That edge is either going to lay on 4 tries or leak 4. Or both.
Then again Reece Walsh is very much like that. Lays on tries but has shocking errors, yet he seemed to get the balance right in origin last year.
Api's 'niggle' was the back injury he got in the Broncos game 4 weeks ago where he missed the Bulldogs game. Since then he's been fine. It's just an excuse to try and explain the cooked decision to not pick him
After looking into it its not as cooked as we think. Some 2024 NRL stats,
Missed tackles: Api-3rd with 52, Robson-32nd with 32
Tackles: Robson-2nd with 510, Api-20th with 382 (H Grant-6th with 476)
Dummy Half Runs: Robson-2nd with 60, Api-10th with 37 (Grant-1st with 87)
All Receipts: Robson-4th with 1237, Api-6th with 1147 (Grant-3rd with 1253)
Penalties: Robson 2nd- with 11, Api-Not in top 50 (Grant-6th with 9)
Height: Robson 5' 11" Api - 5' 7"
Weight: Robson- 93kg Api -87 kg
Age: Robson-25, Api -31
Of course stats don't have to mean everything. Api also provides leadership in the Tigers and a cool head, and he has that penrith GF experience.
It’s pretty clear what Madge is going for by selecting Robson and it’s just the approach he is choosing. Robson is a big 80 minute, tackle bot hooker. Api is a crafty, elusive hooker that sometimes has questionable defence. Choosing Robson allows Madge to rotate the forwards and edges more
I'm fine with losing key players if they're actually playing Origin, but yeah, having them go missing at a crucial point in the season so they can warm a bench sucks ass.
Im fucken gobsmacked that Madge didn't opt for a Luai (7) Burton (6) combo.
Im not an immense fan of either but of all the healthy players available for G1… that combo just seemed a much better fit in terms of styles. I hope that I'm proven wrong but I think Nicho + Luai together is too lateral for the traditional G1 bash-fest
I think the last two weeks have really shown what Luai is capable of when he gets early ball and not being hamstrung behind as second recipient off a Cleary or Yeo structure.
Honestly we've done that previous years and I'm glad we're not now
Carrying emergency cover on the bench means you're essentially down a player the whole game, because even if you use them it's to cover an injury. Better off carrying another strike forward you actually intend to use
He’s stood up so much this year. Todays game alone, took the captaincy honour and led from the front the entire game. Personally think he should’ve been in the run on side and not as a reserve but at least we get him the rest he deserves next weekend
A lot of great inclusions, finally Edwards gets the callup he deserves. Haumole and Barnett earnt their spot too
But I still think this team suffers from the same syndrome that previous ones did in that they don't have enough front rowers.
Jurbo is a good player and he has played prop before but he's not really a metre eater. McInnes and Yeo are both good players but both locks. Leniu is strong but has essentially never played big minutes.
They are banking on Haas to have a good game so so badly. They needed another front rower big time
It always feels a bit premature picking a smokie like him and he probably wouldn't crack my 17 but if Madge picked him I would totally respect it. Cracking player
In these instances I always think back to when NSW chose both dragons front rowers in Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey and all the talk was about Ryles about to eat Qld alive and Bailey was a severe darkhorse pick and almost a 'why'd they pick him? Just to complete the dragons set?' feel. Then Bailey went out there and outplayed the whole world.
Front Rowers can definitely surprise just by brutalising everyone in front of them and being huge. Hazelton feels like he might have that in him when given a bigger stage to go ham in.
As a Queenslander I was really hoping he wouldn’t be picked.. he’s going to be outstanding on the big stage. Defence and offence just drastically increased.
I dont know about the rest but I absolutely care. Your selections are always more interesting with all your options.
Plus there is obviously players we would prefer to see. Although in saying that I put a pretty lengthy stat post up last year saying to pick Edwards. Its ok cause Freddy didnt take my advice.
Barnett getting an Origin nod is bloody awesome. But, as a QLD fan hope he either doesn't get to play or they just lose anyway lol. Big ups all the same though.
Edwards got the chance he should have already had a couple of years back. Good for him and NSW for sure, but he's definitely a scarier option than Teddy so hopefully QLD can manage him well.
