Game-breakers from NSW and Queensland for the opening State of Origin match in Melbourne on May 23.
NEW SOUTH WALES:-
JARRYD HAYNE: Don’t be fooled by his inconsistent form for Parramatta, Hayne is as reliable as they come when Origin rolls around. He’s the most experienced Blues player at age 24 and has twice been NSW’s man of the series while playing on the wing. Some players get lost when moved to the wing, but the 2009 Dally M medallist seems to thrive there. Brilliant work under the high ball, strong runs and ability to beat his man for pace and strength make him arguably the most important man in the Blues backline.
TODD CARNEY: Having seemingly turned Cronulla into a premiership threat, Carney takes on an even bigger task – helping the Blues end Queensland’s Origin reign. And when you look at how he’s turned a previously pedestrian Sharks backline into a potent force you wonder if it really is possible. Carney is running the ball more in 2012 and reaping rewards. That’s what the Blues need.
TONY WILLIAMS: NSW’s answer to Dave Taylor, T-Rex is a man mountain who grew into his role as an enforcer during Manly’s premiership run last season. He’s a destructive force on the field, whether crashing through defensive lines or laying on monster hits. He’s coming off a seven-game suspension for a dangerous tackle but insists he’s fit and firing ahead of his Origin debut.
QUEENSLAND:-
JOHNATHAN THURSTON: Takes over retired skipper Darren Lockyer’s No.6 jersey and there’s nobody better placed in the game to do so. You can count the number of disappointing Origin games Thurston has had in his 21 appearances on one hand and have fingers left over. The Cowboys skipper is a master at controlling the speed of the contest, his kicking game is unmatched and he has plenty of party tricks to bamboozle the Blues defence.
DAVE TAYLOR: A prodigious talent to be bringing off the bench, Taylor is a curious mix of skill and size – massive size. The 122kg behemoth is one of the hardest men to tackle in the game. He can knock you into next week with a big hit and then have the audacity to try a chip and chase. Hasn’t truly cracked the Origin code, but when he does he’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
GREG INGLIS: Is there anyone who has regularly tormented the Blues as much as this kid from Bowraville, NSW? At his best, Inglis is a big and devastating ballrunner and an intimidating presence. With 12 Origin tries, he’s is just one away from becoming Queensland’s most prolific try-scorer – overtaking Dale Shearer. His recent form at fullback for South Sydney has been superb, but there’s no question he’ll still be lethal back in the Maroons centres.
