Has Tom Trbojevic played enough this year to warrant selection? Who are the halves? Do you reward last year's Origin heroes with Origin selection this year, or is it time to replace form over incumbents?
NSW selectors will have their work cut out for them this year with decisions in key positions to be made that will either raise eyebrows over current form, or justify a player's current standing in the game.
Maloney or Keary?
Sure, James Maloney did it well for NSW last year and isn’t tracking too bad this year, but could the selectors possibly ignore Luke Keary’s performance so far this year? Keary has been outstanding and is easily the most potent asset in an already formidable Roosters line up, an interchange position for NSW certainly shouldn’t be an option for Keary. Based on form alone it’s Maloney out, Keary in.
Cleary or A. Reynolds/C.Walker?
Nathan Cleary seems to be having a standard season, solid, but he’s certainly not having the impact Adam Reynolds is having with Souths at the moment. A firm goal kicking option and a form number seven who is a proven performer under pressure makes Reynolds my choice over Cleary this year. Cody Walker to be in the extended squad.
Trbojevic or Ferguson?
Has Tom Trbojevic played enough football this year to warrant selection, or is it time to bring Blake Ferguson back from Origin exile? Based on consistent form this year you would have to pick Ferguson, however, Trbojevic has been sensational when fit. This could be a null question come Origin time as both players are battling to be fit by selection. Adversely, both could fit in the team at the expense of James Roberts who is battling fitness issues in a lagging Broncos outfit.
Jack de Belin is an obvious out freeing up another bench spot and Tyrone Peachey just hasn’t done enough this year to retain selection, with the Titans off to a slow start in 2019. Jake Trbojevic, Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Cameron Murray are my pick on the interchange for 2019 with Victor Radley moving into the starting side at lock.
My other selections with an outlook to the future of Origin would also include Matt Lodge, Tevita Pangai Jr and Cameron Murray.
My pick for NSW Origin selection for 2019:
1) James Tedesco
2) Tom Trbojevic
3) Latrell Mitchell
4) Blake Ferguson
5) Josh Addo-Carr
6) Luke Keary
7) Adam Reynolds
8) David Klemmer
9) Damien Cook
10) Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11) Boyd Cordner
12) Tyson Frizell
13) Victor Radley
14) Matt Lodge
15) Tevita Pangai Jr
16) Cameron Murray
17) Jake Trbojevic
Let’s see what the selectors do this year.