Did Josh Dugan do enough to keep his spot?

Game 1 was played at another level; it has been a while since we’ve seen that type of intensity. The game was played thick and fast and it makes me question whether or not we’ve seen a State Of Origin match like it?

For years now we’ve seen Queensland demolish the Blues but last night it was the other way around. The Blues’ squad was good enough to beat the Maroons and they did it with some ease, although it didn’t come until the second half.

This could arguably be the best series ever. Why do you ask?

Quite simply because Queensland has to play faster to keep up with a stronger NSW outfit. The Maroons have the players, and we know they do, but now they have to react to this hungry Blues side.

For Game 2 we can expect to see Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater hitting the pitch which will give the Maroons more spark around the paddock. It will be a no-brainer for coach Kevin Walters to include those two because let’s face it, Queensland needs them back! They will both add another dimension to the team.

Fancy being the coach? Pick Your Origin Team now!

Taking nothing away from how talented Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford are but the other two can fit the mould better. I expect to see Boyd shifted to the wing and Milford or Michael Morgan on the bench in that utility spot.

Will NSW change their squad for Game 2? Probably not but questions must be asked of Josh Dugan. Was he solid enough to retain his position in the team?

His try-saving tackle shows that he never gives up and will play through every possession, but what was noticeable were the times he was put in a one on one situation but just couldn’t get around his defender.

Errors will creep into anyone’s game. No one is perfect. However, with the early ball he received, it would have made for some enticing viewing if James Roberts was in that position.

"Jimmy The Jet" must be very close to receiving a phone call from Laurie. A speedster with an attacking flare could always work in a team.

The scary thing is that if NSW could defeat Queensland 28-4, what would have happened if Roberts was on the field terrorising his opposite centre in one-on-one battles? It’s a frightening prospect with the potential to put way more points on the board.

Josh Dugan or James Roberts? Who do you pick?