With the Aussie side set to be selected on Sunday, the 17 named is set to look nothing like the team that took to the Four Nations tournament.
The below side is the 17 I would send into battle. Although there aren’t any major surprises, there are a few spots up for grabs.
Most of the side picks itself but a wing, centre and multiple bench spots are going to be tough to choose.
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An absolute no brainer now that Billy Slater is out. Inglis was kept quiet against the Sharks, but has been one of the most dangerous players all season. Despite being quiet, he was safe in horrible conditions at Remondis. Dugan and Moylan have been in great form, but there is no chance Inglis does not get picked, unless Slater is fit and ready, and even then I’d go with Inglis on form.
With Brett Morris out, the left wing spot is available, and Johnston has done enough to the spot he earned in the Four Nations. Probably isn’t bringing his top form into the contest, but has been far from bad. Shaun Johnson is likely to pepper the Aussie wingers with the highball, and Johnston has proven his abilities in that department. A dangerous attacking weapon and noted try scorer, Johnston has earned his jersey.
Comes into the rep period without the greatest of form behind him, but is a pure attacking weapon on his day. His speed and ability to find space is extremely valuable, and he has no problem finding the try line. His kick chase is also important as the Aussies look to limit the damage done by the likes of Vatuvei on kick returns. Has done just enough to edge out his competitors for the left hand centre spot.
Morris, if fit, will edge out Will Chambers and Dane Gagai on the right edge. He has played on the right in Origin, and comes into the game with good form. His ended his try scoring drought and, if fit, is the best option. His defence is top notch for a centre, and he seems to have rediscovered his attacking spark. If he is unable to play this weekend though, I would lean toward Chambers, who himself has been amazing all season.
I am not a fan of playing stars out of position, however Dugan’s form, combined with injuries and lack of form suffered by Morris, Boyd, Tupou, Mansour etc mean that Dugan could very well end up on the wing. His club form has been amazing, and he has played on the wing and in the centres before so it’s not a huge ask. He’ll drop back and cover like a fullback on the late tackles anyways, and will add something extra in attack. Dane Gagai or Will Chambers are also options here, but for mine Dugan gets the spot based on form.
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Arguably the form half of the competition, and anyone who wants to argue is wrong. Thurston is in blistering form following a slow start to the season as is arguably the best player in the game right now. He will cause nightmares for the Kiwi outside backs with his early ball distribution. Thurston will be the first player picked in any side across the world, and the test side is no exception.
Cronk has had a quiet and unspectacular start to the season but he’s the only choice to partner Thurston. As mentioned he has had a sluggish start to the season, but he is a big game player and you’d be silly not to choose him. His partnerships with Cronk, Thurston and Inglis go way back for QLD so there’s no need to change anything here. An automatic choice.
Still the premier prop in the game, Scott will return to the Aussie front row following his absence in the Four Nations. There is no weakness in his game, although he’ll need to be on said game to combat the brilliant Bromwich for the Kiwis. A no-brainer.
Still the best hooker in the game, and the Aussie test captain for a reason. Has been brilliant again all season. His combination with fellow QLD legends Inglis, Cronk and Thurston is also worth its weight in gold. Another automatic choice if fit.
Woods made some silly errors against the Raiders but is still one of the top few front rowers this season and has earned his test jumper. His metres have been incredible and baring a few lazy efforts against Canberra, his defence has been top notch. There will be a temptation to play Gallen in the front row, but I believe Woods has earned his spot and Gallen should be freed up to fill his favoured spot at 13.
Probably an unlikely selection to start, but the way he has responded to being benched has shown his maturity. He is still amongst the elite and will not let anyone down if chosen. Will make a mountain of tackles and metres, and is always up for it should there been a scrap. Will have to fight off a mountain of competition, and may come off the bench, but will be in the 17, and I’d start him due to his experience.
Another who may be forced onto the bench, but Bird has been a monster since returning to the NRL. The Titans have looked a far more dangerous animal since Bird’s return, and he will bring his aggression and abilities to the test side. If times get tough, he can adopt a playmaking role, although his running game will be damaging regardless of where he plays.
All reports are that he will be cleared to play after his suspension, and another automatic selection to the run on side. Can play 80 minute if needed and can slot into the front row at a pinch. You can count on Gallen for 150 metres plus each and every game, as well as a mountain of tackles. His job will be to tuck the ball under his arm and make metres, which is his best asset.
At the start of the season I would have seen Tamou as a massive underdog to earn his test jumper back, but his form over the past month has been brilliant. An absolute weapon off the bench, Tamou will be damaging when called upon. His form has freed up Gallen to move to lock, which benefits the side across the park.
Another who doesn’t seem to let age worry him. Parker has had a brilliant start to the season and will provide big numbers off the bench. Will likely play second row, or even relieve Gallen if needed, although can play prop if Scott and Woods suffer early. A clever player with a dangerous offload, Parker is an easy choice to come off the bench.
Cordner has been a step below his best all season but should beat out his competitors for a bench spot. Will run wide and terrorise the Kiwi playmakers in both attack and defence. A big body, Cordner can be used as a battering ram or to create out wide. Johnson will likely have to make a mountain of tackles and Boyd’s presence will mean he will be a target for 80 minutes.
A fourth forward off the bench? DCE simply isn’t in the form to warrant a spot on the bench and is wasted with the likes of Thurston, Cronk and Smith in the run on squad. Trent Merrin has been immense over the past month after sorting out his future for 2016 and beyond. With players like Merrin running off the bench, you lose nothing when subs are made.
So what do you think of the team? Do you think you could do a better job?