The New South Wales State of Origin team maybe forced to choose a new halves combination for the deciding State of Origin clash on July 2 in Sydney.
With Origin 3 just over a week away, the Blues look like incumbent five-eighth Greg Bird will be ruled out with injury and fellow half Peter Wallace is battling a testicle problem.
Bird, who was man of the match in Game 1 along with debutant Wallace looked made as the New South Wales halves combination. After a poor showing in Game 2, both players positions could not be guaranteed for the third match but injury may force the selectors hand.
Braith Anasta must be the New South Wales Number 6 judging by his form this season. His half back partner, Mitchell Pearce wouldn’t look out of place next to Anasta but I don’t think the selectors will gamble on Pearce.
Todd Carney, Brett Kimmorley, Matt Orford, Brett Finch, Kurt Gidley and Ben Hornby are all possible contenders to fill a vacated Number 7 jersey if Wallace is ruled out.
It’d believed that Gidley is the front-runner for the half-back spot in the Blues overlooking the seasoned Kimmorley and Orford who would not look out of place in the sky blue.
Ben Hornby could be the surprise selection. He is a solid, no-nonsense player who has played half-back for his country. Hornby would be a safe option for the Blues and could partner Anasta’s creativity in the halves.
The selectors may also opt for a new prop or two with candidates including Mark O’Meley, Luke Bailey, Ben Cross, Brent Kite and Josh Perry.
The team will be announced tomorrow morning.
With Origin 3 just over a week away, the Blues look like incumbent five-eighth Greg Bird will be ruled out with injury and fellow half Peter Wallace is battling a testicle problem.
Bird, who was man of the match in Game 1 along with debutant Wallace looked made as the New South Wales halves combination. After a poor showing in Game 2, both players positions could not be guaranteed for the third match but injury may force the selectors hand.
Braith Anasta must be the New South Wales Number 6 judging by his form this season. His half back partner, Mitchell Pearce wouldn’t look out of place next to Anasta but I don’t think the selectors will gamble on Pearce.
Todd Carney, Brett Kimmorley, Matt Orford, Brett Finch, Kurt Gidley and Ben Hornby are all possible contenders to fill a vacated Number 7 jersey if Wallace is ruled out.
It’d believed that Gidley is the front-runner for the half-back spot in the Blues overlooking the seasoned Kimmorley and Orford who would not look out of place in the sky blue.
Ben Hornby could be the surprise selection. He is a solid, no-nonsense player who has played half-back for his country. Hornby would be a safe option for the Blues and could partner Anasta’s creativity in the halves.
The selectors may also opt for a new prop or two with candidates including Mark O’Meley, Luke Bailey, Ben Cross, Brent Kite and Josh Perry.
The team will be announced tomorrow morning.
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