State of Origin 2011
LEGEND LOCKYER’S LAST STAND
Queensland’s all-conquering State of Origin team doesn’t need additional ammunition.They boast the world’s best player at fullback, the greatest hooker of the modern era and one of the best halfbacks in rugby league history. So a desire to send their inspirational captain out with one last Origin victory shouldn’t need to enter the equation.
But rest assured, it will.
Darren Lockyer will be granted rugby league immortal status sooner rather than later. The legendary five-eighth has achieved everything that the sport has to offer, but a sixth consecutive series victory over the Blues would ensure he hangs up the boots a happy man.
Lockyer’s entire career has been extraordinary but his 34 appearances for Queensland are the pinnacle. His individual brilliance and virtual sixth sense that invariably lands him in the right place at precisely the right time has decided many an Origin encounter.
Written off as a representative force prior to the last two tussles with NSW, Lockyer has been among the Maroons’ best performers. The only people that will cheer when he gives it away will be those wearing blue jumpers.
As much as 34 year-old has played down the motivation of his final State of Origin series, for Queensland next Wednesday is about one thing: doing it for Darren.
THE STUART FACTOR
Many factors have been blamed for the Blues’ lack of success during the last five campaigns but one reason stands out: NSW has simply lacked the mongrel that’s so desperately required to succeed on the Origin stage.It’s for that reason that the appointment of Ricky Stuart as coach is a giant step in the right direction. Stuart is the ultimate competitor and will expect the same of his players.
‘Sticky’ is also prepared to make the hard decisions in pursuit of success which is evident from his team selection for Wednesday night’s series opener. Leaving Jarryd Hayne and Jamal Idris out of the Blues line-up was a brave call but one that he hasn’t backed away from.
His forward pack reveals the strategy that New South Wales will take into the match. The aggressive back-row of Greg Bird, Beau Scott and Paul Gallen will go after Queensland’s playmakers at every opportunity. They’ll also target Maroons debutant Dane Nielsen, who has the unenviable task of replacing an injured Greg Inglis.
Stuart’s greatest test will be containing the ‘big four’ in Slater, Lockyer, Thurston and Smith. If he can manufacture a strategy to contain Queensland’s point scoring ability, the Blues victory chances increase significantly.
BABY BLUES
NSW takes an inexperienced team to Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, a venue they will visit twice during the series. Josh Dugan, Akuila Uate, Jamie Soward, Trent Merrin and Dean Young will all experience State of Origin football for the first time within the confines of the game’s most intimidating cauldron.There can’t be a tougher initiation for an Origin first timer but barring an unmitigated disaster it’s likely this group will have the entire series to prove their worth.
Soward especially is under enormous pressure and not only from the Queenslanders. Despite playing a key role in the Dragons premiership success of last season, there’s no more divisive player in the NRL. Is he tough enough for Origin? Will he run the ball? Will his kicking game be as effective behind a different forward pack?
The elusive pivot deserves his opportunity but his performances during the series will be crucial to the outcome.
INJURIES AND ABSENCES A CONCERN FOR QUEENSLAND
While the same faces remain in the key positions, this Queensland outfit differs from last year in many regards.Centres Hodges and Inglis join David Shillington, the Maroons’ best forward from 2010, on the injury list. It’s possible all three will miss the entire series.
David Taylor has been omitted because of patchy form, Neville Costigan has been overlooked because of a lack of football and Ashley Harrison hasn’t been in good form for the Titans.
There were more than a few eyebrows raised at the Queensland’s unique team announcement on Tuesday. Could it reflect an inflated level of confidence?
Queensland’s preparation for game one hasn’t been as smooth as series past and if the reigning champions were ever going to be vulnerable, it would be here.
