Zerotackle on SOOIII

In the wake of last night’s record Origin win by a rampant QLD side, one thing became very VERY clear … that QLD are the masters of the Origin domain in the recent area.Last year’s series loss seems more like a blip than anything of genuine importance, as the Maroon machine captured their ninth shield in ten years.As for the Blues, it is well and truly back to the drawing board. Although they won Origin 2 in fairly convincing fashion, you always got the feeling that the Maroons could lift a few levels, while perhaps the Blues had reached their peak.It is all well and good to sit back and say that this QLD side is simply too good, and no matter what they weren’t losing last night.After all, NSW’s most effective strategy was to wait until either Cronk or Thurston got injured and broke up the halves partnership. Their three Origin wins in the past two series have come when Daly Cherry-Evans has stepped in for either of the aforementioned superstars.Those who think this way are resigned to losing the interstate series until the likes of Inglis, Thurston and Smith retire.To be honest, accepting defeat is an absolute cop out to those who fork out hundreds of dollars on tickets and merchandise.Last night showed that NSW haven’t cracked the code, and changes need to be made.Make no mistake, this is not about lack of effort or anything like that. It’s about giving yourself the best chance to win the series.Here are five tough decisions NSW need to consider before next year’s series:Stop picking “Origin players” and pick players IN FORMThis is perhaps the biggest gripe I have with the NSW selectors and coaching staff. They have these pre conceived notions that to be play Origin you must be hulking in size, and push the boundaries of the rules (i.e. niggle)For years we were told that Nathan Merritt was not an Origin player despite him being the form winger of the competition. By the time he was finally picked, Merritt himself was convinced and turned in an absolute shocker.Has he been given the opportunity he deserved when his form, ah hem, merited it, then it could have been a completely different story for the talented winger.Under this insane notion we would never have seen the likes of Alfie Langer, or even Johnathan Thurston. Cam Smith probably wouldn’t make the Origin side based on the face he doesn’t have shoulders like the Incredible Hulk.Will Hopoate is a solid player. Last night’s performance was a particularly poor showing but typically he doesn’t let you down too often. He has been branded an “Origin player”.Meanwhile James Roberts is carving up defences with absolute ease, and scoring tries for fun, yet can’t get a look in.There was talk of dropping Hopoate for Blake Ferguson, who once again has been branded an “origin player” despite completely letting himself and his state down last time he was chosen.What else could Blake Austin possibly have done to earn his spot? Instead of picking a man who is red hot form, the selectors opted for an out of sorts Hodkinson who isn’t guaranteed 80 minutes of football for his club side.Stop picking players based on their size or niggle alone and focus on form. QLD had no concerns dropped the out of form DCE for the inform Michael Morgan, so why can’t NSW?New Halves PairingNo one in their right mind can place blame on Mitchell Pearce and Trend Hodkinson for Wednesday Night’s loss.They were playing behind a forward pack that were bossed around by a far more intense and focused pack.That being said, Mitchell Pearce ran for seven metres last night, and missed tackles that led to QLD tries on up to five occasions.His kicking game is not up to Origin, and he seems scared to run at the line.Trent Hodkinson is one from two as an Origin half in terms of series victories, so it’d be a little premature to rule the line through his name just yet.If fit Adam Reynolds needs to be the first player picked next season. His kicking game prior to the injury he suffered on Good Friday was as close to perfect as you are ever likely to see. He had the ball on a string.Since the injury he has had a disrupted season, but even coming back from a long layoff looks to be close to his best.If Reynolds is struggling for fitness or form, then look elsewhere.As for his halves partner, you have to pick a GENUINE, RUNNING five-eighth. Blake Austin was the obvious choice this season, but should the likes of Moylan, who will likely move into the halves, start on fire, go with him.Don’t pick a back rower out of position. Don’t put a ball playing halfback in. Picking a hard running, creative five-eight.Thurston tore the Blues apart last night with both his passing and running game. NSW five-eight Mitchell Pearce ran for seven metres … It’s not rocket science.Gallen, Scott, Bird, Hoffman to retire from rep dutyOnce again, this is not a knock on any of the above players, or anyone else, but I believe the NSW set up would benefit from an injection of new blood.Although Greg Bird did not play in the series due to suspension, if available he would have been picked.All four are hard tackling, hard running forwards, but I feel as though they are holding the likes of Cordner, Jackson and co. back.Gallen has been a giant at Origin level, and could very easily go around again, but he has nothing left to prove. His body just isn’t up to playing 20+ games a season anymore. After single handidly carrying for Sharks on his back for five or so years, and at 33 years of age, that’s understandable. Even Superman gets tired.All four would benefit from focusing on their club footy, allowing Cordner and Jackson to play the type of games they do for the Roosters and Bulldogs respectively.I certainly wouldn’t begrudge any of them their spot next season, but looking forward, it’s something that needs to be considered.Pick impact players off the benchWednesday Night’s bench was huge and experienced, but lacked impact. The entire NSW audience tuned in to see David Klemmer rip in, but unfortunately he was nowhere to be seen.As a 21 year-old kid in his first Origin series, it was ridiculous to place so much pressure on him. He will be much better for the experience and should lead the NSW pack for the next 10 years.As for Cordner, Merrin and Jackson, all three should have either started, or used it far different roles.Cordner is an 80 minute player who will give you 80 minutes of solid work. His is one of the best second rowers in the game, but he cannot provide ten or twenty minutes of creative brilliance as was needed to change the game last night.Merrin in the same. Jackson also.Bryce Cartwright, Andrew Fifita and Josh Reynolds are three players who can provide something special off the bench. Fifita and Reynolds have been down on form but they can both burst a game wide open when on their day. Bryce Cartwright is one of the top two young second rowers in the game, along with a guy named Taumalolo.Pick a young captainIf Paul Gallen does decide to retire from rep footy, I would not appoint the captaincy to Robbie Farah. I’d appoint a younger player who is projected to be in the NSW set up for many years to come.This is risky as you do not want to add extra pressure to the likes of Klemmer, who should be focusing on his own game and development, but in the long run this would be a brilliant tactic.Someone like Adam Reynolds or Josh Dugan would be the best bet. It would SURELY be a huge hit of confidence for the player chosen, especially if they were looked upon as a future eight year captain.Of course the safe bet is to put the ‘C’ next to the most deserving leader, but to be honest, your halfback is your leader, and Adam Reynolds could potentially captain his state for the next ten years.Honourable Mention: Stop playing school yard gamesDid Laurie Daley ACTUALLY believe he was fooling ANYONE with the Robbie Farah charade?For those who missed it, Daley last night after the game said they knew Farah would be out as of last Thursday, but wanted to keep it secret.Nice secret. EVERYONE knew he was out. Doctors came out and said there was ZERO chance he would be heeled in time.Some good it did too. Although Ennis worked his backside off, switching one player late isn’t going to send a well-oiled machine into turmoil.This was one of the most ridiculous comments I have ever heard.It also shows a complete lack of distain for the fact that Ennis was suspended and unavailable for the Sharks, but was still available to play for NSW. Farah was never going to play, Ennis was never a late call up.Focus on picking form players rather than playing silly games.As an aside, I don’t buy into the idea to sack Laurie Daley. His side was belted on Wednesday Night, but this is the the guy who stopped the best Maroon side in history’s winning streak, albeit for just one year.The team doesn’t need insecurity in its coaching ranks right now, although I do think he needs to look at his selection policies. Perhaps it’s time to look to new selectors just quietly.

