So New South Wales have lost another series, their tenth in
the past eleven.
The Blues got close once again, but close isn’t close
enough.
The players try hard, they give 100% for their state, but they
simply come up short.
It’s time for change.
Laurie Daley has already come out and said he won’t make any
changes for Game III, but I’m sorry Laurie, you’re wasting a great opportunity.
Paul Gallen, Greg Bird and Robbie Farah have all been great
servants to NSW, but their time is up. Even if the Blues had won the series
it’s unlikely that the three would have featured next year anyway.
Instead of giving these guys a farewell party in Game III,
let’s start planning for the future.
Daley himself came out and said during the week that he was
hesitant to blood young players because of his own experience as a 19-year-old
on debut, where he was overawed by the State of Origin arena and the occasion.
If we’re going to head towards some new talent next series,
let’s ensure they don’t have the same issue - give the next generation a chance
in Game III.
At the end of the day, does it really matter if we lose,
we’ve lost the series anyway.
Matt Moylan wasn’t the worst player last night, but he’s not
the best fullback in the state. James Tedesco should be the first player
picked for the next State of Origin.
Dylan Walker has been made the whipping boy for New South
Wales’ performance in the current series, but he was okay in Origin II. Sure he
gave away some silly penalties, but his opposite Greg Inglis was kept fairly
quiet.
It’s easy to forget Walker is just 21 years old, he’ll see
more Origin football.
James Roberts is someone we need to find a place for
in the Blues backline. Whether on the wing or in the Centres, the 2015 Dally M
Centre of the Year can win a game on his own.
Jack Bird showed last night he’s an Origin player, let’s not
confine him to a cameo role like Game II. Whether at Five-Eight or Centre, he
needs to be there.
Adam Reynolds could be a part of New South Wales’ future as
well, but he’ll miss the next match with injury. It’s the ideal chance to
try a new halfback, where the pressure to succeed isn’t as great as a live
Origin match.
Aidan Sezer is that man.
The best Rugby League judges in the land are crying out for
Bryce Cartwright to be given a chance in the Origin arena and Game III can do
that.
He’s a real X-Factor and Cartwright will play a huge role in the
next phase of State of Origin football.
Tyson Frizell was a stand out for the Blues in Origin II –
it helps when you pick players in form.
Ryan James is in Dally M
contention, currently sitting up the top of the leader board. He has the
versatility to play in both the front row and back row as well.
Nathan Peats is the future dummy half option for NSW and
Tyrone Peachey is the spark off the bench, providing a utility option. He can
play in the centres, halves, hooker and back row – virtually covering all
bases.
These changes need to happen ASAP, but realistically they
won’t happen – at least not for Game III.
Laurie Daley will pick the same side in hope of a victory.
‘We’ can salvage some pride, losing the series 2-1 and talk about how we were
‘so close again’. It’s a short term view, no doubt with Daley hoping to
keep his job.
Why should he care about the long term prospects when he may
not be a part of things anyway. That’s not an attack on the man, most
coaches would do the same, but there’s no escaping a refresh is well overdue.
Why wait until next year?
No more farewell parties, let’s give the Maroons a taste of
the future...
Future Blues
James Tedesco
James Roberts
Jack Bird
Dylan Walker
Josh Mansour
James Maloney
Aidan Sezer
Aaron Woods (c)
Nathan Peats
James Tamou
Bryce Cartwright
Josh Jackson
Tyson Frizell
Tyrone Peachey
Ryan James
David Klemmer
Wade Graham
ADAM SANTAROSSA
*This article first appeared on SBS and they retain all copyright.
http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/league-nation-live/article/2016/06/23/time-future-laurie-not-farewell-parties
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