Tomorrow the NSW State of Origin team is named. I think it is one of the best days in the year.
Like other great days - Christmas, Australia winning the America's Cup, man walking on the moon - it brings everyone together, no matter what their background and beliefs.
For absolutely nothing unites the people of the great state of New South Wales faster than bemoaning the latest selector mistakes and decrying another devastating series defeat before a boot is laced.
I simply can't wait... which is why I won't, since every year the team is leaked to the Daily Telegraph a day or two early anyway. Probably by Bob Fulton.
If Fulton's team is to believed, as published in Monday's rag, here are three selections to look forward to tomorrow:
1. The Ha-ha-ha-halves!
I feel a little sorry for Mitchell Pearce. He has been the scapegoat for a number of series defeats, when really he couldn't do too much behind badly beaten forwards and with outclassed backs. Also while there were other more deserving halves watching on television as Junior Junior got chance after chance after chance after chance, none were from NSW. Or even Brewarrina/Kempsey.
I would've picked Pearce last year. I'd pick him this year. As a halfback though. Not at five-eighth, a position he's played approximately zero times in senior football. That would be insane.
I especially wouldn't pick him out of position to keep in Trent Hodkinson, who is at his best, the 3rd best halfback at this club (behind Graham and Kasiano). And he is currently not at his best. Even his usually reliable goalkicking has been poor.
What this future debacle shows is that Josh Reynolds only had to not act like a dickhead for 10 rounds to be picked. He must be kicking himself. Which would make a pleasant change from kicking opposition players
2. Wing and a Prayer (at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints)
The Blues have a fine record of making some interesting selections out wide. Steve Turner. Nathan Merritt. David Williams. The injury to Brett Morris provides another opportunity to add to this storied history, and the selectors aren't about to pass it up.
Will Hopoate is extremely talented, but he's been off the pace all the year. This is understandable given his time away from the game to be a missionary, and also because he is playing for the worst performing team in the league. His own club has also suggested he isn't up to the additional rigours and intensity of representative football.
It would be madness to pick him.
3. Loyalty over Form Because One in a Row!
One of the great myths of Origin is that Queensland wins because of loyalty. They stick with the same group and players take this faith to magically rise above their talents because, like mateship and stuff.
The real reason Queensland stick with players is because they keep winning. When they didn't win last year the only thing faster than Mal's team changes was the length of the interview to launch and close his political career.
Another thing: Queensland traditionally don't actually have as many players to choose from! It's loyalty by necessity.
With Gallen injured* and Bird suspended, the Blues have a chance to look to the future. And while some players like Cordner, Jackson, Fifita and Frizzell will be thereabouts, they look destined to stick with Hoffman, Scott, Tamou and Lewis too.
Not bad, just not exciting.
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*As an aside to close, here are three reasons why Gallen won't be missed as much as most expect:
1. He's really dumb. That punch that caused fighting to be banned even though it was always illegal, thus ruining footy for bogans even though punching people in the face is not footy, was a blatant king hit when NSW were absolutely dominating the game. They just hung on to win, but that punch enabled Queensland to recompose and dominate the rest of the game. Why would you give a deliberate penalty and motivation to the opposition in that situation?
2. Too much quantity over quality. His 35 tackles and 20 hit ups always looks great on paper without context, but when the Blues are on the attack 20m out with a full set, I'm tired of seeing Gallen take two hitups (and Bird another). Get out of the way and let our crappy halves try and fail to win the game!
3. He's a loser. Between the Sharks and NSW has there ever been a less successful all time great? Winning is a habit. It might not be the major factor, but I think there's a little something in the Blues most important players in recent years playing for teams like the Sharks, Tigers and Eels while the Maroons draw on loads of players from successful sides like the Storm and Broncos.
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