Replies

Mo July 9, 2015 at 4:04pm

Great post! I felt bad for Ennis last night out there in an oversized number 18 he earnt the 9 and would have been fed up hearing the name Farah constantly. As for Blake Austin he deserves a Kangaroos jumper the way he's been playing.
- Wile E. Coyote > Mo July 9, 2015 at 6:04pm
  
  Thought it was good but not mine - Zerotackle
  Posted FYI
Deano The Stats King July 9, 2015 at 4:09pm

Nice Blog
Yobz July 9, 2015 at 4:14pm

What is ZT?
Yobz July 9, 2015 at 4:17pm

Mods can you give the correct attribution to this "article".
Copy pasta from:
http://www.zerotackle.com/state-of-origin/five-tough-decisions-nsw-...
- Wile E. Coyote > Yobz July 9, 2015 at 6:06pm
  
  Done YFWWB
  WEC
This reply was deleted.
- Yobz July 9, 2015 at 4:54pm
  
  Zero Tackle
Blue and Gold July 9, 2015 at 6:18pm

NSW continue to play schoolboy mind-games off the field and play like schoolboys on.

The "dream" forward pack of Woods and Klemmer failed to materialize and the old boys of Tamau, Merrin and Scott played dirty when dominated.

QLD took all the antics in their stride and took it up a notch on the field when it mattered.

Pearce has to be dropped.

When will NSW learn?

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Albert Einstein
timbodavo July 9, 2015 at 6:37pm

Wow that was long winded and I personally cant be bothered reading it all atm. From what I read it was agreeing with my thoughts. I think our engine room is good. But next year we need to think speedsters and youth. It doesn't matter how good your defence is. Whilst they have Smith Cronk and Thurston on the field at the same time they are always going to figure out a way to break you down.

Go with attacking flare