Away from a Maroons series loss, Queensland and NSW have a big review underway. Michael Maguire stamped his name into Origin history – and cashed in on an estimated $400,000 for a three-game block.
That is some absurd coin for a side that he says “coached itself” for the decider. Talk about a win.
Take out Tom Dearden’s efforts and Daly Cherry-Evans’ class from the opener, Queensland need to question a mass of their 17.
Bradman Best of the Blues is tackled by Pat Carrigan. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Valentine Holmes was ineffective for the entire series – but there has not been one peep of criticism.
Sure, while Selwyn Cobbo was below his standard, Holmes has a long history in Origin. The 28-year-old has played 19 games for Queensland, but failed to provide a spark in attack.
As a centre, he was humiliated by the Blues’ left-side barrage in game two and was dominated by Angus Crichton and Latrell Mitchell. In the decider, he made 121 run metres, performed two tackles for a miss – all while coughing up an error and conceding a penalty.
Holmes’ freakish acceleration has been missing for the entire season, and it was exposed in Origin. Say what you like about 33-year-old Dane Gagai, but he outplayed his youthful edge partners. Gagai franked his club form with 26 tackles and 135 metres. Sure, he lapsed in the final moments of the game and let Jarome Luai slip through – but he was gallant in the call-up.
Jeremiah Nanai has a lot to show before a return to Origin. The cards were on the table early regarding the slump of the Cowboys second-rower. Nanai charged for only 65 metres in game one, with just six runs, eight missed tackles and two errors. There is no debate here – those numbers in a winning side are woeful.
His downfall was illustrated through Luai’s game breaker. Full credit to Luai for his spontaneity and burst of energy – but there was nothing doing prior. Nanai was simply gassed and struggled to lay a fingertip on the Blues No.6.
Cam McInnes was a big loser. While the lock was solid in game one, he was picked apart for his stature in the state arena. Unfortunately, that is the nature of contact sport at times. The old ‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall’ only applies so far.
McInnes lacks just a smidgen of size – which limits his impact as a ball-carrier. With the added five kilograms of Cam Murray, it was a simple trade off for Maguire to make. The two are identical assets in defence and play similar minutes. If you were offered the choice between two players with parallel skills and impact, in rugby league, you choose the bigger option nine times out of ten.
Connor Watson has won the Blues lottery. Playing only 33 minutes across two caps, the Roosters fix-it man has branded his name into NSW’s 2025 team. The reason behind this spurs into the role of Reece Robson. Robson is not a utility. Playing 30 minutes to amp up speed at the ruck and dart from dummy half is not his strength.
Therefore – the tug of war for the No.9 lies between Robson and Api Koroisau. Watson, granted he maintains strong club form, is a shoe-in for the 14 jersey. Maguire learned the hard way not to play two back-rowers on the bench – and Queensland failed to benefit from two hookers. The versatility of the ‘hot pirate’ is in high demand.
Dearden could not have done more to argue for Queensland’s left-side keys in 2025. The reality is, if Cameron Munster performs with any consistency and health next year, Dearden will struggle for a spot in the 17. That’s Origin and sport. Loyalty only extends to a certain point for Slater – Billy would be silly not to select his best No.6.
Without question, that is the Melbourne maestro. The same applies to Jarome Luai – but with a series win, his argument is strong. While discussion regarding a shift to the left for Mitchell Moses is credible, Luai is a genuine five-eighth and has now proven his worth.
The only remaining Blues who could find proper competition for selection are Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax. They are both remarkable athletes who had stellar series, but Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic are big game beasts. If they output strong form at clubland – and Trbojevic finds peak health, it’s hard to picture an outfit that omits the two. To’o won’t be replaced. He is simply too valuable as a kick returner and has never played a poor game in Blue.
Canberra Raiders
v
New Zealand Warriors
NRL : Head To Head
Fri, 19 Jul 2024, 20:00
South Sydney Rabbitohs
v
Wests Tigers
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 20 Jul 2024, 15:00
Newcastle Knights
v
Brisbane Broncos
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 20 Jul 2024, 17:30
Melbourne Storm
v
Sydney Roosters
NRL : Head To Head
Sat, 20 Jul 2024, 19:35
Penrith Panthers
v
Dolphins
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 21 Jul 2024, 14:00
Manly Sea Eagles
v
Gold Coast Titans
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 21 Jul 2024, 16:05
North Queensland Cowboys
v
Canterbury Bulldogs
NRL : Head To Head
Sun, 21 Jul 2024, 18:15
* Odds Correct At Time Of Posting. Check PlayUp Website For Latest Odds
What are you really gambling with?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au
Despite the heroics of Mitchell Moses – Nathan Cleary will walk into No.7 next year. It says something about his calibre. Out of the NRL’s current crop – he is the glaring immortal nominee. James Tedesco on the other hand – his time in a Blue jumper is history.
After serving valiantly for NSW since 2017, the Roosters skipper will likely never receive another selection. Regardless of Edwards’ form, a series win and player of the match performance is enough to justify his tenure for next season.
But the man with the most egg on his face, Nate Myles. Queensland’s assistant coach should never have opened his mouth at debutant Joseph Suaalii.
It was immature and completely unprofessional. If bench players rushing from the sideline to a brawl is not acceptable in park footy, nor is an adult coach swearing at a youngster.
Failing to fine Myles was a shocking misread from the NRL, and a grown man in such a position should know better.
