SOO 2007: Game One: Queensland vs New South Wales

[jake86]

According to this (very doubtful) article, Mullen has been picked as the NSW HB:

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/070514/23/13gg1.html

Exclusive: Mullen picked as Blues halfback

By 7News

Knights halfback Jarrod Mullen will be selected as the NSW State of Origin halfback tomorrow morning.
A source close to selectors has confirmed to Yahoo!7 News that Mullen has won the battle against Brett Kimmorley for the number 7 jersey.

The retirement of Andrew Johns last month had left selectors struggling to pick a halfback for the side.

After his scinitilating performance against the Warriors on Saturday night, 20-year-old Mullen from Newcastle has become the favoured choice among league experts around Australia.

Teams will be selected tomorrow morning.



Congrats and good luck to him if true, but you have to doubt 'exclusive' articles like this

[Cowboy Titan]

Apparently Craig Bellamy let slip last night at the post match conference that Inglis, Johnson & Smith were in the Qld team and Slater & Crocker missed out.

[Steelers]

According to this (very doubtful) article, Mullen has been picked as the NSW HB:

Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/070514/23/13gg1.html

Exclusive: Mullen picked as Blues halfback

By 7News

Knights halfback Jarrod Mullen will be selected as the NSW State of Origin halfback tomorrow morning.
A source close to selectors has confirmed to Yahoo!7 News that Mullen has won the battle against Brett Kimmorley for the number 7 jersey.

The retirement of Andrew Johns last month had left selectors struggling to pick a halfback for the side.

After his scinitilating performance against the Warriors on Saturday night, 20-year-old Mullen from Newcastle has become the favoured choice among league experts around Australia.

Teams will be selected tomorrow morning.



Congrats and good luck to him if true, but you have to doubt 'exclusive' articles like this

Yahoo7 isn't exactly the most reliable and trustworthy rugby league news source

[Steelers]

Source: www.foxsports.com.au

Manly's ploy to turn Jamie Blue

IT'S the ultimate payback to Queensland. Manly will today submit a radical plan to the NRL in a bid to have gamebreaker Jamie Lyon freed to play for New South Wales in Origin I.

The Sea Eagles centre is facing a one-match suspension after yesterday being charged with a grade one dangerous throw on Parramatta winger Eric Grothe on Friday night.

Any suspension was thought to rule Lyon out of Origin I in Brisbane tomorrow week.

But Manly is planning to name Lyon in its side at 9am today - two hours before the Blues side is announced.

This way, Manly claim Lyon's one-match suspension could be served in next Monday night's game against Brisbane - freeing him to play for NSW.

If chosen for NSW, Lyon would have been unavailable for the Broncos match at Brookvale in any case.

The bold plan to clear Lyon will infuriate Queensland, but the Maroons are no stranger to Origin tricks.

Four years ago they successfully pulled off a similar trick to have Lote Tuqiri freed to play.

The Maroons named "TBA" in their side, Tuqiri served a suspension for Brisbane on the weekend and then starred in a midweek Queensland Origin victory.

The TBA loophole was later closed but Manly's strategy of naming the player before the Origin side is picked is a new one.

NSW selectors are aware of Manly's plan.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt that leading Sydney barrister Geoff Bellew, SC, will today send a confidential report about the Lyon case to NRL judiciary chairman Greg Woods.

Bellew's submission, in broad terms, will ask that Woods clear Lyon to play State of Origin.

NRL rules state Woods has the discretion to clear Lyon, but The Daily Telegraph understands he will take some convincing.

"The club takes the view that for the suspension to operate in such a way as to preclude him from State of Origin would be unfair in a variety of ways," Bellew said.

"Those reasons will be expanded in the submission."

If Woods vetoes Manly's action, Lyon will then plead guilty and fight the charge at a judiciary hearing tomorrow night.

If he fails in his bid to beat the charge, he will then be ruled out of Origin I.

In this case, Matt King will shift from wing to centre with selectors to name their wingers from either Hazem El Masri, Jarryd Hayne or, ironically, Grothe.

The Sea Eagles are also frustrated that Lyon toppled over 100 judiciary points - the equal of one match - after having a 20 per cent loading added from a send-off when he played with St Helens in England.

Lyon attended the Super League judiciary hearing but the panel deemed the send-off sufficient penalty.

The incident on Friday night was not placed on report by referee Paul Simpkins but the match review committee felt compelled to charge Lyon.

"We want to clarify what we think are some inconsistencies in the charging system," said Manly chief executive Grant Mayer.

"We just want to give Jamie every chance to be selected and play State of Origin.

"It's all about fairness."

"This is not about Jamie Lyon being available for us."

I love this sort of stuff. It is a part of Origin. P!ssing off the other state with loopholes and selection controversies. Origin is almost here!

