A 2nd string origin side and no Eels in sight

Would you say any Eels player was unlucky to miss origin selection?The NSW snubbed 17: Unluckiest players to miss out on Blues selection for Origin IBen GloverMay 23, 2017 12:25pmBEN GLOVER@glover_bennySource: FOX SPORTSLAURIE Daley has picked his NSW team for Origin I and now he has to live with it.But there’s another team of 17 snubbed stars sitting on the sidelines just waiting for their crack at Queensland.Some of them have been there and done it before and others have never been given the honour but would add something different to the mix if they were ever called on.Here’s the team of players their state will likely call on next if things go pear shaped for the Blues once again this year.* N.B. Only players fit for selection were considered.1. Matt MoylanWas the losing fullback in games one and two last year but showed enough to convince Daley he has a big part to play in the NSW side of the future. He lost out to James tedesco in the No.1 jersey and is also likely first reserve in the No.6 jersey and the No.14 jersey. Was named 18th man for Origin I.2. Latrell MitchellSat out three weeks of club footy this season after Roosters coach Trent Robinson saw some worrying signs in the young prodigy but the fact is he can do things with the ball that most can only dream of. Has been outstanding in the two games since his return and like many young backline stars, he is set to start his Origin career on the wing.Live stream the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week FOXTEL PLAY trial and start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW!Latrell Mitchell is a freakish talent.Latrell Mitchell is a freakish talent.Source: News Corp Australia3. Jarrod CrokerThe Raiders skipper played his 200th NRL game on the weekend at the age of 26. That stunning statistic alone proves how good he is and his defence, which has been criticised in the past, is much improved. Would also be the goal kicker in any side he was picked in.4. Joey LeiluaIsn’t in great form at the moment, which is part of the reason the Raiders are struggling. However, he was among the club’s best players last season as they fell just short of the grand final and is arguably the most lethal attacking weapon in the competition on his day.5. James RobertsWas starting to make an irresistible case for Origin selection before he injured his ankle in an awkward incident in the closing stages of the Broncos’ thrashing of the Panthers. Roberts was an attacking beast in that game, carving up Penrith three times with his speed and evasiveness. Will play for the Blues before longnd Queensland won’t be looking forward to it.James Roberts in full flight is a scary sight for opposition.James Roberts in full flight is a scary sight for opposition.Source: News Corp Australia6. Luke KearyWas Matthew Johns’ pick to partner Mitchell Pearce in the halves for NSW a month ago before his form trailed off a tad. Has made a sensational start to his Roosters career, leading the competition for linebreak assists and is third in the NRL for try assists with 12.7. Adam ReynoldsThe premiership winning Rabbitohs star is an excellent game manager with one of the best kicking games in the competition at his best and rightly got his crack at the NSW No.7 jersey last year. Would potentially still be the Blues’ halfback now if not for an injury that kept him out of their dead rubber win to close out the last series.Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover are joined by Titans COO Tony Mestrov to discuss the futures of Jarryd Hayne and Ash Taylor.You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.8. Paul VaughanThe Dragons recruit has been arguably the leading prop in the competition over the first 11 rounds, transforming St George Illawarra into a genuine top four contender. Averages 147 running metres and 26 tackles per game and was perhaps the most unlucky man to miss out on an Origin debut in game one.9. Cameron McInnesAnother unlucky Dragon, McInnes has taken to playing 80 minutes like a duck to water this season and has transformed St George Illawarra’s’ attack since his off-season arrival, with six try assists for the year. Very stiff not to be considered Robbie Farah’s natural successor.Cameron McInnes is having a career best season.Cameron McInnes is having a career best season.Source: News Corp Australia10. Jordan McLeanAnother young prop knocking on the door of Origin selection, McLean’s standing has taken a huge leap forward this year. The product of the Storm system was a shadow player in Kangaroos camp earlier this month and was named 19th man for Origin I.11. Sione Mata’utiaRepresenting Australia on the wing when he was just 18, Mata’utia’s career transition since then has been remarkable. Although he has at times struggled in a side that rarely ever wins, his move into the second-row has proved a masterstroke, with the now 20-year-old playing out of his skin as a young captain of a developing team. Clearly has the class and toughness to play Origin.12. Luke LewisWas given the old heave ho from the Origin set up at the start of last series but even at the ripe old age of 33 he is still playing some outstanding footy. Was the Clive Churchill Medallist in his second grand final win last year and has started this season among the premiers’ best players. Could walk back into a sky blue jersey on his ear.13. Jack De BelinThe third unlucky Dragons player in this selection, De Belin is only narrowly behind NSW debutant Jake Trbojevic in the current pecking order. The lock has put up huge numbers this year, and at 26 he’s got his best footy ahead of him.14. Tyrone PeacheyThe Panthers utility exploded into the 2017 season at centre but has since cooled off a bit and been pushed back to the bench, where he is arguably the best No.14 in the competition. Can play hooker, back-row or centre and to paraphrase Phil Gould, it doesn’t matter where you put him on the field he makes the team better.Tyrone Peachey is an electric utility.Tyrone Peachey is an electric utility.Source: Getty Images15. Dale FinucaneOne of those players who goes under the radar but his teammates and his coach really notice him when he’s not there. Finucane is one of the toughest players in the competition and would suit the Origin arena right down to the ground. It feels like he’s been around for ever but the Storm star is still just 25. You’d think he’d get a shot for NSW at some stage.16. Shannon BoydHas been a victim of his own average form this season after an excellent back end of last season for the Raiders propelled them deep into September and got the big prop into the Kangaroos side for the Four Nations tour. A tough, no frills bushie, no ball carrier relishes the idea of running into the 120 kilo plus front-rower, who at 24 has plenty of time to barge into the side.17. Joel ThompsonA 10-year NRL veteran, Thompson is now 28 and has matured into some of his best footy in a Dragons side with plenty of talent in the forwards. He runs an excellent line and is capable of breaking the line and scoring tries. Would make an impact off any bench.View All Comments