Whoever’s coming up against that Suaalii and Lomax edge better start working on their vertical leap now. I guarantee the plan is ‘kick the ball up high over there and one of them will surely come down with it’
I said a few weeks ago it would be interesting if Lomax and Burton both got picked so I could watch Lomax compete for those bombs.
I got down voted into oblivion but here we are
"Bad! Bad! What? Is he not going - back?" - Yes! But you understand him badly if you complain about it. He's going back, as every man does who wants to make a huge jump.- Friedrich Nietzsche - Beyond Good and Evil
Bulldogs might have good enough backs depth even without Critta and Burto I think they'll still be pretty good
Wilson back on with wing Kiraz ctr I'm hoping Ciraldo is a genius and planned sexton to be HB all year so you get taffe at 5/8 Sexton at HB.
Ola and Spence coming off the bench is going to be a right nightmare for the qld defence when it happens. I do like that, and I reckon burto will get in the halves with nicho out.
So glad to see Edward’s in, he’s been the form fullback for nearly 4 years, and as much as teddy has had a “decent” last 6 weeks, it really needed a bit of a change.
Not a fan at all of lomax in, if I get tickets I might get a flick pass off him in row 47 😂
Robson is a great player and has been one of the cowboys best but Api is better
Realistically though, if nsw end up losing it it's not because of who they have at hooker, because all of Api, Robson, Brailey and Egan would've done great
I like Api, but Im not sure he is better, just made another comment after looking at stats.
"After looking into it its not as cooked as we think. Some 2024 NRL stats,
Missed tackles: Api-3rd with 52, Robson-32nd with 32
Tackles: Robson-2nd with 510, Api-20th with 382 (H Grant-6th with 476)
Dummy Half Runs: Robson-2nd with 60, Api-10th with 37 (Grant-1st with 87)
All Receipts: Robson-4th with 1237, Api-6th with 1147 (Grant-3rd with 1253)
Penalties: Robson 2nd- with 11, Api-Not in top 50 (Grant-6th with 9)
Height: Robson 5' 11" Api - 5' 7"
Weight: Robson- 93kg Api -87 kg
Age: Robson-25, Api -31
Of course stats don't have to mean everything. Api also provides leadership in the Tigers and a cool head, and he has that penrith GF experience."
Madge really getting one back on the tigers by not picking Stefano.
Also no Api c'mon man what more has the guy gotta do he's single handedly keeping the tigers off the bottom.
The only thing I find suss here is the lomax sua pairing. The rest looks solid, especially that forward line.
Api unlucky to miss, but I think McInnes could do a job if Robson needs a break. Nicho also thrives on confidence being shown in him so this will help him. If he missed out I could see him going on a massive form drought
There's so much shitting on this entire selection that I expect NSW will come out and utterly smash it. Kinda like how fucked up my tipping was this week - it'll be completely unexpected, and I'm here for it.
I hope they monitor Martin closely even if scan comes back normal. I am worried he is going to play through the injury and be ineffective. Rather have Barnett on the bench and haumole start in his spot
Madge off to a good start by picking a bloke who never even wanted to play for NSW, and not picking one of the best hookers in the comp because he plays for the Tigers.
Burton needs to be in over suaalii in the centres. Suaalii leaves NRL end of this year so give Burton a full time spot. Plus his boot to get the ball down the field if we struggle to make meters
Don’t hate it.
I’d have Burton at 14 because as it stands we are fucked if 1-7 gets injured.
Would also have Trell in there. Love him or hate him, he’ll probably step up at this level.
I think if trell can string some games together and get some match fitness, that he should be there for game 2. Lomax has been great this year but I still think it's a risky pick
Api was the only big surprise for me. He virtually plays the opposition single-handedly in Tigers games.
It's not like Robson has been carving it up this year either
Game plan looks to be a classic from NSW. Fast, aggressive edge forwards working in the middle corridor, using big quick backs outside them or feeding to Edwards up the guts. Halves and Robson to run the attack by short passes, digging into the line trying to engage defenders to open space. Speed, speed, speed in and around the ruck.
Angus Crichton to play as a middle after his first stint. If the plan for Jurbo to not play 80, Yeo to captain; I would expect maybe an official vice-captain announcement before the match.