[Queenslander]

I love this sort of stuff. It is a part of Origin. P!ssing off the other state with loopholes and selection controversies. Origin is almost here!

Bloody NSW! We found the loophole first, took advantage of it and now it is closed.

But anyway, its only Lyon. He isn't that much of a problem

[Queenslander]

XXXX Queensland Maroons Announced - Game I

NEVILLE COSTIGAN is primed to become the 161st man to enter Queensland State of Origin folklore, named to make his XXXX Maroons debut next Wednesday at Suncorp Stadium. Includes full XXXX Maroons team.

Costigan was the only new face when QRL Chairman John McDonald and Chairman of Selectors Des Morris announced the team for the opening game of this year's Harvey Norman State of Origin series in Brisbane.

The XXXX Maroons team, captained for the 11th time by Darren Lockyer, will enter camp immediately, spending the bulk of time between Enoggera Army Barracks, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.

The head-to-head record in State of Origin matches presently stands at 38 wins to Queensland, 37 losses and two draws.Queensland holds the Origin shield after last year's dramatic 16-14 win in the third and deciding game, sealed by a freakish try to Lockyer.

Still boasting the record for the most appearances for his country, the iconic figure of Mal Meninga will again take the reins as head coach of the XXXX Maroons.

The full squad, pending medicals, is listed below.


XXXX QUEENSLAND MAROONS
v New South Wales 'Wizard' Blues
Suncorp Stadium
May 23, 2007

1. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Brent TATE (Brisbane Broncos)
3. Steven BELL (Manly Sea Eagles)
4. Justin HODGES (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Greg INGLIS (Melbourne Storm)
6. Darren LOCKYER (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Johnathan THURSTON (North QLD Cowboys)
8. Steve PRICE (New Zealand Warriors)
9. Cameron SMITH (Melbourne Storm)
10. Petero CIVONICEVA (Brisbane Broncos)
11. Tonie CARROLL (Brisbane Broncos)
12. Carl WEBB (North QLD Cowboys)
13. Dallas JOHNSON (Melbourne Storm)

14. Shaun BERRIGAN (Brisbane Broncos)
15. Jacob LILLYMAN (North QLD Cowboys)
16. Nate MYLES (Sydney Roosters)
17. Neville COSTIGAN (Canberra Raiders)


COACH: Mal MENINGA

www.qrl.com.au

[Social Loafer]

Tate over Slater?
Berrigan as the Utility over Bowen?

What on earths doing there.. IMO Cameron Smith is easily an 80 minute player and Costigan can cover hooker if need be...

Anyway good on Neville Costigan for making Origin, the NSW Media will call it a shock selection, but everyone in Canberra knew he was origin bound from about round 3..

[Queenslander]

NSW Team:

1 Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
2 Matt King (Melbourne Storm)
3 Jamie Lyon (Manly Sea Eagles)
4 Matt Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons)
5 Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
6 Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters)
7 Jarrod Mullen (Newcastle Knights)
8 Brent Kite (Manly Sea Eagles)
9 Danny Buderus (c) (Newcastle Knights)
10 Brett White (Melbourne Storm)
11 Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
12 Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
13 Andrew Ryan (Bulldogs)

14 Luke Bailey (Gold Coast Titans)
15 Steve Simpson (Newcastle Knights)
16 Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
17 Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights)

[Social Loafer]

The Telegraph led Mullan Bandwagon continues to roll on....
He will get found out big time in Origin.. If Mullan played for Canberra there is no way he would have been picked, as NSW selectors don't pay any attention to what happens down here..

[Future Star]

Braith Anasta sucks.

Todd Carney should've gotten it.
he and Jarrod have already played at Rep level before, so they would gel more easily.

[k-unit]

QLD by 13+.

Tries to Hodges, Bell and Civionceva.

[Queenslander]

MAROONS STAT PACK
Written by: QRL Media
May 15th, 2007 11:55 AM

Some useful statistics pertaining to the XXXX Queensland Maroons team named for Game I of the 2007 Harvey Norman State of Origin series.

XXXX MAROONS STAT PACK
Game I ? May 23, 2007

GAMES PLAYED: 77* *Excludes 1987 Exhibition Game
QUEENSLAND WINS: 38
NEW SOUTH WALES WINS: 37
DRAWS: 2

MOST APPEARANCES: Allan Langer 33*, Mal Meninga 32, Wally Lewis 30*, Dale Shearer 25*, Bob Lindner 24*, Gary Larson 24, Darren Lockyer 24, Matt Sing 24, Darren Smith 22, Trevor Gillmeister 21*, Paul Vautin 21*, Martin Bella 21.

MOST POINTS (Career): Mal Meninga 161, Darren Lockyer 69, Dale Shearer 56*, Gary Belcher 48, Allan Langer 41.

