Let's Talk Origin - Game I Recap

This week we recap some of the key points coming out of Origin one, who replaces Boyd Cordner and why a utility player doesn't work for the Blues.

THE DIFFERENCE

Game one in Sydney last Wednesday night was another tough and brutal affair played in slippery and greasy conditions due to some solid amounts of rain in the two days leading up to kick-off. Neither team looked comfortable using the football with their attack somewhat slower than what we can expect on a dry track at Suncorp Stadium in game two. At the end of the day, it was only a struck match that separated the two teams in the form of an early penalty goal to Johnathan Thurston on the back of a James Maloney leg pull when the Blues were defending their own line.

QUEENSLAND

The Maroons were at their usual brave and courageous best, digging deep and defending their goal-line staunchly for long periods at times.

Whilst their attack wasn't at their best due to the greasy conditions, the work of champion halves Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk helping their team out of trouble shouldn't go unnoticed. There were times when the NSW game-plan of dominating in the middle third with their larger forward pack was starting to gain them the ascendency. But every time the Maroons forwards were struggling to make any inroads coming out of their own half, Cronk and Thurston would spread the ball to their edges to regain some much needed field position. They say the absolute champion halves can be separated by their ability to play off the back foot and Cronk and Thurston showed why in them simple, but all important plays in game one. 

Injury and suspension aside, don't expect any changes to the Maroons 17 for game two. Coach Kevin Walters will no doubt have faith in the same squad to clinch another series in front of their parochial home crowd. Expect a much more dangerous attacking display on what will hopefully be a dry and fast track.

NEW SOUTH WALES

The Blues showed plenty of encouraging signs in game one. After a much improved defensive display repelling multiple attacking raids early in the contest, they started to gain some ascendancy with their bigger forwards putting them in a position to score the opening try. That try came off the back of James Maloney playing straight and at the advantage line, something the Blues failed to do for the rest of the contest. Whilst new fullback Matt Moylan tried his best to pry the Queensland defensive line open, it all became a bit too sideways and the Maroons ended up covering the Blues attack comfortably.

The injection of Moylan into the backline also seemed to stifle the effectiveness of gun centre Michael Jennings out wide. NSW won game two last year on the back of Jennings getting some clean early ball and why Coach Laurie Daley has shifted from that tactic in the two games since is anyone's guess.

The biggest improvement for the Blues was their short kicking game and line speed in defence. The new look spine all contributed in forcing four line drop-outs, three more than the entire series last year, whilst the inclusion of Greg Bird back into the squad lead to a much faster moving defensive line upon him entering the battle. 

For all their fight in game one, NSW now head up to Suncorp in a daunting task to keep the series alive. Don't expect numerous changes though with Daley keen to give his new look spine time to develop and form combinations. A forced change due to a foot injury to Boyd Cordner and a possible rethink of Dylan Walker as a utility player could be the only two changes at this stage.

WHY A UTILITY DOESN'T WORK FOR NSW

Nine minutes for Dylan Walker on Wednesday night in an unfamiliar role playing up the middle have left plenty questioning the selection of Dylan Walker. If Coach Daley does have to persist with a utility on the bench, than surely someone big enough to play in the forwards like a Blake Austin or Jack Bird would be a smarter choice.

Probably more to the point though, is that a utility player off the bench isn't something NSW have done well since the likes of Craig Wing and Kurt Gidley were in their prime. Before Walker, the last time it was tried was in 2013 with Josh Reynolds debuting for a 15 minute stint at dummy half to relieve 80 minute hooker Robbie Farah.

For years now, a utility has been a major part of the Maroons make-up with Michael Morgan, Daly Cherry-Evans and Cooper Cronk all doing an admirable job. The key here is Queensland playing to their strengths and picking their best 17 men available. With an amazing amount of depth in the play-making positions, it's an easy choice for the Maroons to get their next in line into the system. 

If the Blues have a strength, it's in the forwards which is why Daley should be heading towards picking four forwards on the bench for game two. With Greg Bird able to cover the halves and Josh Jackson hooker and the centres, NSW have enough coverage within their squad to cover any injuries that may occur.

WHO REPLACES BOYD CORDNER?

The loss of Cordner is a big one for the Blues with the strapping second-rower proving one of their best in game one running for 129 metres on his left edge, more than any other NSW forward. Already there's been talk again of Bryce Cartwright getting the call-up, but it appears Daley showed his hand in initially picking Cartwright as a development player in his game one squad as a view to the future. With Daley also making the decision to press on this year without veterans Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott, here's who comes into contention:

TYSON FRIZELL - The Dragons back-rower has been on the cusp now for a couple of years and was chosen in Daley's initial 19 man squad for game one, suggesting he's next in line for a call-up. Runs low to the ground with good footwork before the line and plenty of aggression making him a hard target to defend against which is evidenced by his 33 tackle busts for the year. Works hard in defence and can play on an edge or in the middle. Plays predominantly on the right in club land, but does possess a handy right arm offload that could potentially open up chances playing inside Jennings on the Blues left edge.

TRENT MERRIN - With 13 previous Origin games under his belt, Merrin could be the man Daley turns to if he's looking for an experienced hand heading into the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium in a must win game. Unlucky to miss out on selection in game one, his inclusion would likely come off the bench with Greg Bird elevated to the run-on side on the left edge. Averaging 141 running metres per game along with his 20 tackle busts and 22 offloads for the year, Merrin is capable of making an impact off the bench in game two.

WADE GRAHAM - The Sharks back-rower has been flying under the radar somewhat for a number of years, but looks more than ready go next level in the Origin arena. One of them rare players who possesses a good skillset whilst being able to play tough at the same time. Can pass outside and in, has a handy left foot kick and plays with good vision. Graham would bring added versatility within the squad having spent the majority of his young career in the halves before being switched to the back-row. Has a handy combination with Blues pivot James Maloney, is playing with confidence in a form team and is the only real left edge specialist in contention.

THE VERDICT

The first decision I'd be me making is to get Greg Bird back into the starting team. His line speed in defence really lifted his team upon entering the contest last Wednesday night and with Queensland set to unleash a lightning start in front of their home fans the Blues defensive line needs to be moving up fast from the get go.

Taking into account my thoughts on doing away with the utility position, I'd bring both Wade Graham and Trent Merrin onto the bench. 

Graham would be the ideal man to bring into the action after 20 minutes to give the Blues more variety in attack and play out the remainder of the match on the left edge. Whilst Merrin has really cranked up his offloads in recent times and the Blues could really benefit from playing off the back of his second phase play and getting a further roll on.