NSW penpix ahead of State of Origin game two against Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on June 26.
JOSH DUGAN – fullback
Age: 23
Origin games: 1
Steps in to fill the big boots of game one try-scorer Jarryd Hayne. Sacked by Canberra to start the season for repeated alcohol-related incidents, Dugan’s Origin return is quite remarkable.
BRETT MORRIS – wing
Age: 26
Origin games: 7
A great finisher, Morris was rock solid in game one. He gave NSW great momentum with excellent kick returns and made no errors in defence in what was his first State of Origin win.
MICHAEL JENNINGS – centre
Age: 25
Origin games: 8
His blistering pace can turn a half chance into points, as shown when he stole a try from nothing just before halftime in game one. A potential game-winner.
JOSH MORRIS – centre
Age: 26
Origin games: 6
Once again did a great job shutting down Greg Inglis in game one, limiting the game’s most damaging player to just one try assist. Has been quiet in attack for Canterbury this year.
NATHAN MERRITT – wing
Age: 30
Origin games: 0
One of the most prolific try-scorers in NRL history finally gets his chance in Origin. Merritt steps up to replace Blake Ferguson, who has been charged with sexual assault.
JAMES MALONEY – five-eighth
Age: 27
Origin games: 1
Looked as calm as anyone on the field in game one, when he became the first debutant five-eighth to lead NSW to victory. Kicking game needs to be top shelf once again.
MITCHELL PEARCE – halfback
Age: 24
Origin games: 10
Laurie Daley backed Pearce from the first day he took on the Blues gig last year, and was rewarded with the No.7’s best Origin performance in game one. Showing leadership.
AARON WOODS – prop
Age: 22
Origin games: 0
Unlucky to miss game one, Woods gets the call-up to replace James Tamou who was stood down for a drink-driving charge. Tough as nails, this young Tiger seems perfectly suited to Origin.
ROBBIE FARAH – hooker
Age: 29
Origin games: 6
Outplayed rival Cameron Smith in game one, where his dummy-half kicking game was on point. Now a genuine challenger for title of the best hooker in the world.
PAUL GALLEN (capt) – prop
Age: 31
Origin games: 15
Controversially took a stand and let fly with a one-two combination at Queensland enforcer Nate Myles – the defining moment of game. Needs to lead by example now, rather than let his fists do the talking.
LUKE LEWIS – second row
Age: 29
Origin games: 12
Terrific man-of-the-match performance in game one, where his hard running posed a huge threat on the edges to the Queensland defence.
RYAN HOFFMAN – second row
Age: 29
Origin games: 6
A tradesman-like performer, Hoffman adds starch to the NSW back row in defence and attack.
GREG BIRD – lock
Age: 29
Origin games: 12
Built for Origin, Bird’s toughness in defence is a trait Queenslanders hate. Good footwork at the line and a solid passing game means Bird also adds another playmaker option for NSW.
INTERCHANGE
ANDREW FIFITA – prop
Age: 23
Origin games: 1
Will look to build on a wonderful debut. Fifita’s second run in Origin was a winding 25 metre effort which started the march before Jennings’ crucial try. Dangerous offload.
TRENT MERRIN – prop
Age: 23
Origin games: 5
His clever footwork around the ruck could help to prise apart the Queensland defence. Will be bursting with confidence after a strong showing in game one.
ANTHONY WATMOUGH – back row
Age: 29
Origin games: 10
Couldn’t train early in the week due to a badly corked thigh, but NSW will look to ‘Choc’ to break the game open when he comes on late in the first half. Great leg speed.
JOSH REYNOLDS – utility
Age: 24
Origin games: 1
Joined an exclusive club after game one for spending the entire 80 minutes on the bench. This tough competitor will be hoping that changes at Suncorp. Has an Origin mentality.