MOST TRIES (Career): Dale Shearer 11*, Allan Langer 10, Wally Lewis 7, Bob Lindner 7, Darren Lockyer 6, Mal Meninga 6.

MOST POINTS (Game): Lote Tuqiri 18 (Game II, 2002)

MOST TRIES (Game): Kerry Boustead 3 (Game I, 1984), Lote Tuqiri 3 (Game II, 2002), Matt Saing 3 (Game III, 2003).

MAN OF THE MATCH AWARDS: Wally Lewis 8, Allan Langer 4, Darren Lockyer 3, Sam Backo 2, Martin Bella 2, Chris Close 2, Gary Larson 2, Bob Lindner 2.

MOST APPEARANCES AS CAPTAIN: Wally Lewis 29*, Darren Lockyer 10, Adrian Lam 8, Gorden Tallis 7.

YOUNGEST PLAYER: Ben Ikin (18 years, 83 days in Game I 1995).

OLDEST PLAYER: Allan Langer (35 years, 331 days in Game III 2002).

RECORD AT SUNCORP STADIUM (Lang Park): 22 wins, 15 losses, 1 draw. Since redevelopment ? 4 wins, 2 losses. ANZ Stadium ? 2 wins, 0 losses.

LARGEST CROWD AT SUNCORP STADIUM (Lang Park): 52,484 ? Game I, 2005 Series.

Individual Statistics

KARMICHAEL HUNT
Junior Club: Souths Acacia Ridge Height: 186cm
Date of Birth: 17/11/1986 Weight: 86kg
NRL Appearances: 77 Tests: 6
Origin Appearances: 1 Origin Points: 0


BRENT TATE
Junior Club: Redcliffe Height: 186cm
Date of Birth: 03/03/1982 Weight: 89kg
NRL Appearances: 116 Tests: 14
Origin Appearances: 9 Origin Points: 16 (4t,0g)


STEVEN BELL
Junior Club: Emerald Tigers Height: 182cm
Date of Birth: 28/05/1976 Weight: 93kg
NRL Appearances: 133 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 2 Origin Points: 4 (1t,0g)


JUSTIN HODGES
Junior Club: Cairns Kangaroos Height: 190cm
Date of Birth: 25/05/1982 Weight: 98kg
NRL Appearances: 122 Tests: 5
Origin Appearances: 5 Origin Points: 4 (1t,0g)

GREG INGLIS
Junior Club: Brisbane Norths Height: 195cm
Date of Birth: 15/01/1987 Weight: 99kg
NRL Appearances: 39 Tests: 5
Origin Appearances: 1 Origin Points: 8 (1t,0g)


DARREN LOCKYER ?
Junior Club: Roma Cities Height: 178cm
Date of Birth: 24/03/1977 Weight: 86kg
NRL Appearances: 269 Tests: 36
Origin Appearances: 24 Origin Points: 69 (6t,22g,1fg)


JOHNATHAN THURSTON
Junior Club: Toowoomba Brothers Height: 179cm
Date of Birth: 25/04/1983 Weight: 83kg
NRL Appearances: 81 Tests: 6
Origin Appearances: 6 Origin Points: 19 (1t,7g,1fg)

STEVEN PRICE
Junior Club: Newtown, Toowoomba Height: 193cm
Date of Birth: 12/03/1974 Weight: 106kg
NRL Appearances: 267 Tests: 10
Origin Appearances: 20 Origin Points: 4 (1t,0g)


CAMERON SMITH
Junior Club: Logan Brothers Height: 183cm
Date of Birth: 18/06/1983 Weight: 90kg
NRL Appearances: 106 Tests: 6
Origin Appearances: 10 Origin Points: 32 (1t,14g)


PETERO CIVONICEVA
Junior Club: Redcliffe Height: 193cm
Date of Birth: 21/04/1976 Weight: 110kg
NRL Appearances: 201 Tests: 29
Origin Appearances: 17 Origin Points: 4 (1t,0g)


TONIE CARROLL
Junior Club: Waterford Height: 186cm
Date of Birth: 17/02/1976 Weight: 103kg
NRL Appearances: 173 Tests: 7 Aust / 5 NZ
Origin Appearances: 15 Origin Points: 4 (1t,0g)


CARL WEBB
Junior Club: Dalby Height: 182cm
Date of Birth: 20/03/1981 Weight: 107kg
NRL Appearances: 107 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 9 Origin Points: 8 (2t,0g)


DALLAS JOHNSON
Junior Club: Atherton Height: 181cm
Date of Birth: 23/01/1982 Weight: 92kg
NRL Appearances: 95 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 3 Origin Points: 0

