Let's Talk Origin - Series Wash-up

In our last piece of Origin talk for the year we recap game 3 and the series that was, take a look ahead to 2017 and look at who could be in line to succeed Paul Gallen as NSW skipper.

GAME 3

Despite plenty of question marks around the validity of a dead rubber leading into game three (this column included), the two states again went to war and produced an Origin classic that will be remembered for NSW finally getting one back on their opponents at the death.

The Maroons turned in another typically tough defensive effort including an extended spell defending their own goal-line leading up to half-time, albeit against a NSW attack lacking the ability to change their game-plan on the run. The debut off the bench of back-rower Gavin Cooper was a solid one and was rewarded with a trademark try running off Johnathan Thurston. The impressive debut could end up placing pressure on fellow bench forward Aiden Guerra moving forward.

The Blues, with the motivation of sending Gallen out a winner and restoring some pride in the jersey heading into next year showed plenty of effort and commitment in some positive signs for next year's series. Their forwards showed plenty of dominance to put them in some strong attacking situations. Despite the poor showing with the ball leading up to halftime where they again played far too sideways, they quickly rectified it in the second half where they eventually found enough points for the victory.

The debuts of James Tedesco and Wade Graham were both impressive and look to have cemented their spots in the team for next year. Tedesco was a constant threat with the ball in hand and showed considerable composure in the dying stages when he resisted what must have been a massive urge to reach out and plant the ball over the line when tackled a metre short of the line. Graham meanwhile, showed some nice touches with the ball on his left edge and brought plenty of line speed and aggression to the table in defence.

Plenty has been made about the 12-3 penalty count going the Blues way since the full-time whistle blew last Wednesday night. It seemed pretty clear that the opening two games were refereed like Origin matches and game three was refereed like an NRL match.

It's long been considered that more leniency is shown around the ruck and the ten metres in Origin in order to let the game flow more freely without interruption. Queensland lead by their skipper Cameron Smith have become the masters at pushing the envelope in these areas to the enth degree and it's something Laurie Daley and his coaching staff may need to consider putting more emphasis on moving forward.

ACROSS THE SERIES

Despite Queensland claiming their tenth shield in eleven years, it was only really a penalty goal in game one that separated the two teams and will be seen as the series that got away for the Blues.

Game two was the only game of the series where the Maroons showed any sort of dominance and the Blues still weren't that far away, whilst games one and three could easily have resulted in more points if they executed better in attack. Their forwards laid a strong platform and their second phase play was far superior to the Maroons with a series total of 30-11.

At the end of the day though, the Blues just weren't good enough with the ball and the Maroons on the back of their outstanding defence, will to win and game management skills of their key players ensured they were the better team throughout the series. 

THE 2017 SERIES

Despite an exciting injection of youth this year for the Blues that will only serve them well moving forward, they will again be up against it next year. With two games in Brisbane and a possible farewell series for future immortal Johnathan Thurston, an imposing task lies ahead.

The retirements of Paul Gallen and Corey Parker at this level are significant voids for both states, but there's plenty of quality players waiting in the que for their chance to replace them. 

Queensland will have plenty of options and a lot more depth at their disposal next year. Michael Morgan and Josh Papalii who both missed game three through injury will be likely inclusions back into the team, whilst the bans of Cameron Munster, Jarrod Wallace, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Dylan Napa, Valentine Holmes, Chris Grevsmuhl and Edrick Lee have now been lifted. Throw in absent stars this year Will Chambers and possibly one Billy Slater and things become even more intimidating for the Blues chances.

Don't expect mass changes from Coach Kevin Walters though who's already used the famous QLD loyalty term when asked about his squad for next year. With the impressive series' of Corey Oates, Dane Gagai and Darius Boyd at the back though, some tough decisions will need to be made if all are fit and well.

With NSW moving on ageing back-rowers Beau Scott and Ryan Hoffman prior to this year's series, the retirement of Captain Paul Gallen and the non-selection in game three of experienced Origin players Greg Bird, Josh Morris and Brett Morris, it appears Coach Laurie Daley has a clear direction for where the Blues are heading in 2017. 

A total of eight debutantes featured in the sky blue jersey across the series, most of which showed considerable promise. Along with the debutantes, Bryce Cartwright and the Trbojevic brothers gained some valuable experience with their time in camp as development players ensuring the future looks bright for the coming years.

Along with the rookies showing promise, the likes of Boyd Cordner, David Klemmer and Josh Jackson who could be a surprise Brad Fittler Medal winner for NSW's best player in the series, all showed they look set to take up places in a strong forward pack for years to come. Jackson deserves special mention for his defensive efforts alone and played the key role in limiting the time and space of Johnathan Thurston throughout the series.