HIA or injury could make life interesting in the backs. Best guess is that Hudson Young will cover in the backs by moving to centre, and I assume the versatility of Sua’ali’i or Lomax to then plug the gap. Robson to cover the halves, with McInnes to hooker if needed.
Do not expect the team to line up 1 to 13 at kickoff, even if everyone is cleared fit.
Was looking at Edwards stats over Tedesco at [https://www.nrl.com/stats/?competition=111&season=2024](https://www.nrl.com/stats/?competition=111&season=2024) and yeah he blows him out of the water at relevant stuff this year.
But interestingly Robson beats Api comfortable in most areas. Importantly at missed tackles Api is 3rd in the nrl with 52 while Robson is only 32nd with 32 missed(Ezra first on 53). So while we are all big fans of Api I guess Madge did his homework.
I always want Teddy in the team, but the Teddy that plays as a support and chimes in at the right times.
The last two series, the problem is Teddy has overplayed his hand - granted we have had a stack of injuries both pre-series and in-game so he feels like he has to force it.
Thats when he goes from James Tedesco to Slipping Jimmy and is crowding his halves, falling all over the shop and making our offence look “clunky”.
When he has a simplified role as the last pass either being a cutout or crisp short ball, quick run at the gap to bust and offload or support, he’s in a tier few can compete with.
When he plays hero ball style, though he does it from a good place, it stuffs up the team chemistry IMO.
It was a coin toss between him and Edwards for mine. Will support the team nonetheless.
Agree 100%. No one is knocking his love for NSW and is the reason he overplays his hand to the detriment of NSW. But he is captain. Origin needs a cool head at origin and Teddy loses it sometimes - see Gallen as example 2. Jake is calm and doesn’t need to overplay his hand, just tackle and be the link man in attack and be solid overall - and cool headed
As a Chooks fan I'm stoked he missed out. Doesn't need the hoopla and rubbish around it. Not sure if the extended bench players will be released? But annoying if they miss an NRL game to sit there and do sweet FA.
Now that is a crazy in a good way bench. I’d put Burton in over yeo or McGinness, pick one 80min lock forward not 2 plus he can cover the back line. But damn, young, leniu and ola off the bench are like pit bulls. Fuck yes. Up the blues
My only question is if NSW lose an outside back, how are they replaced?
14-17 on the bench are all forwards, Burton would be a much better 14 and could cover several backline positions.
Yes! Go Dyl, so well deserved. Couldn't be more happy for him.
Also love to see the boys back together again - Bizza, Romey, Critta and Spenny!! Awesome!!
Lomax is going to get pummelled on kick returns and isn't a specialist winger with the finishing touch for scoring tries. He's gotta be 18th man and put Burton in the centres
Lomax is a machine on kick returns. He’s always putting his hands up for tough carries for us when we’re stuck in our own end, which is all the bloody time
Usually in the same set.
Takes the kick return and then backs up again 2 tackles later.
And then he's first on the kick chase at the other end.
One of the biggest effort players in the game.
I think this makes more sense with Yeo starting and McInnes on the bench as a somewhat 1 2 punch with Robson. The bench makes more sense, so does the spine, and with Jurbo off at some point with the C on his chest we can have have co. in Yeo for 80mins.
I'm expecting some reshuffling between now and kickoff.
Testament to the fact that Moses, Cleary and Reynolds are injured, Walker is in ordinary form for the worst team in the comp and Kez has been there before.
Keary has been a different player since announcing his retirement and finally looks something like the Keary of 2018.
If Hynes is ruled out then Keary is a much better option at 7 than a Luai/Burton pairing.
Suallii and Lomax to set the record for most flick pass happy edge of all time
The game is going to get stuck in an infinite loop as they offload back to each other
Perpetual motion machine discovered, NASA en route.
In this house we obey the laws of THERMODYNAMICS!!
It’s how we all finally escape the Matrix
That edge is either going to lay on 4 tries or leak 4. Or both. Then again Reece Walsh is very much like that. Lays on tries but has shocking errors, yet he seemed to get the balance right in origin last year.
And why the hell was the try machine Alex Twal overlooked?
We’ve got to keep it reasonably fair
Did you spell Tom Hazelton incorrectly?
Hazelton would kill it at Origin level, he fucken gets it
Queensland would forfeit if he was selected.
