Why are our halves the SOO halves?

[player 1]

Quite honestly, aren't there better options? I am grateful for the part they play for us, but our success this year has not been mainly because its brilliant pair of halves. Neither of them can generate repeat sets close to the line. Pearce is rock solid as a defender and is improving his running and passing game. Maloney has defended way better than he did as a warrior and has played really well - but - am I being harsh? I feel there are basic skills they need to execute better in the department of building and sustaining field pressure. We have forced the least drop outs of any side - and won most games in spite of it, partly because of great defence - which folded a couple if times against the Storm under pressure and in our vulnerable area (anywhere near SKD).

[Vasco]

I think Adam Reynolds should be there.

He has the skills needed for Origin.

I also cannot understand why Idris wasn't drafted in. In great form, has X factor and covers a few positions.

[Guest]

I think Adam Reynolds should be there.

He has the skills needed for Origin.

I also cannot understand why Idris wasn't drafted in. In great form, has X factor and covers a few positions.

These players you talk of will get a run once we go 1-nil down and the knives come out.

[Roostarz]

I think Adam Reynolds should be there.

He has the skills needed for Origin.

I also cannot understand why Idris wasn't drafted in. In great form, has X factor and covers a few positions.

Agree about Idris. Him off the bench for 15-20 could be brutal. The only position Sutton covers better than anyone else in the 17 is halves and Lewis/Bird have spent time there before.

If there are no injuries it's almost a waste place in the team. If I were from Queensland I know who I'd rather be facing off the bench between Idris and Sutton - and it's not Sutton.

There is even a case for Idris being picked over Morris, but Morris did keep Inglis pretty well contained last time round.

[The Axe]

Idris is an incarnation of Olsen Filipana. No club form outside SOO. Unfair to pick someone on 3-4 good games. I know it happens with Feguson and others but IMHO it is not right.

[chook 56]

Idris is an incarnation of Olsen Filipana. No club form outside SOO. Unfair to pick someone on 3-4 good games. I know it happens with Feguson and others but IMHO it is not right.

Idris was asleep for the first part of the game against Parra.
I thought he was lazy & very SKDish.
Came to life after about 30 mins & played well.

But, yes you are right. Not consistent.

[007]

To be totally honest I’m sick of Origin and it hasn’t already started. Too big a build up, too much drama (why didn’t so and so get picked), too much Laurie Daley (never liked him and less so as a commentator and now a coach).

In the lead up games are players thinking about the game they’re playing in or are they thinking if I play well even if the team loses I’ll still play Origin?

Players can’t represent their club side and if/when they do come back invariably have to back up in a few short days. No sympathy for the Storm but how have they gone in previous seasons around this time?

I have no doubt players can improve having played at a higher intensity and with better players alongside them but is there a need for 3 Origin games...$$$??? A dead rubber is futile.

Then we have to put up with Phil Gould and his Churchillian speeches those 26 players (plus reinforcements (i.e. the bench) are going to war. FFS Phil it’s a game of Rugby not WW3.

My opinion is we have one game of Origin a year and the venue is alternated between NSW and QLD.

Well, I’ve had my vent.

[Guest]

They are capable of repeat sets and sometimes I wish they would force a drop out rather than bomb all the time , I just think its not part of the team tactics, I hope we do start to get more repeat sets as we need to keep the pressure on teams and not giving the ball back after 1 set, we need to play the patience game.
Going back to the original question Pearce is there because of his toughness, his defence his ability to take on the line and because they realise there has to be some sort of continuity, ie they can't keep changing the halves every series,Maloney is there 1 because of his goal kicking, 2 because of his combination with Pearce , 3 because of his combo with Jennings 4 because of his last itch defence.
I personally would have gone for carney due to him being he incumbent and his X factor, however he really didn't live up to his ability last year and has payed the price for that

[redwhiteblue]

To be totally honest I’m sick of Origin and it hasn’t already started. Too big a build up, too much drama (why didn’t so and so get picked), too much Laurie Daley (never liked him and less so as a commentator and now a coach).

In the lead up games are players thinking about the game they’re playing in or are they thinking if I play well even if the team loses I’ll still play Origin?

Players can’t represent their club side and if/when they do come back invariably have to back up in a few short days. No sympathy for the Storm but how have they gone in previous seasons around this time?

I have no doubt players can improve having played at a higher intensity and with better players alongside them but is there a need for 3 Origin games...$$$??? A dead rubber is futile.

Then we have to put up with Phil Gould and his Churchillian speeches those 26 players (plus reinforcements (i.e. the bench) are going to war. FFS Phil it’s a game of Rugby not WW3.

My opinion is we have one game of Origin a year and the venue is alternated between NSW and QLD.

Well, I’ve had my vent.

Can I be your friend? You've perfectly articulated everything I've been saying and thinking about Origin for several years now. I'm so glad it's not just me.

[chook 56]

Can I be your friend? You've perfectly articulated everything I've been saying and thinking about Origin for several years now. I'm so glad it's not just me.

Nup. That's 3 of us...at least.

Sorry, Greedy is another...if I am not mistaken.

[007]

Can I be your friend? You've perfectly articulated everything I've been saying and thinking about Origin for several years now. I'm so glad it's not just me.

Of course, and I haven't forgotten your Birthday is in 66 days

[Andrew Walker]

All you killjoys moaning about Origin Simple do not watch it

[John Corey]

I hate it coz I live in QLD.

Can't wait for the day we win so I can actually wear my jersey for the week after

I have been happy with Pearce and Maloney all year, except for last week. I don't care who is captain, your halves have got to give u leadership and direction when the going gets tough. I felt they both let us down in that area on the weekend.

[redwhiteblue]

Nup. That's 3 of us...at least.

Sorry, Greedy is another...if I am not mistaken.

Funny how it's most of my favourite Chookpenners too..shhh..don't tell Greeds he's in my 'favourites' list..!
Seriously, kick off is later and later every year. It will commence at midnight in a year or two if this keeps up. Just kick off at 7.30pm instead of 8.05pm and quit the overblown nonsensical sermons on the mount jibber jabber beforehand. We all know why and who are playing..If I'm still awake after 9pm it will be a miracle..I'm so happy for Baloney though..I've never seen such a naturally gifted footballer or goalkicker since Brett Kenny, who looks like an every day bloke on the street. You would never pick him as a champion footballer in a line up.

[chook 56]

All you killjoys moaning about Origin Simple do not watch it

Ok.