Some big questions still remain around some key positions though, none more so than hooker Robbie Farah's involvement moving forward. With ongoing speculation about his future at the Tigers beyond this season, it's anyone's guess where Farah will be plying his trade in 12 months' time, but with Daley's vision for the future and the ever improving Nathan Peats and Mitch Rein waiting in the wings it might not matter.

The other big question is still around the NSW halves pairing, although at least this time round it appears James Maloney has all but cemented one spot for next year after his best game in the sky blue last Wednesday night. The good news for Coach Daley is that Maloney showed he can also handle the seven jersey, giving him more flexibility around picking his halves partner.

Adam Reynolds had a solid debut in game one, improving the Blues kicking game and was solid enough in game two without being spectacular. Following Reynolds' injury prior to game three, Matt Moylan was handed a recall in a risky move at five-eight. The change in position didn't seem to faze him though and despite being part of an average attack late in the first half, stuck to the task and remained a constant threat with his ball-playing, especially when he played short on Queensland's left edge. It's a shame his club coach Anthony Griffin has decided to leave him at fullback in club land as playing week to week in that position would only further develop his game.

WHO'S THE NEXT NSW SKIPPER?

With Gallen stepping down as Captain after six years at the helm, whoever steps into the void has mighty boots to fill. There has been some mention of Wade Graham and Josh Jackson. Whilst Graham is no doubt a class act with leadership qualities, only one Origin game under his belt probably means others have earned their striped ahead of him. Jackson had a superb series, but hasn't had any captaincy experience at the Bulldogs which could rule him out. 
Here's who comes into contention:

ROBBIE FARAH - It remains to be seen what Farah's plans are for next year and in fact what Daley's are for him, but if he is there the current vice-captain is an obvious contender. With 16 Origins behind him, he's one of few players in the Blues set-up left with considerable Origin experience. Turning 33 next year though means Farah would only ever be a short term fix and Daley could likely choose a more long-term option.

BOYD CORDNER - An 80 minute back-rower with a strong work-rate, there's no doubt Cordner would lead from the front if given the gig. Turns 25 during next year's series making him a long-term option and already has the respect of the playing group after earning players' player for the Blues in game one. Coach Daley would have to settle on his starting back-row first though with Jackson, Graham and Frizell all likely to be in contention in the Blues starting back-row. Cordner has played six Origins, but it was only really game one this year that he stamped himself at this level. Could be more suited to a vice-captaincy role.

JAMES MALONEY - If Coach Daley is looking for someone in a key play-making role to take full ownership of the team, then Maloney could be the bolter. Solid at best could probably describe his first two games in this year's series, but stamped himself at this level with a man of the match performance in game three where he played with considerable control and threatened the defensive line with a strong running game. Maloney stamps you as the type of confidence player that now he knows he can perform at this level, he'll continue to do so for the remainder of his representative career. Turning 31 next year, he's not a big investment for the future, but looks to be a solid option for the next two or three series at least.

AARON WOODS - Turning 26 next year with 11 Origins to his name, the Tigers skipper appears a strong contender to lead his state for years to come. Despite Gallen being in the team, big Woodsy has really stamped himself as the Blues forward leader over the past two series. Leads from the front with his strong carries and high work-rate. Popular amongst his peers, Woods has the respect of the playing group and his loveable larrikin style would make him a popular choice amongst the NSW public.

THE FINAL THOUGHT

Such has been the crazy amounts of air time and what I feel is an over-reaction on the supposed snubbing of Cameron Smith's victory speech by Paul Gallen and his NSW players last Wednesday night, I really was loathe to mention it in this column. It seems every mean and his dog has had their say though so what's one more view point on it?

Firstly, only Gallen and his players know themselves whether they were aware of any wrong doing (it wasn't the greatest look or example for young kids watching).

For what it's worth, when I saw Gallen walking towards the crowd during Smith's speech, my first reaction was... what's he doing? It soon became clear seeing the look on his face though, that he simply had a pure look of contentment that the beast which is State Of Origin was now behind him and thanking his fans one last time was all that was on his mind.

I will say this though... 12 months ago in this very column I concluded with questioning just how big State of Origin had become and exactly what effect it's had on the respect shown for one's fellow Australian. It appears a year later not much has changed and if anything the gap in respect between the two states has gotten even bigger. 

With a Four Nations tour at the end of the year and a World Cup drawing ever closer next year, Australian Coach Mal Meninga has one hell of a job on his hands in order to bond these players together and form a united front against the ever improving New Zealand and England teams...