NSW FTW!^^





Thats a try full stop.....no opinion needed.....lol



That is a stupid statement.....

but, going by your 'far superior intelligence', falou is touching that yellow thing from that angle too right?

we were the attacking team and the footage had to be viewed over 1/2 dozen times.....THAT IS BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT!!!!! two angles saying two different things.....Neither angle is completely conclusive.....

and then to be penalised down the other end leading to Qlds first try? "oh no izzy went up for the ball and didnt get it.....that cant be right...PENALTY!" :mad:

that game was frustrating to watch knowing how well we started and it would have blown any momentum the boys had initially....


(i was trying not to post over the next few weeks so i dont have to see the stupid Q next to my name.....but the arrogance and stupidity in your posts are too wrong to leave unanswered......)

I don't want it to get personal, but that is not some depth of field optical illusion, if it was that would imply Hayne is floating 6 inches above the turf in that frame, which he wasn't. I think the video objectively shows his boot touching paint. If it was a queensland player I'd think the same thing. I thought there were bad decisions both ways, no game deciding ones though and I thought this was a good one. He looked at it a bunch of times to make sure, that doesn't make it any less or more correct, but it was a close call that deserved close scrutiny.

I don't want to come off as arrogant either, I've just heard and read a lot of vicious criticism of that call since last night which I think was one of the good ones among some dodgy ones like the soft penalty you mentioned. So I'm saying what I think, I don't think I've said anything particularly stupid or arrogant. Given our differing views on the subject, I doubt I can change your opinion on the relative stupidity of what I said, but what can I do to sound less arrogant? Seriously, I don't intend to come off that way and really don't have cause to.

Dummy Half
04-06-09, 11:07 PM
Seriously, I can't believe some of the blaming and complaining about this Hayne no try.
It was in the 8th minute people!

No game is won or lost with 72 minutes left to play! I mean come on!

* Maybe the Blues cover defense should have sprinted instead of jogged the 5m needed to stop Thurston scoring. (Thurston sprinted about 15m to get there first! should never have happened)
* Maybe McManus should have marked up on Inglis instead of the empty space next to him!
* Maybe Gidley should have remembered where his feet were when he picked up that ball in the in-goal and effectively killed all the Blues momentum at the back end of the game.

If people are going to moan and complain about things, at least do it about things the players actually had CONTROL over!!
-

Hoppy2007Dragons
05-06-09, 11:09 AM
Seriously, I can't believe some of the blaming and complaining about this Hayne no try.
It was in the 8th minute people!

No game is won or lost with 72 minutes left to play! I mean come on!

* Maybe the Blues cover defense should have sprinted instead of jogged the 5m needed to stop Thurston scoring. (Thurston sprinted about 15m to get there first! should never have happened)
* Maybe McManus should have marked up on Inglis instead of the empty space next to him!
* Maybe Gidley should have remembered where his feet were when he picked up that ball in the in-goal and effectively killed all the Blues momentum at the back end of the game.

If people are going to moan and complain about things, at least do it about things the players actually had CONTROL over!!

Thats very true, but rugby league, particualrly state of origin is about momentum, confidence and enthuasism, that decision sapped all that from the blues for the rest of the first half.

Dummy Half
05-06-09, 11:39 AM
Thats very true, but rugby league, particualrly state of origin is about momentum, confidence and enthuasism, that decision sapped all that from the blues for the rest of the first half.

Well they need to be more resilient.
If you think you've had a bad call, you just have to put it behind you and get on with it.
And you certainly can't let it affect you for an entire half! Thats suicide, especially in origin.

Remember game 3 2006.. (at the same stadium as a matter of fact!)
Early in the second half QLD had a Tonie Carroll try disallowed that the whole commentary team disagreed with then, very soon after Thurston had knock-on call go against him which was also incorrect.
THEN to top it all off Eric Grothe was awarded a try after Brett Hodgson clearly knocked on a high ball. Sterlo said in commentary it was a disgraceful decision and QLD were down 14 - 4 deep into the second half....

QLD could have easily lost momentum, confidence and enthusiasm. But you can't afford to do that!
They ended up scoring 12 points in the last 9 minutes to win the series after NSW has won the last 3 years..... sound familiar??

You can't blame bad calls on a loss if there's still 72 minutes to go!
Bounce back or go home!
-

DIEHARD
05-06-09, 12:02 PM
Wow that was a roller coaster ride.

I watched the game with a mate at Southbank Cinemas, it was a great experience and great atmosphere. If they are doing it again for Game 2, I will certainly go.

I will admit it, I was expecting us to win convincingly, but Origin never works out that way does it? We looked fantastic with those first three tries and then the Blues really started to have a dig.

The memories of how scary Origin is (For a fan)... how every metre, tackle and point matters so much.

Hodges was a huge loss and I struggle to think who would be a decent replacement. Sailor to wing and Folau to centre? That seemed to disrupt our rythium.

I think the Blues will come back a lot stronger, they learnt alot from this match. But I also think the Maroons will be even stronger as well. Inglis was on fire and it was my wish to see him explode.

I think the score flattered the Blues, they didn't really engineer the points. One was a forward pass and two from kick deflections. But that's rugby league.

I don't remember seeing much of Campese?

I was really disappointed in the post game news broadcasts which focused on the Jayne decision. I do believe it was a no try though.

rugbyman13
19-06-09, 04:44 AM
Hi all
is there any sites to look at the first game ? (video clip ....) thanks for your replies