Let's Talk Origin - Round 13

This week we have a look at the contenders for the few jerseys still up for grabs in game two and who could miss out.

QLD UTILITY
MICHAEL MORGAN - The Cowboys five-eight did a fine job in limited game time in the Origin opener, playing almost like a second fullback. As far as utility value goes, Morgan probably holds a slight edge with his ability to cover the outside backs as well as the halves, something that could play into his favour considering Billy Slater's ongoing injury concern with his shoulder.

DALY CHERRY-EVANS - The much maligned Sea Eagles half turned in a classy display in a well beaten side on Friday night to prove his fitness prior to Origin two. After filling the role over the past couple of years, many are expecting him to waltz back into camp Maroon this week. There's no doubting his class and he's a proven match winner, but just how Coach Mal Meninga reacts to so much negativity from the Maroons supporter base makes this an interesting one.

THE VERDICT - This one could come down to how confident Queensland's medical staff are on the fitness of Slater. If there's any concern over him seeing out the 80 minutes then they may go with Morgan. Otherwise, I'd be really surprised if Cherry-Evans isn't shown a hand of faith by his coach considering he is seen as a massive part of the Maroons future, post Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.

NSW WINGERS
WILL HOPOATE - Turned in a solid performance in game one despite appearing to be dominated physically when carrying the ball out of his own end. Managed to grind out 100 metres and was very good defensively in partnering Josh Morris on the right edge.

DANIEL TUPOU - Struggled to make an impact coming out of trouble and made a couple of costly errors both with and without the ball to put his spot in the team in jeopardy for game two. Has since responded admirably at club level chalking up over 120 metres in both appearances since Origin one and a combined eleven tackle busts. Whether he has the mindset to transfer this form back into the Origin arena remains to be seen.

ALEX JOHNSTON - The current Australian winger is seen by many as someone whose game isn't suited to the rigours and grind of Origin footy. But what he lacks in work rate, he no doubt makes up for in speed and class. With ten tries and thirteen line-breaks for the year, if the Blues are looking for a bit of extra attacking spark then the Rabbitoh's flyer might just be worth the risk. Has the ability to sniff a try out of nothing and who knows, he may just brake a game wide open.

BRETT MORRIS - A proven performer at this level over his ten game Origin career. The Bulldogs speedster only has to prove his fitness in today's Queen's Birthday clash with the Dragons to earn selection.

THE VERDICT - Coach Laurie Daley has shown his reluctance in the past to blood rookies in live Origin games which probably rules Johnston out for now. With this in mind, expect Hopoate to hold his spot in the side. Whether Tupou gets the chance to redeem himself will more than likely depend on the fitness of Brett Morris.

NSW HOOKER (IF ROBBIE FARAH'S NOT FIT)
MICHAEL ENNIS - The popular choice by many for his experience in the past at this level. What you see is what you get from this bloke, you know he'll put in, wear his heart on his sleeve and provide plenty of niggle. Whether his speed around the ruck is still up to the higher pace of Origin footy must be of some concern and some of his decision making at the Sharks this year has been questionable.

NATHAN PEATS - This little bull terrier appears made for Origin. The Eels rake is averaging over 40 tackles a match and is very sharp out of dummy half. A big plus in picking Peats, would be his line speed, something that was majorly lacking for the Blues in game one.

MITCH REIN - Has the best attacking game out of all the number nines in contention. His speed and spark around the ruck has been a major player in the Dragons charge to the top of the table this year. Holds his own in defence, but the major concern would be whether he can see out the 80 minutes, with Rein often getting a breather throughout games for the Dragons.

THE VERDICT - If there's one area the Blues really need to improve on from game one, it's the speed of their defensively line. For this, along with his fearless and aggressive approach to the game, Daley should have no hesitation in throwing Nathan Peats into the Origin furnace for game two.

WHO MAKES WAY FOR PAUL GALLEN AND POSSIBLY LUKE LEWIS
JOSH JACKSON - With Gallen proving his fitness and likely to be walking back into the thirteen jersey that Jackson wore in game one, a decision will be made on whether Jackson can jag a spot on the bench. Made a solid debut defensively in game one but failed to penetrate any extra go forward, making just over 50 metres for the match. In his favour is his utility value, having covered hooker, five-eight and centre over various stages in his career. A spot on the bench probably rests on a possible recall from Luke Lewis.

TRENT MERRIN - The Dragons lock forward received limited game time in Origin one, only entering the field of battle for the final 20 minutes. Did his best to make an impact in this short amount of time with 14 tackles and 5 runs for 52 metres. For whatever reason, Merrin has probably never been given a decent amount of game time at this level. Could yet be considered in a different role for game two. With Gallen not likely to play out the 80, Merrin could be the right man to bring on at lock and maintain the captain's constant go forward.

BOYD CORDNER - You could never question his whole hearted commitment, Cordner made 35 tackles in 40 minutes in game one. On the flip side, he couldn't penetrate any real go forward, making less than 40 metres. The Roosters back-rower's biggest strength is his hole running close to the oppositions line and with limited opportunities to take advantage of this in Origin, it might not be enough to keep his spot in the team. Also working against him is the fact he's mainly an edge back-rower. With starting second-rowers Ryan Hoffman and Beau Scott both playing big minutes, other more versatile options could outweigh him.

ANDREW FIFITA - Don't you just wish this monster would just wind up and run hard and straight at the defensive line, how damaging could he be if he ran like David Klemmer? Fifita received mixed reviews from game one with a big question on whether his style of game suits Origin footy. Fifita often seems to prefer to skip on the outside of defenders before straightening to gain his metres. In Origin, when the defensive line is jamming in from all angles, this tactic is far less effective. Despite all this, the Sharks prop still managed over 100 metres and worked hard for 25 tackles in 27 minutes of game time.

THE VERDICT - I think I've made it pretty clear in recent weeks, Luke Lewis would be in any Blues side I picked, but it seems apparent Coach Daley has moved on, so I won't bore you on this anymore. With that in mind, Josh Jackson is likely to retain a spot on the bench as the utility option. Despite his limited game time, Trent Merrin should hold his spot to give Skipper Gallen a spell and while the jury is still out, Fifita probably gets the final bench spot over Cordner.

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

QLD - 1. Billy Slater 2. Will Chambers 3. Justin Hodges 4. Greg Inglis 5. Darius Boyd 6. Johnathan Thurston 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Matthew Scott 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nate Myles 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Aiden Guerra 13. Corey Parker 14. Daly Cherry-Evans 15. Matt Gillett 16. Jacob Lillyman 17. Josh McGuire
18th man: Michael Morgan

NSW - 1. Josh Dugan 2. Will Hopoate 3. Josh Morris 4. Michael Jennings 5. Brett Morris 6. Mitchell Pearce 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Aaron Woods 9. Robbie Farah 10. James Tamou 11. Beau Scott 12. Ryan Hoffman 13. Paul Gallen 14. Josh Jackson 15. Trent Merrin 16. David Klemmer 17. Andrew Fifita
18th man: Nathan Peats