Is 2011 the year the Blues break the hoodoo?

Question

If there is to be any year that NSW will win State of Origin, it will be 2011.

We saw the Blues in Game 3 of this years series and they certainly caused Queensland a lot of headaches. The likes of Bird and Gallen combining should bring a lot of confidence to the Blues next year. I also think Game 3 of last year established Greg Bird as one of the superstars of the game. 23 tackles, 20 hitups for 164 metres, 5 offloads, 1 line break and 1 try, the Blues selectors would be stupid to not name him at starting lock. Thrives on the big stage.

Josh Dugan... this kid deserves a shot at Origin. He just keeps on getting better and if Hayne keeps on showing the inconsistent form then he deserves first shot at the fullback spot.

Queensland will keep the same team except for Folau, and Dallas Johnson will return and start at lock for Queensland. So Queensland pretty much lose nothing in terms of player quality.

We might of said this for the past few years, but I genuinely believe the Blues have a chance of winning next year. I support QLD and this is the first time in a while I am concerned at the quality the Blues have at their disposal and the threats all over the park.

Die Kolonie (GI Styles) · Accepted Answer

The problem with Paul Gallen is that 9 times out of 10, when he is one-on-one with an opposing back, he will miss the tackle and said back will ultimately score. All through Game 3, Slater seemed to be following him around the field, waiting to catch him on his own and slipping through. That's why I have been fairly critical Gallen. Sure he has a strong work ethic and can keep on going, but he really is not good at defusing fast players. Bird, on the other hand, is quite a strong player in his own right, but I believe what he does, Luke Lewis is able to do better, albeit not as often.

I don't think NSW can win next year. Maybe the year after, but next year, I doubt it. If I were the selectors, I would be looking closely at guys like Galloway and Tolman to be merged in the squad. I honestly believe those 2 could turn out to be great Origin players, if they are given a chance. Other good Origin players that spring to mind would be Laffranchi, Sutton (Carney and Soward don't seem to be very convincing when they are put on the big stage, and Campese is out), Bailey (If he can be convinced to come out of rep retirement) and Hindmarsh.

Still, I am a Queenslander, so my opinion doesn't really matter.Just as a friendly note, however, Hodges will probably be back next year, as will Crocker. Not sure how that will change the Queensland dynamic, but just know those 2 names have re-entered the mix.

Bill P · Answer

I know we played better in the third SOO but it didn't matter at that stage. We had already lost it before game three. The selectors need to take a good look at themselves. Why were some of these changes made when it was aready too late. To keep picking Gidley was a joke and an even bigger one when he was named as captain on the bench. Also the selectors don't seem to want to keep a combination together. How many games have Thurston and Lockyer played together? 

We have the players to win Origin, the selectors just need to pick them and pick them in their correct positions.

Daniel E · Answer

The Cockroaches have lost the past 5 SOO series in the selection room. Until they get things right there,  there's more heartache for them. Qld's dominance will end eventually, but not for another 2-3 years yet.

? · Answer

untill 
-we dont have lockyer, thruston, greg inglis, billy slater, cameron smith petro etc.
-nsw wake up and realise they sould use the same tactic of picking same players and sticking with them,
 blues wont win :)

Albert · Answer

No they won't. All the stats you list will be 12 months old and won't mean sh!t come origin 2011.

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Is 2011 the year the Blues break the hoodoo?

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