Soo 2019

[Tommy Smith]

With Munster attacking on the left and Ponga scheming out the back down his favoured left side as well, Freddy would want to be sure he has a strong defender out there at right centre.

Aubo can definitely be that man so i wouldn't be surprised if he lines up at right centre either.

[Hawkeye]

Agree Aubbo deserves a go, but don't think he'll get that fairytale call up.

I think Freddy will go with this …..

Teddy
Fox
Latrell

Josh Morris ( I think Freddy will go for solid player to plug this spot)

Fergo

Keary
Reynolds
Jake Trob
Cordner
Frizzel
Vaughan
Cook

Lodge

subs Crichton, Murray, Klemmer, TPJ

[The Corner Post]

I like the idea of Fergo at right wing. He'll make his usual one blunder for the game, which will be fine provided he gets our sets started well like he did at the end of last season. He would need to be paired with a defensive centre as Fergo can be found out in defence at times. He would have played beside Aubo quite a few times last season, they may be the starting right edge??

[The Skeez]

Listening to Gus Gould speak, he said they need a backup hooker in the bench, so that brings Radley into consideration

[Kelby]

Game 1:

Teddy
Addo-Carr

Latrell
JMoz

Fergo

Keary

Cleary

Klemmer
Cook
Vaughan

Cordner

Frizzell

Murray

Res:
Crichton
Jake Turbo
TPJ
Cody Walker

[Mickie Lane]

I can't see Cleary getting picked ahead of Reynolds.
Reynolds is the form half back & if rep footy is about picking the form player for a position then he is a walk up start, he is heaps better than Cleary.

[zac]

I can't see Cleary getting picked ahead of Reynolds.
Reynolds is the form half back & if rep footy is about picking the form player for a position then he is a walk up start, he is heaps better than Cleary.

Maybe, but Freddy won with Cleary last year. I reckon the next 2 weeks of footy are crucial for who gets picked as half.

[Mickie Lane]

The media are reporting that apparently Gus said to Freddy last year that if he picked Cleary that he would have to stick with him for 3 years.
I have never heard anything so ridiculous, it’s a complete mockery of representive football. If the incumbent is hopelessly out of form he shouldn’t be picked.
If they pick Cleary I will be barracking for Qld.

[Mickie Lane]

I cant go for Qld even though Cleary is half but I think they will win game 1.

[ism22]

The media are reporting that apparently Gus said to Freddy last year that if he picked Cleary that he would have to stick with him for 3 years.
I have never heard anything so ridiculous, it’s a complete mockery of representive football. If the incumbent is hopelessly out of form he shouldn’t be picked.
If they pick Cleary I will be barracking for Qld.

Gus can (and does) say whatever he wants (unless he's been paid $$$ to say we will only get afternoon footy if you vote Liberal - sometimes he's just doing cash for comment). So what? He's gone now anyway.

I cant go for Qld even though Cleary is half but I think they will win game 1.

Yeah I can't see NSW winning. Life goes on

[The Skeez]

Get ready for Freddie cam

This year’s Origin coverage will introduce ‘‘Freddy Cam’’ and ‘‘Kevvy Cam’’ for the first time. Vision will be streamed on 9Now with cameras focused on the coaches as they ride the emotions of Origin. Channel Nine will also stream the ref cam, spider cam and the game.

In case anyone is interested, streaming the coverage on 9Now might be better.

I would be keen to watch the whole match from the spider cam. Might need to keep a spew bucket just in case but it would be the best view.

[Louis N]

It looks a pretty even contest. A lot of pressure on Walker. Never been impressed with his one on one defence, but Freddy seems to think it has improved under Bennett.

Pressure on Cleary too but he seems to lap it up. I would much rather Cleary Maloney, as Jimmy has been among our best since he first hit SOO level. Keary was the pea of course, but that's done and dusted.

I look forward to this game. It will be the litmus test of Freddy's original approach and commitment to youth etc. Has the team molded even tighter, or will his methods wear thin? We are soon to find out.

[Johnny Tobin]

Last season for the first time in years I cared about Origin and wanted NSW to win because the side was picked on form and there were no grubs.

This season Freddie has picked Cleary, who doesn’t deserve to be there, and Walker, one of the biggest grubs there is.

Queenslander!

[Johnny Tobin]

I cant go for Qld even though Cleary is half but I think they will win game 1.

I can. I was never invested in Origin.

[Louis N]

Last season for the first time in years I cared about Origin and wanted NSW to win because the side was picked on form and there were no grubs.

This season Freddie has picked Cleary, who doesn’t deserve to be there, and Walker, one of the biggest grubs there is.

Queenslander!

Yes JT I see where you are coming from. The Nathan Cleary one was certainly not on form.

But Cleary was selected on one game back last series and Maloney was running hot. There seems to be some decision to make Cleary the first contender and mold him into the NSW half, after last year's series. He wasn't overly impressive. But he was solid, no mistake and his defence was good. He handled the pressure, better than Pearce.

I just think there wwasn't a lot of halves putting their hand up. Keary was out. Reynolds form was okay, but he's been there before and isn't inspiring. Whereas Walker has been having a purple patch. But yes he is a grub. If Qld are on game I think Munster will run rings around Walker.

Like you last year I cared about SOO and a NSW win. This year it's not the same. And like you I have no qualms about a Qld win as half of this side are not picked on form.