SHAUN BERRIGAN
Junior Club: Wests Mitchelton Height: 178cm
Date of Birth: 04/11/1978 Weight: 87kg
NRL Appearances: 177 Tests: 14
Origin Appearances: 12 Origin Points: 8 (2t,0g)


JACOB LILLYMAN
Junior Club: Richmond Height: 183cm
Date of Birth: 07/03/1984 Weight: 97kg
NRL Appearances: 39 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 1 Origin Points: 0


NATE MYLES
Junior Club: Gordonvale Height: 189cm
Date of Birth: 24/06/1985 Weight: 108kg
NRL Appearances: 44 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 3 Origin Points: 0


NEVILLE COSTIGAN
Junior Club: Mackay Wests Height: 181cm
Date of Birth: 16/03/1985 Weight: 100kg
NRL Appearances: 52 Tests: 0
Origin Appearances: 0 Origin Points: 0

[RLfan]

I don't know what Myles did to earn a spot. Neville Costigan however has been great and throughly deserved the spot. With Carroll, Webb & Costigan, the blues are going to be hammered in the tackles. Now imagine if Crocker was fit.

Anyway Queensland by 19

[DIEHARD]

What a disgrace that Bowen didn't get in! And Slater should have got in as well.

We will still wipe the floor with the Blues but god...I am very angry.

[Capital_Shark]

Queensland Team
1. Karmichael HUNT (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Brent TATE (Brisbane Broncos)
3. Steven BELL (Manly Sea Eagles)
4. Justin HODGES (Brisbane Broncos)
5. Greg INGLIS (Melbourne Storm)
6. Darren LOCKYER (c) (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Johnathan THURSTON (North QLD Cowboys)
8. Steve PRICE (New Zealand Warriors)
9. Cameron SMITH (Melbourne Storm)
10. Petero CIVONICEVA (Brisbane Broncos)
11. Tonie CARROLL (Brisbane Broncos)
12. Carl WEBB (North QLD Cowboys)
13. Dallas JOHNSON (Melbourne Storm)

14. Shaun BERRIGAN (Brisbane Broncos)
15. Jacob LILLYMAN (North QLD Cowboys)
16. Nate MYLES (Sydney Roosters)
17. Neville COSTIGAN (Canberra Raiders)

Bold are the ones I don't agree with or would have had someone else there.


- First off Tate has had 1 good game this year and that was the ANZAC Test off the back of a bunch of criticism to fire him up, Bill Slater should be there, I don't think he's played a bad minute this year, let alone a bad game!
- Steven Bell, while excellent last year, has been the poor performer in a great Manly outfit this year. Every defense seems to be onto him and his style of scoring trys by sliding back in field and never passing the ball. He'll be solid but probably someone more deserving.
- Shaun Berrigan has to make way for Matty Bowen. Nothing against Berrigan but Bowen can fill the same back line gaps that could arise from injury like Berrigan and Cam Smith is an 80min player.
- Nothing against Lillyman but I reckon the bench could be stronger and better equipped to match it with the NSW big men if another prop was there. Ben Ross and Antonio Kaufusi come to mind.
- Finally a big WTF for the selection of Nate Myles. A big WTF for the selection of so many Roosters in both teams really. But Myles has not stood out for me at all this year. Its a pitty Crocker and Thaiday are injured. But I'm sure there are better more deserving options.

NSW Team
1 Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters)
2 Matt King (Melbourne Storm)
3 Jamie Lyon (Manly Sea Eagles)
4 Matt Cooper (St George Illawarra Dragons)
5 Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
6 Braith Anasta (Sydney Roosters)
7 Jarrod Mullen (Newcastle Knights)
8 Brent Kite (Manly Sea Eagles)
9 Danny Buderus (c) (Newcastle Knights)
10 Brett White (Melbourne Storm)
11 Nathan Hindmarsh (Parramatta Eels)
12 Willie Mason (Bulldogs)
13 Andrew Ryan (Bulldogs)

14 Luke Bailey (Gold Coast Titans)
15 Steve Simpson (Newcastle Knights)
16 Anthony Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
17 Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights)

Not gonna pull the NSW team apart too much cause it doesn't overly concern me who they pick. Dunno about Mullen but can't really push the wagon for many other halves either. Anasta has been going alright this year and NSW really have no other option I guess. Buggered if I know what Matt Cooper has done to deserve selection - should move King into centre and have El Masri on the wing, the fact he's been over looked again is a joke, even though he had a rough night for his standards last night. Hope NSW lose on the back of poor goal kicking. Finally, not that I'm too bothered as I'd rather have them playing this weekend, but it shows NSW strength up front if Bird and Gallen can't get a look in. Good to see Gidley there, he's been fantastic this year.

I still believe QLD will win, but I'm disappointed. They had the potential for a stellar team and missed the mark I think.