Hello Sports Fans. Inspired after reading Sterlo's NSW Predictions, I thought I'd have a crack myself. I'm sure this is going to generate conjecture and I more than welcome it. If you agree, disagree or think I've got no clue, let me know!
1. Billy Slater
2. Lote Tuqiri
3. Brent Tate
4. Willie Tonga
5. Israel Folau
6. Darren Lockyer
7. Jonathan Thurston
8. Petero Civoneciva
9. Cameron Smith (If fit, other Nathan Friend)
10. Matt Scott
11. Sam Thaiday
12. Nate Myles
13. David Stagg
14. David Shillington
15. Neville Costigan
16. Ash Harrison
17. Matt Bowen
Slightly controversial but justified I believe.
Slater at fullback picks himself - the only fullback to come close this season for QLD is Darius Boyd but he doesn't have the same spark as The Kid.
Tuqiri has the size, speed and finishing power that great wingers are made of. He's done it before and the form he is in currently, he can do it again. Wouldn't be surprised if Boyd gets a foot in before him though.
Tate and Tonga are the sensible choices - Tate for his menacing defence in the absence of Hodges and Tonga has been setting the world on fire in Townsville. Inglis hasn't got the form but just like Boyd, he'll probably get a run in front of Tate.
Folau needs to be there. He wasn't picked in the Australian side and rightfully so - Morris is the form winger in the NRL and thoroughly deserved the spot. Izzy's aerial ability is unmatched (yes, Idris isn't in the same league) and while he doesn't deserve a centre spot, we know what he can do on the wing.
Darren and JT pick themselves as far as I'm concerned. Yes Cronk is the current Australian halfback but QLD reward past form and barring injuries, he's only had 1 bad game all season. Darren Lockyer is, well, Darren Lockyer.
Petero is the games form front rower and has been for the past few years. Easy choice. In the absence of Ben Hannant, Matt Scott gets the nod for me. Quality forward.
Cam Smith, Nate Myles and Sam Thaiday are instant selections - Smith is the best rake around and Myles/Thaiday have been ripping it up all season long.
People will probably disagree with my choice of Stagg at lock. The reason I've pick him is due to his massive defensive workload. It's a seamless substitution for Dallas Johnson. If it wasn't for the depth of backrow talent at QLD's disposal, Scott Bolton would have made it in.
I've gone for a reliable bench - Costigan is an enforcer and puts big hits on each and every time. Harrison is going great guns for the Titans and Shillington is a monster of a man. The pick that even I'm a little unsure of is Matty Bowen. I don't doubt his skill - the bloke is a freak. My only concern is that he may be underdone given he has just returned from a horrid run of injuries. Going on his length of the field try last week I think he'll be right come Origin time.
So what do you think? Am I on the mark or am I horribly wrong?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
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Don't know about Bowen & Costigan. Need a utility on the bench. Tate on the wing & big match player Inglis in the centres. Sorry Issy you're out, Bolton on the bench. Stagg will tackle all day.
ReplyDeleteTate isn't as good a winger as Israel in my opinion - look what he did tonight. Costigan just has that mongrel that we need I feel - I found it very hard to pick a utility to be honest.
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