Does anyone think New South Wales will be able to win this seasons State of Origin series?

Question

They need a miracle this year after last year's series where they had no halves pairings in form and where unwilling to try new combinations. They victimised Brett Finch for not playing well but he had no help at all. They suffer from the legacy of guys like Johns and Fittler. I think if they are to have a chance this year they will need to put Mark Gasnier in the Stand off role and require a solid scrum half for him to play off.

Answer 1

No I have to disagree,    They will be destroyed if they play Gasnier at stand off.  Why on earth would they play the best centre in the world out of position.  I know he wants to play stand off for the Dragons and probably will,  but if I were selecting the NSW Squad my backs would be like this.

1. Minichello

2. King

3. Gasnier

4. Lyon

5. Grothe Jr

6. Campbell

7. Orford

NSW have got to be confident in thier half pairings and with Campbell & Orford there is no reason  why they shouldnt be confident.

The only places I can see Queensland being stronger is 5/8 where Lockyer is the man, and possibly left centre if Inglis plays there.    Some awsome firepower the there. Quite capable of putting points past Queensland. The NSW Pack is quite impressive also. Heres how mine would line up.

8.    O' Meley

9.    Buderus

10.  Kite

11.  Mason

12.  Ryan

13.  Anasta / O'Donnell

That in my opionion, is the strongest starting 13 NSW Could put out, If you think any differant , you can say who you would replace with whom.  NSW can certainley turn Queensland over , but their team spirit will take some beating, The Queenslanders defensive toughness is something else.

Answer 2

Not a chance.

Answer 3

NO - SORRY.!!!