NRL: Knights are 2 from 2. Should the call go out to Mullen for Origin halfback?

Mullen is playing very good at the moment but i think no matter how good anyone else plays they will pick Carney/Pearce as the halves anyway.

If Pearce and Mullen keep going like they have I reckon Hodkinson could be the dark horse for the NSW 7 jumper, maybe not this year but in seasons to come. Mullen and Pearce are both far too inconsistent. They were probably both thrown into origin too early and it has not helped them but it might give them a bit more experience when they are thrown back in the ring later. 2 games is far too early to tell but Mullen probably has the upper hand at this stage.

I don't think he'll be chosen while Ricky Stewart's coach. I think Stewart already has Pearce and Carney in his 'leadership' group thing with Hayne, Lewis, Bird and Gallen as well as some others. The group is supposed to have players who will be the core of the team for a number of years (like what QLD's done).

I think Mullen has played very well so far this season though. Some NRL personalities are talking about him rejoining the Blues. But while Mullen has been playing well, Pearce hasn't been playing bad. I think there's more to it than who's in the best form unless there's a big difference.

I don't think many agree, but I think Terry Campese is probably the best five-eighth in the game when he's fit. I don't think he should have ever been dropped and forgotten about. I highly doubt we'll see him in a sky-blue jumper this year (or ever again) because of injury and because not many seem to rate him, but I'd have him in with Mullen, Pearce or Carney (unless the Pearce-Carney combination becomes unstoppable at club level).

The only thing that has kept Mullen out of a Blues jersey all these years is his lack of consistency. There's no doubt he's just as talented and skillful as the best halves in the game, we saw that last week where he ran the show against the Cowboys even with 3 of our best 5 players out, he dominated them and made Thurston go missing but his problem has always been never being able to put 2-3 good games together. And this is why, even though it's early days Knights fans are starting to get excited. Two from two man of the match performances away from home is already quite a feat, you couldn't ask for a better start to a season but the big question is can he keep it up.

I think Origin is looking too far ahead at the moment though it's nice that people are recognizing how well he's been going so far and considering him a real contender for NSW. I'd love for him to just focus on his role at the Knights and let his upcoming form decide whether or not he gets selected. As for the question is he ready? I think he is absolutely. He was a 20 year old rookie when he was thrown into Origin, it wasn't his time but now he's matured as a player, he's far more experienced and you can just see the confidence he's playing with. I hope for his sake he gets to play Origin again, every player wants to play at that level but I'll be more than happy if he just continues to put in solid performances for us each week. He's a massive part of the team and where we're heading, hopefully 2011 is the year he finally starts to reach everyones expectations and his own potential.

As a league fan I would say no. Two games does not a season make... I mean, after this round, the Sharkies should just get all the jerseys. I don't reckon that will be the case in 3 weeks time.

But as a Qlder I'd say yes. We love it when you chop and change, then chop back, then change again. Pearce/Carney need to be given the opportunity to forge a decent combination, along with the opportunity to interact with a consistent team around them. I honestly think that NSW just needs to pick a decent side, accept that it may get beaten this season, and stick with it. Selectors need to think long term.

After all, the wheel will turn and the Qld dominance will weaken, but not if NSW doesn't bite the bullet and stick with a nucleus. I reckon Ricky is the man to know that. I hope his selectors realise it too. As much as Qlders love winning, and rubbing it in, it's not great for the game. It all gets a bit boring after a while (and I'm not trying to be smart saying that).

tough question, at this stage based on form from the first 2 rounds yes, he leads the side round well and has good leaderhsip but picking him based on current form is going back to what NSW have been doing for the last 5 years, how well has that worked out? I would go for carney and pearce on the reason of their youth, they will be there for a while and mature. But i definantly agree that mullen deserves a fare look at for origin this year.

I find Mitchell Pearce terrible overrated and not a great credit to have in a team, so I will say Mullen, considering he can keep his form up until Origin time, should be the Halfback.

Carney and Pearce are a proven combination and they know each others games so they should get the nod but Mullen is a handy back up should anything happen to Pearce.

No.

prefer Pearce over Mullen.

Club for now. Its only been 2 rounds - still no clearer on who is the team to beat (Maybe there is a couple).