topicalhuman.com

New South Wales has named their team to take to the field against Queensland in this years State of Origin series.

A few of my thoughts:

• Braith Anasta has not been in great form, and while he is a good player, I can’t believe that NSW couldn’t come up with a better option at five-eighth. Scott Hill is a much better player (when he isn’t injuredat least; is he injured at the moment?). The option of Gasnier playing five-eighth, would be a better option too, as it would allow Tahu to move into the centres and…
• …let Eric Grothe Jnr take his deserved place in the team.
• I know he is a little small, but why does Hasim El-Masri get consistently overlooked for selection? He is smart, tough and the best goal-kicker around, possibly ever. I suspect the goal kicking is why Brett Hodgson was selected at fullback ahead of Ben Hornby and others, but Hodgson is no bigger than El-Masri.
• If Danny Buderus and Craig Gower (whom I think deserved selection ahead of other halfbacks) can get a combination going, they will be ultra dangerous.
• How well is Steve Menzies playing for an old bloke? Wow.
• Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised that Willie Mason was selected in the front row, given he played there in the ANZAC test, but I can’t help but feel that he is better in the second row. I’m also a little surprised the Brent Kite was named in the starting side (I expected him on the bench), but good luck to him.
• Paul Gallen is unfortunate not be picked. But he has a good chance to get picked should there be any injuries in the back row, or if Queensland gives them the flogging they’ve got coming .