Well, the series is QLD, their fourth in a row. I'm a NSW supporter but I didn't think they had a chance to win giving there was only one game in NSW this year and the fact that QLD has a very good team; Ingis, Folau, Smith, Thruston, Lockyer, Price...really in Game 2 this year the only thing that made the score respectable is that NSW got a lot of help from lady luck. If QLD didn't suffer so my injuries during the game they probably would have romped home similar to Game 2 last year. I think no one can doubt that QLD has the far superior side.
How far NSW has fallen, four years ago they were looking to win their fourth series in a row. Hard to see Bellamy staying for another series. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea if NSW courted Wayne Bennett to take over. He is a quality coach and knows how to win and create a good culture as shown by his time at Canberra, Brisbane and now at the Dragons. Biggest question would be if he would take the position, but I never thought I'd see him coaching a NZ side so maybe there is a possibility.
The selectors also have a lot to answer for, maybe it is time to clean house there as well. For this last game I found it crazy that Wallace kept his spot, especially when they booted Campese. Kimmorley has done a lot more to warrant a state call up this season then Barrett in my opinion. I know in 75% of the case in Game 2 it was forced changes but I still think Campese and Laffranchi were lucky to be the only two dropped. Not saying their inclusion would have changed the results. It is possible if NSW didn't have to make 9 changes they might have been able to graft out a history against a QLD side that was on its knees from the 50th-70th minute given the fact that this team put QLD in the same position in Game 1.
Given the series is gone I'd make some drastic changes for Game 3 (subject to injuries of course). I'd bring back Campese and drop Wallace, instead partnering him with Pierce or Kimmorley (or even Mullens). I'd make big changes to the back line, but Gidley present a problem as I'd like to move Hyne to FB and put Monaghan in right centre (drop Lyons) and have Williams on right wing and Morris on left wing/centre with Jennings his wing/centre partner. So Gidley would either have to go or take a bench spot (in place of most likely Craig Wing). I'd like Tom Learoyd-Lahrs to have a run from the bench. Maybe drop Gallen and put Watmough into Lock to free up the space. Maybe even bring in Ennis, I think he has that mongrel and spirit to be a good Origin player.
As for QLD, only change I'd make is if Hodges is okay I'd bring him back. Other then that you wouldn't want to change such a quality side. Heres praying most of them retire or move to Europe for next season
So what do you other league fans thing of the series so far? What changes to either side would you make? Will NSW win another series in our life times?
How far NSW has fallen, four years ago they were looking to win their fourth series in a row. Hard to see Bellamy staying for another series. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea if NSW courted Wayne Bennett to take over. He is a quality coach and knows how to win and create a good culture as shown by his time at Canberra, Brisbane and now at the Dragons. Biggest question would be if he would take the position, but I never thought I'd see him coaching a NZ side so maybe there is a possibility.
The selectors also have a lot to answer for, maybe it is time to clean house there as well. For this last game I found it crazy that Wallace kept his spot, especially when they booted Campese. Kimmorley has done a lot more to warrant a state call up this season then Barrett in my opinion. I know in 75% of the case in Game 2 it was forced changes but I still think Campese and Laffranchi were lucky to be the only two dropped. Not saying their inclusion would have changed the results. It is possible if NSW didn't have to make 9 changes they might have been able to graft out a history against a QLD side that was on its knees from the 50th-70th minute given the fact that this team put QLD in the same position in Game 1.
Given the series is gone I'd make some drastic changes for Game 3 (subject to injuries of course). I'd bring back Campese and drop Wallace, instead partnering him with Pierce or Kimmorley (or even Mullens). I'd make big changes to the back line, but Gidley present a problem as I'd like to move Hyne to FB and put Monaghan in right centre (drop Lyons) and have Williams on right wing and Morris on left wing/centre with Jennings his wing/centre partner. So Gidley would either have to go or take a bench spot (in place of most likely Craig Wing). I'd like Tom Learoyd-Lahrs to have a run from the bench. Maybe drop Gallen and put Watmough into Lock to free up the space. Maybe even bring in Ennis, I think he has that mongrel and spirit to be a good Origin player.
As for QLD, only change I'd make is if Hodges is okay I'd bring him back. Other then that you wouldn't want to change such a quality side. Heres praying most of them retire or move to Europe for next season
So what do you other league fans thing of the series so far? What changes to either side would you make? Will NSW win another series in our life times?