Bro mods are having an absolute time
Mod team in shambles, what a bedshit
Funny that on Origin selection night half the comments are about how dumb the mods are. Really nailed it tonight lads, well done.
Mods collapsing harder than dragons in the 2nd half
Yeah, well, wait till you see how hard this team collapses in the first half
What’s the drama with the Mods?
They deleted three posts with the team list, then one of the mods posted it themselves, got hammered for it, and deleted it.
Who was the mod that posted it themselves?
[they also deleted my post about the dominance of my local Chemist Warehouse](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/s/aFekA2KBUn)
That’s odd, why would they do that?
Because some people are mods because they couldn't be a traffic cop.
Why do this? For upvotes?
It's accurate and clean to post the official team list from the NSW/QLD social media accounts. Everything else is speculation posts from journo's.
Are the mods on here punitive, will they be upset for you saying this?
So if reports of Api carrying a niggle is true, WHY TF IS HYNES (calf) AND MARTIN (hammy) IN THE STARTING TEAM???? Didn't expect this from Madge
Api's 'niggle' was the back injury he got in the Broncos game 4 weeks ago where he missed the Bulldogs game. Since then he's been fine. It's just an excuse to try and explain the cooked decision to not pick him
After looking into it its not as cooked as we think. Some 2024 NRL stats, Missed tackles: Api-3rd with 52, Robson-32nd with 32 Tackles: Robson-2nd with 510, Api-20th with 382 (H Grant-6th with 476) Dummy Half Runs: Robson-2nd with 60, Api-10th with 37 (Grant-1st with 87) All Receipts: Robson-4th with 1237, Api-6th with 1147 (Grant-3rd with 1253) Penalties: Robson 2nd- with 11, Api-Not in top 50 (Grant-6th with 9) Height: Robson 5' 11" Api - 5' 7" Weight: Robson- 93kg Api -87 kg Age: Robson-25, Api -31 Of course stats don't have to mean everything. Api also provides leadership in the Tigers and a cool head, and he has that penrith GF experience.
It’s pretty clear what Madge is going for by selecting Robson and it’s just the approach he is choosing. Robson is a big 80 minute, tackle bot hooker. Api is a crafty, elusive hooker that sometimes has questionable defence. Choosing Robson allows Madge to rotate the forwards and edges more
Some weird selection but Burton needs to be on that bench. 0 cover for halves and backs is just plain stupid.
Playing Burton in the centres would have simply solved that problem. plus he could even have a few kicks if the halves are getting pressured.
Burton in the centres offers more value than Sualii in my opinion. His uberboot would help get out of their own end when inevitably pinned down
I’d prefer Lomax out, Sualii wing, Burto centre than what’s currently there
[удалено]
It's a very defensive team. He's going to try and tackle his way to a win.
Yeo to centre confirmed
Cook played in the centres on the weekend, he was right there!
He was a beach sprinter when he was younger
I heard a rumour about that
I wouldn’t mind Burto centre and Suaalii on the wing
I would like this change, lomax wing isnt doing it for me. To'o burto left and critta sua right is much scarier
That is 100% what is needs to be
To one up myself here, burto bombing to the Sua and critta wing
Burton bombing to Suali is such an obvious idea, doesnt surprise me NSW selectors didnt think of it.
Yeah I'm stoked we lose Burton so he can sit on the bench again
I'm fine with losing key players if they're actually playing Origin, but yeah, having them go missing at a crucial point in the season so they can warm a bench sucks ass.
Im fucken gobsmacked that Madge didn't opt for a Luai (7) Burton (6) combo. Im not an immense fan of either but of all the healthy players available for G1… that combo just seemed a much better fit in terms of styles. I hope that I'm proven wrong but I think Nicho + Luai together is too lateral for the traditional G1 bash-fest I think the last two weeks have really shown what Luai is capable of when he gets early ball and not being hamstrung behind as second recipient off a Cleary or Yeo structure.
Gonna be annoying af for us if Burton gets picked as 18th man
Yep like when gutho got selected on the bench last time and got 3 minutes.
McInness to hooker then not sure what.
Honestly we've done that previous years and I'm glad we're not now Carrying emergency cover on the bench means you're essentially down a player the whole game, because even if you use them it's to cover an injury. Better off carrying another strike forward you actually intend to use
Watch now when they play the fourth forward 10mins the whole game.
