Almanac Rugby League – State of Origin Game 2 team selections

 

Last week I suggested that the two selection committees had contrasting tasks in choosing their teams for this weekend’s Game 2 in Sydney. Thank goodness I added the qualifying ‘barring injuries and suspensions’. A couple of matches over the weekend looked more like Origin Demolition Derbies, particularly the Roosters v Penrith game.

 

For a while it seemed that the NSW selectors had a few problems on their hands with Campbell Reagan-Gillard, Latrell Mitchell and James Maloney all looking decidedly doubtful after jaw, neck and hip injuries respectively. In response, Ryan James, Matt Prior and Luke Keary were brought into the Blues squad to cover all possibilities. In the end, it seems that Reagan-Gillard will miss the rest of the series with Ryan James most favoured to take his place.

 

With this year’s series on the line and their ‘dynasty’ under serious threat, Maroons selectors have certainly had their share of problems. A weak middle third of the field in Game 1 hinted at changes in the forward pack but Matt Scott was a no-show for the Cowboys at the weekend. An injury to Dylan Napa (ankle) has him under a cloud. Tim Glasby comes into the squad that sees Jarrod Wallace, Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess perhaps fortunate to hold their places. Michael Morgan, one of Queensland’s better players in Game 1, is out for the season with an arm injury while Billy Slater is yet to prove his fitness.  Kalyn Ponga comes into the squad while Anthony Milford has been dropped.

 

The squads are:

 

NSW: Josh Addo-Carr, Nathan Cleary, Damien Cook, Boyd Cordner (c), Angus Crichton, Jack De Belin, Tyson Frizell, Ryan James, Luke Keary, David Klemmer, James Maloney, Latrell Mitchell, Tyrone Peachey, Matt Prior, James Roberts, Tariq Sims, James Tedesco, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Paul Vaughan.

 

Queensland: Jai Arrow, Will Chambers, Gavin Cooper, Dane Gagai, Tim Glasby, Coen Hess, Valentine Holmes, Ben Hunt, Greg Inglis (c), Felise Kaufusi, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Cameron Munster, Dylan Napa, Josh Papalii, Kalyn Ponga, Billy Slater, Jarrod Wallace.

 

Let’s see how the mind games play out during the week. The Maroons will talk themselves into siege mentality (and justifiably so) while the Blues will talk themselves up but without trying to be too confident.

 

 

 

About Ian Hauser

A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.

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