"Where's the photo of Ionghi hittin' da bongi?...fucking lightweight smoking scoobs at home. Unless they're at a hotel room, with a condom on the smoke detecter, it's uuaustralian.
My opinions are biased here as I've smoked more pot than a retired…"

"How long ago was this? Was it before his time at Parramatta? If so there's not much for the club to do.
If he was playing for Parra at the time, the club really has no choice but to make a stand. The current court case suggests the club wants to…"

Replies

Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown May 23, 2017 at 10:09pm

Probably none of us in the 3rd team either, bloody sad.
ParraNutta May 23, 2017 at 10:31pm

Give me a premiership that can flush origin down the can.
Beer Baron May 23, 2017 at 11:20pm

What a stupid article!! Ffs are there jobs at fox sports because I could get a job writing this garbage if that's what they are looking for!!!!.... for the record though I think Nathan brown is made for origin!!!
Beer Baron May 23, 2017 at 11:25pm

Sorry for harping on this but this is something which really grinds my gears..... how many years did this "journalist" study at uni (or his "editor" for that matter) to come up with this brilliant article which is just a glorified "team list" that you could find on any fan forum. He may as well finish it by asking "where's hock" or "Jarryd to 5/8""... ok that's my rant over
- Longfin Eel > Beer Baron May 24, 2017 at 6:51am
  
  Yep he would have been better off writing about the next wave of origin stars. Would have been much more interesting.
- Nitram > Beer Baron May 24, 2017 at 8:40am
  
  Investigative journalism is no longer cost effective. The fans will pay just to read team lists so they may as well take the easy option.
Adz Eel May 24, 2017 at 3:38am

Would have liked to see Woods out for Vaughan, Tamou out for Mclean, Croker in for Brett Morris and shift someone else to the wing and De Belin or Peachey get a run somewhere in there too
Eel for life May 24, 2017 at 8:24am

Lets look at whose available from our squad.

French - only his 2nd season in top grade

Semi - ineligible - Fiji

Hoffman - plays for the Kiwis

Takka - Kiwis

Auva'a - Not sure where his allegiance lies

Jennings - Blues

Norman - Qld

Moses - NSW

Gutherson - NSW

Mannah - NSW

Kaysa - didnt he play for Samoa

Matagi - Samoa/kiwis

Manu - Kiwis

Tepai - NSW

Brown - NSW

Scott - NSW bit of a veteran so wont get picked

Alvaro - NSW

Edwards - Kiwis

Vave - Kiwis i think

What im getting at is there aren't really that many to choose from. Probably on Gutherson and Tepai are worth a mention. I think Brown may get a run in year or so if he remains consistent
- aveel > Eel for life May 24, 2017 at 10:01am
  
  Yep, Gutherson might make a 3rd squad, Jennings too. Tepai is very over rated. He hasn't made a line break all year.
Tin Tim May 24, 2017 at 10:51am

Lol not one player, yet Brisbane can fit 6 under the cap with a few islander internationals. Roosters can fit 5 and also have a few islander internationals. We are still doing something very wrong.

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A 2nd string origin side and no Eels in sight

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