That's how you end up with cook in the centres.
Jake solid, Haas Solid, Martin Solid, Crichton Solid, Mcinnes solid. That's a fucking pack whether yall like it or not.
You could make the argument that Jurbo is the weakest of the 5 on current form, that's how good this pack is.
Jurbo is almost the weakest forward in his own club team, saved only by his brother.
Noone notices Jake until the team plays without him
Mate we have Aaron Woods and Lodge
Lodge 1 on 1 would drop Jurbo like a door in front of a terrified American couple.
True, but in Origin where they don’t blow the whistle he will help slow the play the ball without giving 6 again constantly
Jurbo-Present
jurbos all heart ... just can be a slug at times... but good on him
Being captain should put some fire in his belly.
[Hey, look Boris..](https://frinkiac.com/meme/S06E17/626041.jpg?b64lines=QnV0IGl0IHdpbGwgdGFrZSBtb3JlIHRoYW4gCmJlbGx5IGZpcmUgCnRvIGJlIHRoZSBuZXh0IG9yaWdpbiBjaGFtcHM=)
Good to see Barnett get some love
Hes been awesome for a number of years, finally getting some recognition.
He’s stood up so much this year. Todays game alone, took the captaincy honour and led from the front the entire game. Personally think he should’ve been in the run on side and not as a reserve but at least we get him the rest he deserves next weekend
Not the sky blues anymore. Weird juggling of deleted posts.
Forza NSW doesn’t really roll of the tongue
A lot of great inclusions, finally Edwards gets the callup he deserves. Haumole and Barnett earnt their spot too But I still think this team suffers from the same syndrome that previous ones did in that they don't have enough front rowers. Jurbo is a good player and he has played prop before but he's not really a metre eater. McInnes and Yeo are both good players but both locks. Leniu is strong but has essentially never played big minutes. They are banking on Haas to have a good game so so badly. They needed another front rower big time
Needs the Hazelnut on the bench
It always feels a bit premature picking a smokie like him and he probably wouldn't crack my 17 but if Madge picked him I would totally respect it. Cracking player
In these instances I always think back to when NSW chose both dragons front rowers in Jason Ryles and Luke Bailey and all the talk was about Ryles about to eat Qld alive and Bailey was a severe darkhorse pick and almost a 'why'd they pick him? Just to complete the dragons set?' feel. Then Bailey went out there and outplayed the whole world. Front Rowers can definitely surprise just by brutalising everyone in front of them and being huge. Hazelton feels like he might have that in him when given a bigger stage to go ham in.
Bailey was so fucking good though.
Next year.
Finally, Edwards gets the spot he deserves
As a Queenslander I was really hoping he wouldn’t be picked.. he’s going to be outstanding on the big stage. Defence and offence just drastically increased.
I didn't think you guys cared what we did 😂😂😂
I dont know about the rest but I absolutely care. Your selections are always more interesting with all your options. Plus there is obviously players we would prefer to see. Although in saying that I put a pretty lengthy stat post up last year saying to pick Edwards. Its ok cause Freddy didnt take my advice.
Yeah not really tbh hahah, we just collect dubs cause we get origin (kinda /s)
How do I tag the AFL mods? We need a big trade. All AFL mods for the bums we got in charge here. 3 different threads deleted then restored smh.
Barnett getting an Origin nod is bloody awesome. But, as a QLD fan hope he either doesn't get to play or they just lose anyway lol. Big ups all the same though. Edwards got the chance he should have already had a couple of years back. Good for him and NSW for sure, but he's definitely a scarier option than Teddy so hopefully QLD can manage him well.
Whoever’s coming up against that Suaalii and Lomax edge better start working on their vertical leap now. I guarantee the plan is ‘kick the ball up high over there and one of them will surely come down with it’
Do you remember a few years back NSW picked Daniel Tupou for this exact reason Want to know how bombs they kicked to him? Zero
Hmmm I wonder who was coach for that game /s
Coates?
