I'm not that surprised tbh, with Farah at dummy half taking so many kicks, and Pearce usually standing fairly deep to kick, it's not that often the second receiver or half on the short side would be getting the ball on the last.
Well I don't think we'll be seeing Hayne at five-eighth now. I never thought it was a terrible idea tbh but I did think it wasted one of our best assets (Carney) and he certainly did not play well in the role today. Hopefully he's fullback or at least centre and not on the wing - or worse still, left out.
Carney will definitely be 6. Not sure who for halfback. Pearce most likely. Or Wallace. Mullen was never a chance.
Douglas, Bird, Carney, Pearce, Woods, Hoffman, Farah & Gibbs were the pick of the players imo. Can't see Hoffman & Gibbs getting picked but the rest certainly put their names forward. Something will be made of Sims tries in the press but I thought he was pretty average tbh, obviously still coming back from his injury tbf. Hayne is definitely not going to get a shot at 5/8 and Borris was barely even seen. I reckon the game has done three things; Hayne will be fullback, Carney/Pearce the halves and it has put a few more names in an already pretty big list of potential bench props.
Yeah, AWTA. The only positive is Borris shunting it up at the back as well. Should hopefully see Hayne there.
Didn't watch the game too closely but didn't seem like Hayne was deep.. ever. He was always right up in the line, he makes his best 'playmaking plays' for Parra when he comes in deep as second receiver because of course he's playing fullback.
Nah. DWTA. It will be very close this year IMO. Particularly because we don't get a home game until the third. Mind you we will have more support in Melbourne but it's not the same. If NSW win Game 1 we're in real trouble because Game 2 will be in Sydney. Of course, if we win the opener then we're all but certain to win the series afaic. If NSW turn up with a quality team and a true Origin mentality and desire, in Melbourne, they can certainly beat us and then ending the drought will really be on the cards. We got a real scare in Game 1, last year. And we even clocked off in Game 3 despite having a 24-0 lead. We don't have Lockyer's retirement to motivate us any more.
Yeah I'd rather Mullen and Wallace for the seven, Carney for the six and Stewart at FB, Hayne can take a back line possy.
Yeah, agree. Despite the fact that he can do the same thing (and did on the rare occasion today), every time he is put in the 6 jersey he seems to play a lot closer to the line and cuts down his decision making time.
I thought Ferguson was pretty decent today as well tbh. Country didn't even utilize his best assets which is his ability with the high ball. Could be a bolter.
Went to the game. I enjoyed it, was one of the lucky ones who got a grand stand seat. I think Mudgee has a really good set up considering it's size and it managed to hold a decent crowd without too many issues. David Gallop was about 2 metres away from me and Ricky Stuart two rows back. Stuart took so many notes at the game. It will be interesting to see how he goes come Game 1.
