Rothfield Versus Me

Written By Cahn D. Cotter

It amazes me to see Phil Rothfield, Daily Telegraph Editor, as well as other experts of the game to have already been commenting on the State of Origin selections for the Blues, so early in the competition.

Honestly, Sharks to make the 8? Phil, every fan knew the Sharks were going to be lack-luster this year. Why? it has been the same for 30 years.

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Phil Rothfield, a highly regarded expert of the game, recently selected his version of the State of Origin Blues Squad that could potentially get the job done.
I believe, if the selectors go on what he said, the Blues will be looking down the barrel of 5 straight series losses.

Some of his selection I agree with, but the likes of Gallen, Jennings, Weyman, Bird and Perry are absurd. I tell you why soon...

Phil Rothfield's Side

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Chris Lawrence
4. Michael Jennings
5. Josh Morris
6. Greg Bird
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Michael Weyman
9. Robbie Farah (C)
10. Josh Perry
11. Ben Creagh
12. Anthony Watmough
13. Paul Gallen

Reserves - Prior, Galloway, Waterhouse, Carney

This side spells disaster. It is almost the same as past teams that have lost.
Is it just me or do selectors throw the same players around in a circle hoping that one-day it will work?

The Blues are looking for fire power, not just fire. Remember Michael Weyman playing for the Canberra Raiders; almost without a doubt loss ball, hot headed with stupid penalties and then no ability to off-load.
Since playing for the Dragons, I have seen a successful team, carrying the same Weyman as Canberra did. The only fact there is that Canberra did not have the success the Saints are currently.

Greg Bird - WOW, really. For a person that may have the skills to play Origin, should not be allowed near a football paddock again for all of his off-field dramas.
However, Bird does possess a passing game close to the line, and down field he is another forward with skills and ability. But I'm certain there are better players who have been honest to the game of Rugby League, and have the passion to enthrall in a Blues Guernsey.

Michael Jennings - Greg Inglis will have a field day playing against Jennings. No defense what so ever, where in Origin it is the biggest part of the game. Are you going for speed Phil, or giving Queensland a 4 try scoring advantage every match?

Josh Perry - OLD SCHOOL. Though this seems to be the problem with every State of Origin series. Hell, let's put Barrett back in the side along with Noddy.
Manly's forward pack is a heavyweight of the NRL competition, yet they always lack field percentage. Is this telling you something?

Paul Gallen - I say no more. Over-rated, that is the only position you can put him under. I cannot fathom that selectors would choose Gallen in the form that the Sharks are in.
An example for you to ponder is NATHAN HINDMARSH. To think this guy was dropped because the Eels lacked form last year was crucifying. Why then is Paul Gallens name being thrown around? What is happening?

Phil also spoke about Beau Scott coming into the team. WOW again. This guy has not scored a single try for the first 3 rounds. Scott has made 71 tackles, which is an average of 23.4 a game, which is what NSW need, but there are still better who have the ability to do both attack and defence.

Cahn D. Cotter's Selection

1. Jarryd Hayne
2. Brett Morris
3. Timana Tahu
4. Matt Cooper
5. Josh Morris
6. Brett Finch
7. Mitchell Pearce
8. Keith Galloway
9. Michael Ennis
10. Luke Douglas
11. Nathan Hindmarsh (C)
12. Anthony Laffranchi
13. Chris Heighington

Reserves - Luke Lewis, Ben Creagh, Feleti Mateo, Anthony Watmough/Dan Hunt

For most part, I agree with Phil Rothfield's selection. He has great youth there with some mature players. The only problem is that the mature players he chose usually have brain explosions or lack match fitness.
Give Queensland as much penalties as you want them to have with Phil's team.

The Blues need go forward with players that can off-load to tire the Queensland big men. They also must have good off-field behavior as well as on field mongrel. Hard to find? Not really.

Nathan Hindmarsh is a perfect example. Can lead the side and make the tackles that others do not with that passion he shows every game for the Eels.
He also is a great player on and off the field with his notable charity work.

Reasons why I have selected this team

Back-line

It mixes speed, youth, experience and defence all into one. Jennings and Lawrence are not Origin players. Jennings has not scored a try for Penrith in the first 3 rounds and has made only 37 tackles.
Chris Lawrence lacks the heart with 49 tackles and 4 points to his name.

Now compare that with my selections.

Timana Tahu - The Queenslander's are putting Lote Tuqiri back into the mix, why not Tahu. He has previous experience in a winning side, strong, fast and passionate. He also can contain and match up against Greg Inglis in attack and defense.

Matt Cooper - Cooper knows about winning and losing. He wants it more than a Jennings or a Lawrence. I will be astounded if he is not selected.
He also is dangerous with his ability to pass and offload unexpectedly and is strong near the try line.

Brett Finch - Put Finchy next to Pearce and it is a match made in heaven. Experience and youth. Both are very skillful players and will direct play around the field without getting fatigued and none stop talk.
Brett Finch has not been given a solid chance in Origin, but he is an Origin player and if the Blues stick with him and Pearce they will win this years series.
They both have quality kicking games which past Blues teams have lacked.

Forwards

Nathan Hindmarsh (C) - Should be the Captain, and they should select him. They are mad if they do not. Hindy is an experienced campaigner and has the passion to pull on the Blue Guernsey. He can do the hard yards which will have his troops behind him doing the same.

Chris Heighington - A Paul Gallen without the crap. Tough both mentally and physically, he can defend and make metres with no problems. Already this season he has made a staggering 97 tackles, 387 metres with 34 hit-ups.

Anthony Laffranchi - Size and mobility. He can play anywhere on the field and is an enforcer.

Luke Douglas - Though he is playing in a losing side and young, he is a workhorse. He already has made 118 tackles this year and hit ups are over 40.
He can make metres and off-load. He also has mongrel, but will not lose his cool to give away penalties like a Weyman does.

Reserves

Luke Lewis - Can virtually play anywhere. 5/8th, Lock and Centre. If an injury happens to a Blues member, he can fill in and take control if necessary. He also has previous experience with the Blues and has a passion to be there.

Eg.If it is Mitchell Pearce that gets injured, push Finch to Half and Lewis to 5/8th.

Feleti Mateo - Damaging off the bench. Once Queensland's forwards get tired, Feleti can offload and cause havoc where ever he wants to be on the field. He is strong with great acceleration and with that ability to off-load will have the Queensland forwards turning back and forth all night in defense.

The other selected players are what Phil Rothfield chose. I added Dan Hunt into the mixture because of his early form to the 2010 season.

Origin is so far away and with this early talk, I can only hope that they get this team correct. Not just for the series, but for NSW fans, who rightfully know who should be in the side.

Leave your thoughts and tell me what you think?