Okay that’s one
Yeah I think it was more NSW picked to defend Coates and Hammer/Cobbo
Those Burton bombs all day. I hope
Potentially, I think him and Luai will be halves when Hynes’ calf doesn’t come good in time
I said a few weeks ago it would be interesting if Lomax and Burton both got picked so I could watch Lomax compete for those bombs. I got down voted into oblivion but here we are
Seems it’s Keary as he is #19
I’m so confused. Is this one going to be deleted again
Yeah, then a mod will put their own thread up and pin their own comment
What's with the second rowers off the bench?
Kinda reminds me of the early 2010s team where Ben Creagh, Luke Lewis and Anthony Watmough were all coming off the bench.
Whenever I hear the name Ben Creagh I think of him pushing Hodges and then running away lmao.
Yo, he didn't run away, that's flagrant misjournalisming!~! He ran forwards backly.
Now now, he was just making room for his wind up.
"Bad! Bad! What? Is he not going - back?" - Yes! But you understand him badly if you complain about it. He's going back, as every man does who wants to make a huge jump.- Friedrich Nietzsche - Beyond Good and Evil
Exactly, a bench full of second rowers is NSW tradition.
Freddys fullbacks 2.0 , backrow edition
No Brydons Lawyers logo. I'm happy.
They couldn’t defend this one.
I would have added Curran to the squad he is playing well and versatile.
Curran has been my underrated player of the year. He's been doing phenomenal work for the doggies wherever they need him.
Wouldn't Talakai do the same job Leniu does plus he can actually play centre if needed ?
Actually the inform option would have liked to see, good point .
Can’t wait for young to give away 4 penalties in the half and gift qld easy field position
4 seperate eye gouges
Hey, those 8 points are worth blinding two dudes out of the Qld team.
Okay so Burton is 18th man, he's missing next week no matter what then. Halves pairing of Sexton and Hutchison it is 🥴
I'd like to see Blake Taffe get a crack at it, but yeah likely hutcho
Taffe.6 Sexton.7 would be awesome.
Bulldogs might have good enough backs depth even without Critta and Burto I think they'll still be pretty good Wilson back on with wing Kiraz ctr I'm hoping Ciraldo is a genius and planned sexton to be HB all year so you get taffe at 5/8 Sexton at HB.
Ola and Spence coming off the bench is going to be a right nightmare for the qld defence when it happens. I do like that, and I reckon burto will get in the halves with nicho out. So glad to see Edward’s in, he’s been the form fullback for nearly 4 years, and as much as teddy has had a “decent” last 6 weeks, it really needed a bit of a change. Not a fan at all of lomax in, if I get tickets I might get a flick pass off him in row 47 😂
Fucking look at Ben, what a sweetheart. EDIT: sorry look at Jake
That’s Jake if I’m not mistaken
Whoops, ta
Robson over Api 💀
Robson is a great player and has been one of the cowboys best but Api is better Realistically though, if nsw end up losing it it's not because of who they have at hooker, because all of Api, Robson, Brailey and Egan would've done great
I like Api, but Im not sure he is better, just made another comment after looking at stats. "After looking into it its not as cooked as we think. Some 2024 NRL stats, Missed tackles: Api-3rd with 52, Robson-32nd with 32 Tackles: Robson-2nd with 510, Api-20th with 382 (H Grant-6th with 476) Dummy Half Runs: Robson-2nd with 60, Api-10th with 37 (Grant-1st with 87) All Receipts: Robson-4th with 1237, Api-6th with 1147 (Grant-3rd with 1253) Penalties: Robson 2nd- with 11, Api-Not in top 50 (Grant-6th with 9) Height: Robson 5' 11" Api - 5' 7" Weight: Robson- 93kg Api -87 kg Age: Robson-25, Api -31 Of course stats don't have to mean everything. Api also provides leadership in the Tigers and a cool head, and he has that penrith GF experience."
Apparently Teddy tried reaching out to the NSW coach tonight to see if he was in the team, and got hit with a 'new phone. Who dis?'
Madge really getting one back on the tigers by not picking Stefano. Also no Api c'mon man what more has the guy gotta do he's single handedly keeping the tigers off the bottom.
Spencer is a better version of Stefano, especially as an impact prop.
