Something a little different....Waldo's NSW Side

So in addition to our standard QLD team predictions, I thought we'd take a crack at the NSW side as well. Besides the fact that I think NSW are doing it wrong, it's a much more entertaining side to pick given the state of NSW football. So here we go...

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Michael Jennings
4. Jamie Lyon (Jamal Idris if Lyon unavailable)
5. Michael Gordon
6. Jamie Soward
7. Brett Kimmorley
8. Brett White
9. Michael Ennis
10. Michael Weyman
11. Anthony Watmough
12. Ben Creagh
13. Paul Gallen

14. Kurt Gidley
15. Luke Lewis
16. Jason Ryles
17. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs

So I've gone with a different squad to the one you'll see the Blues name. I've gone with playing players in their position, not just as a creative stopgap. Hayne, although the most overrated player in the NRL, deserves the fullback spot mainly because Stewart is out. The reason I say overrated is that he is being talked up to be of the same ilk as Lockyer and Johns. Lockyer and Johns play well in struggling sides and single-handedly win games when they are up against it. Hayne hasn't done enough of either to convince me he is the real deal. Morris, Gordon, Jennings and Lyon pick themselves.

Soward has been overlooked for many years due to his size and the fact he has a penchant for getting monstered by a barnstorming Greg Inglis. Give him a shot - I think he has what it takes. He is the primary play-maker at St George and can't really put a foot wrong this season. Kimmorley had not much to work with in Origin 1 given the forwards played like they were for Brisbane Girls Grammar, not New South Wales. With a slightly dominant pack, Kimmorley will have room to move.

All of the run on forwards select themselves. Paul Gallen is made for Origin, anyone who disagrees needs to actually watch a game of football. He's tough as teak, will give you 110% every time and never stops running.

My bench is fairly predictable however I must admit I struggled to find a spot for Gidley. The bloke makes too many errors to be run-on fullback but he does have something to bring from the bench. Learoyd-Lars is there as an enforcer à la Neville Costigan and also the fact he can play Prop as well. Ryles should have been there from the start and even in the Australian side in my opinion. Luke Lewis is a machine and tough as nails - for any naysayers, watch a replay of Penrith's game last night and tell me how he played on after copping a hideous head knock.

Even if the above side is picked, QLD is set to secure an unprecedented 5th consecutive Origin series. The Red Hill Rants crew will be at the game to hopefully witness history.

Until next time readers,

Michael Waldron.