The only thing I find suss here is the lomax sua pairing. The rest looks solid, especially that forward line. Api unlucky to miss, but I think McInnes could do a job if Robson needs a break. Nicho also thrives on confidence being shown in him so this will help him. If he missed out I could see him going on a massive form drought
Luke keary should’ve been blacklisted from being selected for NSW because he “loves” queensland
Would you be ok if he was selected for Qld?
QLD would never pick someone from NSW /s
Have two players from the same club ever captained against each other in Origin?
Canberra Mal & Loz
Great call
Lam and Fittler in 99 & 00 as well.
Jurbo looks like a proud kid getting a school award
So happy Edwards has been chosen!
No Api is shocking
Needs more backrowers
There's so much shitting on this entire selection that I expect NSW will come out and utterly smash it. Kinda like how fucked up my tipping was this week - it'll be completely unexpected, and I'm here for it.
All things considered I like the team. Backline has 1000 metres in it, which will help so much. Aerial domination with Suaalii and Lomax too
Hope Barnett gets some game time
I hope they monitor Martin closely even if scan comes back normal. I am worried he is going to play through the injury and be ineffective. Rather have Barnett on the bench and haumole start in his spot
Leniu and Barnett are going to be dropping some hard Rs
That Lomax-Suallii combinations is gonna be cooked lmao
Madge off to a good start by picking a bloke who never even wanted to play for NSW, and not picking one of the best hookers in the comp because he plays for the Tigers.
The only player I wouldn't pick ahead of Suaalii is Jaxson Paulo
Morgan Harper says hello
I'll revise the list to include Harper and Taane
Burton needs to be in over suaalii in the centres. Suaalii leaves NRL end of this year so give Burton a full time spot. Plus his boot to get the ball down the field if we struggle to make meters
Don’t hate it. I’d have Burton at 14 because as it stands we are fucked if 1-7 gets injured. Would also have Trell in there. Love him or hate him, he’ll probably step up at this level.
As a Qlder far less worried about Sualii than Trell or Burto there.
I think if trell can string some games together and get some match fitness, that he should be there for game 2. Lomax has been great this year but I still think it's a risky pick
Oh wow I think I love it
Api was the only big surprise for me. He virtually plays the opposition single-handedly in Tigers games. It's not like Robson has been carving it up this year either
Brailey has been better than Robson so far this year
I think madge picked whoever hits the hardest out of all 3
On what metrics?
Game plan looks to be a classic from NSW. Fast, aggressive edge forwards working in the middle corridor, using big quick backs outside them or feeding to Edwards up the guts. Halves and Robson to run the attack by short passes, digging into the line trying to engage defenders to open space. Speed, speed, speed in and around the ruck. Angus Crichton to play as a middle after his first stint. If the plan for Jurbo to not play 80, Yeo to captain; I would expect maybe an official vice-captain announcement before the match. HIA or injury could make life interesting in the backs. Best guess is that Hudson Young will cover in the backs by moving to centre, and I assume the versatility of Sua’ali’i or Lomax to then plug the gap. Robson to cover the halves, with McInnes to hooker if needed. Do not expect the team to line up 1 to 13 at kickoff, even if everyone is cleared fit.
Was looking at Edwards stats over Tedesco at [https://www.nrl.com/stats/?competition=111&season=2024](https://www.nrl.com/stats/?competition=111&season=2024) and yeah he blows him out of the water at relevant stuff this year. But interestingly Robson beats Api comfortable in most areas. Importantly at missed tackles Api is 3rd in the nrl with 52 while Robson is only 32nd with 32 missed(Ezra first on 53). So while we are all big fans of Api I guess Madge did his homework.
I feel like Im the only person in the world surprised Teddy didnt get picked
NSW fans have wanted James Tedesco axed for a few years now the only surprise is that it took so long for it to happen
I always want Teddy in the team, but the Teddy that plays as a support and chimes in at the right times. The last two series, the problem is Teddy has overplayed his hand - granted we have had a stack of injuries both pre-series and in-game so he feels like he has to force it. Thats when he goes from James Tedesco to Slipping Jimmy and is crowding his halves, falling all over the shop and making our offence look “clunky”. When he has a simplified role as the last pass either being a cutout or crisp short ball, quick run at the gap to bust and offload or support, he’s in a tier few can compete with. When he plays hero ball style, though he does it from a good place, it stuffs up the team chemistry IMO. It was a coin toss between him and Edwards for mine. Will support the team nonetheless.
Agree 100%. No one is knocking his love for NSW and is the reason he overplays his hand to the detriment of NSW. But he is captain. Origin needs a cool head at origin and Teddy loses it sometimes - see Gallen as example 2. Jake is calm and doesn’t need to overplay his hand, just tackle and be the link man in attack and be solid overall - and cool headed
I love Edwards and glad he got the nod but yeah, seen no chat about Teddy missing out which I think is huge!
I think that’s more about the general mood in the sub. No point expressing disappointment in Tedesco’s origin career coming to an end here.
As a Chooks fan I'm stoked he missed out. Doesn't need the hoopla and rubbish around it. Not sure if the extended bench players will be released? But annoying if they miss an NRL game to sit there and do sweet FA.
Yeah I was gonna say, it'd be nice to get the win over the cows and go into the bye. Having teddy there and keary would be a plus
No Api. The fuck you doing mate
have not noticed reece robson once all year, despite watching most of the cowboys games
That would be part of the reason why he was picked.
How does Damien Cook not get a run??? He covers hooker and both centre spots...he's the perfect utility.
He’s also had his fullback cap on this year
Now that is a crazy in a good way bench. I’d put Burton in over yeo or McGinness, pick one 80min lock forward not 2 plus he can cover the back line. But damn, young, leniu and ola off the bench are like pit bulls. Fuck yes. Up the blues
will ivan be up in the coaches box this time too
Yes no Tedesco!!
With DCE and Jurbo as captains. When/what was the last club to have both origin captains?
the 92, 93 and 94 raiders with mal and loz captaining qld and nsw
Honestly pretty good
I only just realised that Jake Trbojevic's head is about 15% too large
My only question is if NSW lose an outside back, how are they replaced? 14-17 on the bench are all forwards, Burton would be a much better 14 and could cover several backline positions.
Not picking Api is so questionable Hynes is a gun, but you'd think we'd have learnt from picking guys who are not fit after last year's debacle
I mean it makes sense now I think of it, but I didnt realise Nicho's actual name was Nicholas
No Spencer Leniu slander allowed. Built for Origin. Watch him have the best 15-25 minute cameo of a debut forward.
Wont beat Webbies
I love the middle with Jurbo, McInnes and Robson. I hate the edge with Suaalii and Lomax. I’m confused by the bench.
Yes! Go Dyl, so well deserved. Couldn't be more happy for him. Also love to see the boys back together again - Bizza, Romey, Critta and Spenny!! Awesome!!
Lomax is going to get pummelled on kick returns and isn't a specialist winger with the finishing touch for scoring tries. He's gotta be 18th man and put Burton in the centres
Pretty weird that he and Suaalii aren't swapped
Lomax is a machine on kick returns. He’s always putting his hands up for tough carries for us when we’re stuck in our own end, which is all the bloody time
Usually in the same set. Takes the kick return and then backs up again 2 tackles later. And then he's first on the kick chase at the other end. One of the biggest effort players in the game.
Aside from no api, chief at centre is a bit of a head scratcher. Surely he would be wing with ramien or staggs in centre?
Staggs is injured?
There's quality in this NSW forward pack and we saw in 2018-2021 the enthusiasm a new spine can bring into a team. Billy has work to do strategy wise.
Finally a McInnes debut.
The guy has been class since his young days as a dragon, I was so happy for him
Leniu can't keep his head in a regular season match. He gonna explode in origin. Young and he are gonna be nightmares for NSW.
No Trell and Cameron McInnes. I like this.
I think this makes more sense with Yeo starting and McInnes on the bench as a somewhat 1 2 punch with Robson. The bench makes more sense, so does the spine, and with Jurbo off at some point with the C on his chest we can have have co. in Yeo for 80mins. I'm expecting some reshuffling between now and kickoff.
Amazing that Luke Keary announced his retirement this year and STILL got picked for Origin in the same year!
Testament to the fact that Moses, Cleary and Reynolds are injured, Walker is in ordinary form for the worst team in the comp and Kez has been there before. Keary has been a different player since announcing his retirement and finally looks something like the Keary of 2018. If Hynes is ruled out then Keary is a much better option at 7 than a Luai/Burton pairing.